click on the map above to view a general representation of urban
columbus as a whole. get more precise boundaries on the
informational pages.
[downtown - history and facts]
Surrounding downtown Columbus are several popular neighborhoods like the
Short North,
Italian Village,
Victorian Village and
German Village.
The downtown itself, however, contains enough shopping, dining, entertainment
and housing to maintain its own identity. The downtown area is bounded by I-670,
I-71, I-70 and Ste. Rt. 315 and covers 1500 acres.
use this map as a
guideline. exact borders may vary.
downtown zip code 43215
[that was then]
Founded in 1812 and named Ohio’s state capital four years later
in 1816, Columbus has transformed into the most populous city in the
state.
Like most downtowns across the nation, Columbus faced
abandonment with the push toward suburban living, suburban
shopping centers and mega malls.
Between 2000 and 2005 $1.86 billion in public and private
investments have been made to successfully bring more people downtown. With the
recent renovations done to the arena district and the addition of “The Cap” to
create more of a connection between downtown and the
Short North, the
city seems to be growing with a wealth of things to do.
[this is now]
The city’s tagline has become, “It’s right downtown.” Since
2002, more than 1,000 housing units have been completed,
attracting a large part of the young professional/Gen X
population who are looking for a creative, hip, exciting area
full of opportunity.
With approximately 77,000 parking spaces, nearly 200 restaurants
and bars, 200 retail shops and 7 performing arts theaters
including several that have been historically preserved and 12
hotels, Columbus attracts both tourists and residents who want
to be a part of this flourishing area.
The cityscape is unique with its towering buildings, historic architecture, a
scenic riverfront and exceptional arts, sports and entertainment venues.
Downtown Columbus is the business, cultural, arts and government center of
Central Ohio.
[tradition]
At the beginning of June,
The Columbus
Arts Festival welcomes summer to the city, pairing the
finest artists and craftspeople with a medley of continuous
entertainment including art activities, musical performances and
food from Columbus' finest restaurants.
In July,
Red,
White & Boom! has been going strong downtown for more than
25 years. Each year it gets bigger and better than the last
attracting huge crowds. The main feature is the spectacular
27-minute long fireworks display to an all-Americana soundtrack.
The event spans the downtown Columbus riverfront with family
friendly activities prior to the fireworks launch.
In late July at Bicentennial and Genoa parks, is
the
Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest ,which features local and national
jazz, and award-winning ribs from all around the country.
In October, athletes turn out for the annual
Columbus Marathon featuring a flat, fast course which saw
one-in-five finishers qualify for the Boston Marathon in 2005.
The course begins in downtown Columbus and takes athletes east
through Bexley, past the Governor's Mansion; back through
Olde Towne East; south
through historic German
Village; up a five-mile straightaway on High Street; a jaunt
through Upper Arlington, including the campus of
The Ohio State University;
surrounding suburban blocks lined with spectators and back to a
huge crowd awaiting the finishers outside Nationwide Arena.
These are a few of the big festivals and events, however, there
is always something going on downtown.
[watch it, visit it, do it]
The Santa Maria left the coast of Spain
over 500 years ago in search for a trade route to the
Orient. Lost along the way were the Nina and the Pinta,
possibly taken by the currents of the mighty Scioto
River or lost a mast to the Broad Street bridge.
But all kidding aside, we
celebrate the life of Christopher Columbus on Columbus
Day, a national holiday, and here in Columbus we
celebrate the voyage and history of the Santa Maria, the
ship that was supposed to go to the Orient, but found
the West Indies.
Located in the Scioto River in Battelle
Riverfront Park is the Santa Maria, is the world's most
authentic, museum-quality representation of Christopher
Columbus' flagship. She was built in 1991 for the
eventual opening to commemorate the 500th anniversary of
the trans-Atlantic voyage in 1992. Guided tours are
available during specific hours as well as special
events.
read the entire
interview with downtown resident Tommie
Trudeau
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