Short North
Check out available properties in the Short North.
The section of High Street just north of downtown and south of the Ohio State University Campus makes up the Short North, where a stroll through the area reveals art galleries, antique shops, restaurants (from quaint to formal), small bookstores, eclectic specialty stores, coffee houses and neighborhood pubs.
Since it was established in the early 20th century, this historic urban neighborhood has experienced many changes. Old and new blend well together with many of the buildings-including apartments and row houses-still maintaining their traditional 20th century facades, while newer condominium and renovated developments are incorporated in the surrounding blocks.
That Was Then
Even though the Short North was a thriving area in the 1920s, it eventually fell by the wayside as many residents relocated to the suburbs. It soon became a neglected commercial strip with dilapidated housing. The name Short North originally came from the shorthand term used by Columbus Police who were called to the area often during the 60s and 70s. It remained this way until the mid 70s, when urban homesteaders decided to rejuvenate and redevelop the area by purchasing and renovating cheap housing.
This Is Now
By the 1980s the area was on the upswing soon becoming what it is today, a trendy, sometimes expensive, neighborhood with bohemian flair and a diverse population. The gay community comprises a substantial portion of the population, with local businesses that, while they don’t necessarily cater expressly to gay clientele, sport the gay pride flag.
Dubbed the SoHo of the Midwest by the Short North Business Association, the Short North is popular with young urban-dwellers. Trailblazing art galleries rub shoulders with hip restaurants, bars and boutiques that spring up regularly.
Large, colorful murals portraying everything from a reproduction of Van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night and an interesting take on Grant Wood’s American Gothic, by Steve Galgas, to a mural by early 20th century artist and Columbus native, George Bellows who was known for his portrayal of urban America, adorn the buildings.
Photos
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Monthly Events
With revitalization came the growth of tradition. Every first Saturday of the month, the Short North hosts the popular Gallery Hop. Throngs of visitors and residents line the sidewalks to hear street musicians, check out new exhibits and explore the many shops that stay open late to accommodate the crowds.
Annual Events
Since 1984, the Short North has hosted the annual Doo Dah Parade, a popular farcical and flamboyant parade that parodies typical Fourth of July parades. Politically-slanted paraders and floats wind their way through the streets, starting in Victorian Village, at Goodale Park, moving north and ending south down High Street.
What's New
The Short North continues to grow. In the early 1900s Columbus was called the Arch City. In 2002, arches were installed in the Short North to pay homage to that part of Columbus’ history.
Completed in 2004, the High Street Cap bridges the gap between the Short North and downtown. What was an I-670 overpass with only a narrow walkway for pedestrians since the 1960s is now a thriving area for shopping and eating that links the Short North to downtown. Whether sitting outside enjoying a cup of coffee or shopping, residents don’t even notice the roaring eight-lane highway beneath them.
In 2005, the Short North Neighborhood Foundation started a campaign to raise money for the creation of Pocket Parks. According to the SNNF, the mission of Pocket Parks is to promote a sense of community and illuminate the Short North’s history. “In addition to adding green space, the Pocket Parks will serve as artistic focal points and gathering places for the community and its visitors. These distinctive ‘encounters in urban art and history’ will create a memorable experience for visitors and residents while telling the story of the area’s heritage.”
Visit the Short North Arts District and the Short North Neighborhood Foundation for more information.