Downtown
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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.
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.
Annual Events
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.
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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.
For more information please visit the Santa Maria, Inc. website.