click on the map above to view a general representation of urban
columbus as a whole. get more precise boundaries on the
informational pages.
[short north - history and facts]
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.
use this map as a
guideline. exact borders may vary.
short north zip codes 43215 & 43201
[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.
[tradition]
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.
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.”
get more information
about the short north business association here.
get more information about the short north
neighborhood foundation here.
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