Neighborhood Launch, the first large scale residential development taking up several surface lots, would not have gone forward without this. As for the businesses, there's a high concentration appearing here on the only traffic calmed street Downtown and not on any of the several high-speed one-ways. Gay St only really started to pick up once the city announced the street was going to be converted from a one-way. It also doesn't hurt that it has an entire block of retail without a parking lot on one side of the street, which is very rare.

I don't think there should be any one-way streets over one lane in Downtown by this point. Columbus' streets have such wide lanes (and a lot of them) that one-ways aren't necessary.

Rich St, especially. The city has said nothing about phasing out one-ways Downtown, however, so we're still waiting for that to happen some year.

I don't know if they need to announce that they're phasing them all out. I imagine many alleys and alley-like streets will remain one way.

 

As long as they keep plugging along and converting them (like they are doing with part of Front & Civic Center right now) then we're making progress.

 

At the end of the day, the problem is money. When you add in all the beautification, these projects get expensive. The Gay Street project was $7.7 million dollars. And while it would be nice to see $100-200 million spent all at once to make all downtown streets two-way, there's no money right now to do that. Not to mention the fact that the city is bigger than just downtown. You've got to spend your capital dollars on improving the city EVERYWHERE. Not just Downtown.

 

So yeah... no problem with taking it one step at a time. Enjoy the progress, and look forward to more. ;)

 

 

 

^ Right, I didn't mean alleys or other narrow streets. And engineering costs real money, even if it is just repainting lines and re-timing signals.

Broad and High photo from a rainy spring day.  The top three video screens are advertising an egyptian themed exhibit at the Columbus Museum of Art.  I was impressed with the image on the top screen in particular.  It looks more realistic then one would expect from an LED video board.  Also, Dunkin Donuts is now in the ground floor at Broad and High and doing brisk business.

 

Here's a construction photo from the Fourth Street garage near Neighborhood Launch. It's going to be four-levels with 682-spaces when complete.

 

Here's what it looks like right now:

 

<img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/garage-1.jpg">

^ Thanks once again for the photo update Walker.  The parking garage looks pretty rough right now, but the rendering of the final product looks good.  From http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/progress/fourth-and-gay-parking-garage :

 

Also wondered one thing.  Is the unit next to the parking garage occupied?  If so, did they realize that a huge new parking garage was going to be under construction RIGHT NEXT DOOR?  :-o

ya, i wouldn't be too happy living right next to a parking garage...

ya, i wouldn't be too happy living right next to a parking garage...

\

 

Isn't that apart of urban living?  If that building on the right is vacant and soon to be on the market, it's not like the folks looking at it don't know a parking garage is adjacent.

 

If its currently occupied, I'm sure the owner/occupants were notified of the construction.

Besides it sounding like a bad thing, there's really no downside to having a parking garage next door.  It won't be any more noisy than the street, most garages close before you go to sleep, you have parking right next door!, and thiefs will bypass your condo for the much easier cars next door!

 

I think it's a win win -

The two-story building next door is Telhio Credit Union, where I worked until about a month ago. They're just wanting the garage to be done because the construction interferes with the drive through. They're a good business and aren't going anywhere anytime soon, since they own the building.

 

Edit: Just realized you were talking about the condo, not the other building. But hey, this is what's on the other side of the garage.

Welcome to the forum Adam.  :wave: 

 

No problem at all with your post - its certainly in the same area as this topic.  By the way, I was just having a little fun based on Walker's photo of the garage under construction next to the Neighborhood Launch condo building.  I'm at least 99% sure that whoever bought the unit adjoining the parking garage was made aware of the future construction.  And once the construction is finished, the garage should be an good urban neighbor to the unit.  But during the construction, its probably a nuisance. 

 

Again, not knocking the parking garage project.  It actually does look like a very worthwhile and needed project for this part of downtown Columbus. 

 

I was only expressing some humorous sympathy for any residents of the condo unit next to the parking garage.  Although - now that I think about it again - how sensitive could those residents be to traffic and noise if they bought a unit facing busy 4th Street?  :wink:

Hmm...Edwards was able to get the city to convert Gay to be 2-way for them to develop there, so maybe if they bring it up they could have 4th St calmed...at least the part near the condos. In any case, I'm looking forward to the five-story building they'll be starting come fall. Ahh, reminds me of Spanish cities where city streets are lined with them.

Another photo update of the parking garage:

 

<img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/garage.jpg">

Next phase: brick townhomes.

 

They could have designed it to have first floor retail (which could have offset the development cost or subsidize parking fees) and made the building at least blend in better with the rest of the development. Oh well, it's not a surface lot!

Long can easily serve as a retail strip up to CCAD. There are already a handful of businesses and as many vacant spots, but will the city convert it to a calmed two way like Gay St to attract more businesses and development? The fact that they're not even discussing other conversions as part of some sort of master plan for Downtown and let Main remain a thoroughfare, thereby contributing to numerous entrepreneurs having to close shop, shows they still don't get it. Even despite the fact that all of the new businesses and development is telling them how to attract all of that without a streetcar.

...The fact that they're not even discussing other conversions as part of some sort of master plan for Downtown...

 

They may not be discussing it <b>publicly</b> because these smaller "corridor" development announcements are generally a part of a public-private partnership, but that doesn't mean that city planners have no desire to replicate the success of Gay Street. I've spoken with quite a few folks who work for the city who would love nothing more to do more of this type of thing. Unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees.

 

Anyway, you really need to cut it out with this whole "you aren't saying anything about X so I'm assuming that you're completely against X" shtick. It's a really lame way to frame an argument, and nothing that you try to base on that type of platform holds any sort of value whatsoever. You might as well start yourself up on some sort of angst-filled tirade about how everyone who works for the city kicks puppies because they're not constantly holding public meetings about how much they love puppies.

It's not hard to publicize such a theoretical master plan to let Downtown residents who bought a home here know what the city envisions to keep them there and draw more interest. The money is there, but it's being spent to add lanes and induce more traffic on arterials in suburban Columbus as we speak. What's lame is that the city isn't letting residents know that there is a vision, if it does exist.

But wait!  There is one more piece of urban development from Walker Evans at Columbus Underground...

 

Press Release:

ColumbusUnderground.com Relocating to New Office Space Downtown on Gay Street

 

To continue ColumbusUnderground.com’s commitment to the growing vibrancy of Downtown Columbus, Walker Evans is moving the company’s office to a space on one of the city’s most vibrant areas - Gay Street.  Since the recent completion of the two-way conversion and beautification projects, Gay Street has seen many new entrepreneurs opening their businesses.

 

“Gay Street is the perfect place for my business to grow and to make sure that my front door is literally opening to the most exciting area of Columbus,” says Evans.  “It is the perfect time for Columbus Underground to join the thriving businesses along the Gay Street corridor.”

 

“The arrival of Columbus Underground to our building solidifies the momentum and progress Gay Street has made over the last 5 years,” said Jeff Mathes, owner of Due Amici, the popular Italian restaurant located directly below the new Columbus Underground office space.  “Columbus Underground has become the go-to place to get information, especially for those interested in the urban core of our city.”

 

The move into the new office, located at 65 E. Gay Street Suite 230, will be completed on January 1, 2010.

 

Full story at http://www.columbusunderground.com/columbusundergroundcom-is-moving-to-gay-street

The downside, of course, is that CU is more interested in revitalization than our city leaders. A good deal of people there make it a point to eat/drink/shop in urban areas and even get off the beaten path to spend money in neighborhoods that most would be too terrified to even drive through, let alone visit. This current step basically solidifies the put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is position that many have taken.

But wait! There is one more piece of urban development from Walker Evans at Columbus Underground...

 

 

Ha! Thanks for posting it up here. :D I'm really excited about the move into the new office space, and proud to have what I consider the most desirable street address (and coolest neighbors) in the city!

 

Looking forward to a great 2010!

The downside...

 

Yep.

Progress already being made on the town homes. The gap between Gay St area businesses and CCAD keeps getting smaller.

 

 

Announcement on those coming next week. ;)

 

Anyone got any questions for an interview with Jeff Edwards?

When can we expect that 5 story building on Long to break ground? I don't think I have any questions you won't already be wanting to ask...Oh, I know. Would he have gone forward with this if the city wanted to keep Gay St one-way? I recall him or one of the main individuals involved said something along the lines of it having been very difficult if Gay St weren't going two-way. Also of interest is how important the additional traffic calming was.

Tell him to GIVE US A JAMBA JUICE!!!

Here's a construction photo from the Fourth Street garage near Neighborhood Launch. It's going to be four-levels with 682-spaces when complete.

 

 

According to the Downtown Columbus website, the CDDC/Capitol South owned parking garage built next to the Neighborhood Launch (aka Gay Street) Condominiums will be opening February 1st. 

 

Here's a photo of the completed parking garage from http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/progress/fourth-and-elm-parking-garage:

 

 

The parking garage also has its own website now at http://www.4thandelmgarage.com/.

From here: http://www.columbusunderground.com/new-apartment-building-coming-to-gay-street

 

<b>New Apartment Building Coming to Gay Street</b>

By Walker | February 3, 2010 2:50pm

 

Earlier today, Mayor Coleman and other city officials announced plans to update the 2002 Downtown Business Plan and to hold a series of public town hall meetings to help move forward with the next phase of urban development in Columbus. At that event it was also unveiled that a new apartment building will be coming soon to the southeast corner of Gay Street and Grant Avenue near CCAD. The building will be home to 68 apartment units housing 136 new Downtown residents.

 

Rents will range from $760/mo for single units, $1,250/mo for double units and $1,740/mo for triple units, and will be targeted as student housing for CCAD, CSCC, Franklin and Capital Law. The building is slated for completion August 1st, 2011.

 

Renderings are below:

 

<img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/gaygrant2.jpg">

 

<img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/gaygrant3.jpg">

Yes!  More apartments!

Great news!  Thanks for posting this Walker. 

 

I love the design of this 7-story building.  The only nit I would pick is that it's being built at the southeast corner of Grant and Gay, which is currently occupied by a 3-story building.  It's still an improvement because it would be a taller building occupying a larger footprint than the existing building.  But it's still unfortunate that one of two parking lots at the other Grant & Gay corners couldn't have been the project site.  Heck, even the dumpy one-story building at the northwest corner would have been a better project site. 

 

That being said, I wouldn't turn this apartment building down. :wink:

 

GOOGLE MAP OF GRANT & GAY

Damn those are cheap rents for downtown living!

This is just more evidence of the perception that downtown living is always expensive. I paid $375 a month w/ utilities for a downtown efficiency when I lived there. Now that's cheap.

 

It is a shame they're tearing down vs. revitalizing. CCAD has other lots to choose from and I agree that the NW site, whose building has been sitting vacant, not occupied, is the one to build on.

From here: http://www.columbusunderground.com/neighborhood-launch-expands-with-bishops-walk

 

<b>Neighborhood Launch Expands with Bishop’s Walk</b>

By Walker | February 5, 2010

 

The Downtown residential development known as Neighborhood Launch has begun construction on their next phase, dubbed “Bishop’s Walk”. The new building is located facing Gay Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets and will be home to 27 new units, half of which are expected to be completed this summer. The new building will feature a traditional brick facade and the sidewalk space will be home to a “Promenade Park”, the only one of its kind Downtown.

 

“Locally, we have proven to be one of the most desired downtown locations, providing an active lifestyle and a unique urban living experience, “ said Jeff Edwards, president of Edwards Companies, developer of Neighborhood Launch.

 

Upon completion, Bishop’s Walk will be include 14 townhome units, 12 garden flat units, and 1 bridge unit.

 

More information can be found online at www.NeighborhoodLaunch.com.

 

<img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/bishopswalk2.jpg">

Good God, that area should get "Turnaround Section of Ohio of the Year."

Good God, that area should get "Turnaround Section of Ohio of the Year."

 

For sure.  The amount going on as a whole right now in DT Columbus is pretty amazing considering how little happened in the decade plus I lived in Columbus.

More great news!

Neighborhood Launch's website makes a good case too: http://www.neighborhoodlaunch.com/

Neighborhood Launch is a very slow-going project, but they seem to be taking their time and doing it right. They've got 47 existing units and with Bishop's walk adding 27, that ups the total to 74.

 

When the whole project is complete, they'll have 300 units which means that with Bishop's Walk they're only 25% complete with the whole thing. This project is going to have a massive impact Downtown when all is said and done.

This is just more evidence of the perception that downtown living is always expensive. I paid $375 a month w/ utilities for a downtown efficiency when I lived there. Now that's cheap.

Columbusite, if I land a job in C-bus I want you to be my personal realtor!

 

Unfortunately, there's not an unlimited supply of $375 efficiencies Downtown. I'm glad that Columbusite found one, but my bro-in-law has been looking for a cheap apartment Downtown for a few months now and every building he's looked at has no open units. They seem to be fairly hard to come by, which is why this more expensive apartment will do quite well. Demand greatly outpaces supply when it comes to Downtown rentals, especially ones oriented to a transient student population of around 30,000. I have no doubt that this building will fill up quickly, no matter what the prices are.

Guess the secret's out. It was only a matter of time.

The part of the impact I'm interested is in the retail surrounding it. Gay St only has one available retail space now (east of High, there's another one west I forgot), so entrepreneurs wanting to locate there can look around the corner at High or at the next block on Long, both which have high vacancy rates. I'm not sure what the numbers are for one vs two or three bedroom condos, but this means more like 400 or so new residents. With the 47 units there are 78 bedrooms total. This new block will be up soon enough.

All of this is good news.

More about the seven-story Gay and Grant apartment building from Business First.

 

Daimler aiming downtown rentals at students

Business First of Columbus - by Matt Burns

Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 4:16pm

 

Columbus developer Daimler Group Inc. is joining the fray of downtown housing geared at the 31,000 students attending school in the center city.  Mayor Michael Coleman at a Wednesday panel discussion on downtown development unveiled details of a new 68-unit Daimler project at the southeast corner of Gay Street and Grant Avenue that is set for completion in August 2011.

 

Daimler Vice President Bob White Jr. told Columbus Business First Wednesday that the seven-story, 65,000-square-foot building will cost about $7.5 million.  The 68 units will have 136 beds, with monthly rent ranging from $760 for a single to $1,740 for a triple.

 

Full article at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/02/01/daily26.html

From Columbus Underground:

 

Select areas of Columbus now available in high-res on Google Street View

 

OLD LOW-RES VIEW OF BROAD & HIGH

 

NEW HIGH-RES VIEW OF BROAD & HIGH

 

More at http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/select-areas-of-columbus-now-available-in-high-res-on-google-street-view

Aren't all the retail spaces filled? I forget if there's one left on the northernmost part of this, but I'm rather certain there is. This flashy corner looks alluring at night, but there's nothing open there. I would love to see a nighttime bar/restaurant open here so that there's actually something going on here.

Aren't all the retail spaces filled? I forget if there's one left on the northernmost part of this, but I'm rather certain there is. This flashy corner looks alluring at night, but there's nothing open there. I would love to see a nighttime bar/restaurant open here so that there's actually something going on here.

 

Yeah, there's a vacant spot.

<b>What’s New at Neighborhood Launch in 2010</b>

By Walker | March 8, 2010 10:00am

 

<img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/neighborhood-launch-2010.jpg">

 

Despite being only 15% complete, Neighborhood Launch has quickly become one of the signature residential developments in the heart of Downtown Columbus. Bridging the gap between the Gay Street restaurants and the Discovery District, this new residential community is replacing thousands of underutilized parking spaces with hundreds of new Downtown dwellers.

 

We recently sat down with Jeff Edwards, President of Edwards Companies to discuss the various phases of the project and to learn more about what we have to look forward to in 2010.

 

READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/whats-new-at-neighborhood-launch-in-2010

Just to give another example of how massive this project is... everything completed thus far is located west of fifth and south of the alley between Gay & Long. The rest are parking lots who's time has finally come to an end. ;)

 

<img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/nl-map.jpg">