RE-01: Continue to encourage, support, and incentivize infill development
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: Community Development, Planning Department, Office of Downtown Development
May 1, 2026 | City of Columbus reports:
PACT Program in place. Planning Department’s new construction permitting process flow chart released.
RE-02: Incentivize housing development (townhomes to multifamily)
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: City of Columbus, Columbus Redevelopment Commission
May 1, 2026 | Columbus Redevelopment Commission reports:
Ten20 North under construction at 11th and Washington St.
RE-03: Target diversity of shops, eateries, and entertainment venues
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: Office of Downtown Development
April 1, 2026 | Office of Downtown Development reports:
St. Denis & other businesses in discussion to open downtown.
June 1, 2026 | Private or nonprofit operator reports:
At Home with Heartland Backroads Boutique opened at 401 Washington St.
RE-04: Support improvements of privately-owned buildings
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: Office of Downtown Development
May 1, 2026 | Office of Downtown Development reports:
ODD Grant Program funds renewed in Q4 2025. Robust list of applicants.
RE-05: Develop process for City to exit role as landlord/divest property
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: City of Columbus, Columbus Redevelopment Commission
June 1, 2026 | City of Columbus reports:
The City of Columbus is considering this recommendation
RE-06: Prioritize Strategic Plan projects for TIF funding
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Columbus Redevelopment Commission
June 1, 2026 | City of Columbus reports:
With the recent release of an RFQ and RFI for interest from potential lead developers, the City will be able to prioritize large scale projects
RE-07: Encourage workforce and affordable housing downtown
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Community Development, Columbus Redevelopment Commission
RE-08: Relocate USPS facilities and redevelop post office site
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: City of Columbus, Columbus Capital Foundation
RE-09: Activate former Sears parking lot with temporary ‘eatertainment’
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Completed
Partners: Columbus Redevelopment Commission, Office of Downtown Development
April 1, 2026 | Columbus Redevelopment Commission reports:
Food Truck Festival 3rd Thursday April-October
RE-10: Redevelop former Sears site with expanded commercial uses
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Planning
Partners: Columbus Redevelopment Commission, private developers
RE-11: Redevelop Irwin Block site with housing
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Planning
Partners: Columbus Capital Foundation, private developers
December 1, 2025 | Columbus Capital Foundation reports:
IU Architecture Studio studied the Irwin Block and presented recommendations in December 2025.
RE-12: Develop housing on the 2nd and Franklin parking lot
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Planning
Partners: Columbus Redevelopment Commission, private developers
RE-13: Pursue business for built retail west of The Taylor (Urban Grocer)
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Flaherty & Collins
June 1, 2026 | Other community partners and organizations reports:
Breeden Commercial Realtors is pursuing a tenant for this space.
RE-14: Attract more breweries, cideries, and distilleries
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: Community Development, Private Developers, Office of Downtown Development, Chamber of Commerce
April 1, 2026 | Private developers reports:
St. Denis wine bar with wine tastings opened in April 2026.
RE-15: Formal partnership between ODD and Community Development
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Completed
Partners: Community Development, Office of Downtown Development
January 1, 2026 | Department of Community Development reports:
Winter Market, 2nd Floor Review, Developer Visits, Alley 54, Grant Program, CD203 Implementation Efforts
RE-16: Support presence and expansion of Yes Cinema
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Planning
Partners: Columbus Redevelopment Commission
RE-17: Develop 2nd Street site (east of The Taylor) for multifamily housing
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Columbus Redevelopment Commission, private developers
RE-18: Continue efforts to attract urban grocer to Opportunity Sites
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Office of Downtown Development, Chamber of Commerce
RE-19: Encourage introduction of co-working space
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: Office of Downtown Development
April 1, 2026 | Private developers reports:
Beck Rocker developing 3rd floor small office and co-working space.
RE-20: Grow identity as center of creative arts and design
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Office of Downtown Development
June 1, 2026 | Columbus Area Arts Council reports:
The CD2030 implementation team is evaluating Columbus’s Arts and Culture District designation and exploring opportunities to strengthen its identity and impact.
RE-21: Encourage redevelopment of Downtown Southeast for urban housing
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: City of Columbus, private developers
RE-22: Develop multi-purpose market hall at western end of 4th Street
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Planning
Partners: City of Columbus, Columbus Redevelopment Commission
December 1, 2025 | Department of Community Development reports:
Winter Market Pilot collaboration was very successful, consistently. Remaining action steps are complete.
RE-23: Relocate Visitors Center to Washington Street location
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Columbus Area Visitors Center
RE-24: Develop hotel and conference center on former Sears parking lot
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Medium-term (6-9 years) Status: Planning
Partners: Columbus Redevelopment Commission, private developers
RE-25: Develop edges of Cummins Brown St lot/consolidate parking
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Longer-term (10+ years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Cummins
RE-26: Develop residential neighborhood on former wastewater site
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Longer-term (10+ years) Status: Planning
Partners: Columbus Redevelopment Commission, private developers
RE-27: Encourage specialty food/beverage along riverfront
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Longer-term (10+ years) Status: Not Started
Partners: City, Redevelopment Comm., private developers
RE-28: Densify sites straddling 2nd Street (Brown to Lindsey)
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Longer-term (10+ years) Status: Not Started
Partners: City, private landowners, businesses
RE-29: Redevelop Franklin Street lot into parking structure
Category: Real Estate
Implementation Phase: Longer-term (10+ years) Status: Not Started
Partners: City of Columbus, Columbus Redevelopment Commission
PR-01: Advance wayfinding planning and interpretive signage
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: Visitors Center, City of Columbus
May 1, 2026 | Columbus Area Visitors Center reports:
Design work underway for Downtown Wayfinding
PR-02: Extend People Trail along 1st Street
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Parks and Recreation, Planning
June 1, 2026 | City of Columbus Department of Public Works reports:
As part of ongoing gateway improvements, the team is reviewing options for signage and pavement markings to better connect and highlight the 1st Street section of the People Trail.
PR-03: Conduct Mill Race Park Master Plan
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: Parks and Recreation
April 1, 2026 | Department of Parks and Recreation reports:
Mill Race Park, along with Donner Park and the Parks Strategic Plan master planning efforts starting in April 2026.
PR-04: Improve Mill Race arrival at 5th and architectural gateway
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: Parks and Recreation, Community Devleopment
May 1, 2026 | Columbus Park Foundation reports:
A City grant for clean up at the 5th Street entrance to Mill Race Park
PR-05: Maintain Water Street site as forested buffer
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Redevelopment Commission, private developers
June 1, 2026 | City of Columbus Department of Public Works reports:
This forested buffer is being maintained by the Department of Public Works
PR-06: Convert streets from one-way to two-way (Brown, Lindsey, Franklin)
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: City of Columbus, Public Works
PR-07: Improve arrivals at key gateways (11th, Stewart Bridge, etc.)
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: City of Columbus, Public Works, Engineering, Arts Council
September 1, 2025 | Columbus Area Arts Council reports:
3rd St. Dancing C’s Mural complete
May 1, 2026 | Columbus Redevelopment Commission reports:
2nd St. Thoroughfare traffic calming and other improvements underway
June 1, 2026 | Columbus Redevelopment Commission reports:
The east Gateway into Downtown Columbus from State Road 46 is being renovated through the Riverfront project, the 2nd St. Thoroughfare project, and the anticipated Gateway Entrance Plaza renovation. More information can be found at the Redevelopment Commission’s website.
PR-08: Streetscape improvements: 4th Street
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: City of Columbus, Public Works
PR-09: Streetscape improvements: 5th Street (Avenue of Architects)
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: City of Columbus, Public Works
June 1, 2026 | Columbus Area Visitors Center reports:
Visit Columbus has enhanced the Irwin Block building with window graphics showcasing the iconic spaces and places that make up the Avenue of the Architects.
PR-10: Build destination children’s play area and splash pad in Mill Race
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Planning
Partners: Parks and Recreation
PR-11: Establish more trail connections to/through downtown heart
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Parks and Recreation, Parks Foundation
PR-12: Create stronger dialogue between Mill Race and Flatrock River
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Parks and Recreation
PR-13: Build high-design bus shelters at downtown stops
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: City Public Works, ColumBUS Transit
June 1, 2026 | ColumBUS Transit reports:
With the implementation of the new ColumBUS Loop System, the Transit Department is evaluating opportunities for additional downtown bus shelters and will again partner with the J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program at IU Columbus on the design effort.
PR-14: Replace downtown street trees with native species
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: City of Columbus, Public Works
PR-15: Explore designation of a rail quiet zone
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Planning
Partners: City of Columbus
PR-16: Streetscape improvements: Washington Street
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Medium-term (6-9 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: City of Columbus, Public Works
PR-17: Streetscape improvements: 2nd and 3rd Streets
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Medium-term (6-9 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: City of Columbus, Public Works
PR-18: Create pedestrian bridge connection from 4th St to Mill Race Park
Category: Public Realm
Implementation Phase: Medium-term (6-9 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Columbus Redevelopment, Cummins, private developers
AP-01: Expand/promote City community calendar
Category: Activation
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Completed
Partners: Columbus Visitors Center
March 18, 2026 | Columbus Area Visitors Center reports:
The Visit Columbus website can be used to find events and to add an event
AP-02: Activate Courthouse Lawn, City Hall Green, Entrance Plaza
Category: Activation
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Planning
Partners: Arts Council, Visitors Center, Office of Downtown Development
May 1, 2026 | Office of Downtown Development reports:
ODD is activating the north side of the Irwin Block with a small City grant to the Visitors Center to temporarily activate the space.
May 1, 2026 | City of Columbus reports:
A new ramp at the front of City Hall is being built. This will allow for better activation of the City Hall steps and lawn .
AP-03: Expedited approval/lower criteria for outdoor events
Category: Activation
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Completed
Partners: City of Columbus
May 1, 2026 | City of Columbus Department of Engineering reports:
Community feedback complete, the policy is updated and communications are underway.
AP-04: Program/promote DORA district opportunities
Category: Activation
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: City of Columbus, Arts Council, Visitors Center, Office of Downtown Devleopment
May 1, 2026 | City of Columbus reports:
Working with City, ODD and CAAC to implement branding. ODD will promote DORA at their outdoor events.
AP-05: Activate Mill Race Park with new/refreshed programming
Category: Activation
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: Parks and Recreation, Arts Council
May 1, 2026 | Department of Parks and Recreation reports:
New playground equipment installed. Community ribbon cutting is on 5/12.
AP-06: Establish Mill Race Park as focus of community organizations
Category: Activation
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: Parks and Recreation, Parks Foundation
July 1, 2026 | Department of Parks and Recreation reports:
River Rats organizing, planned community-wide launch July 1, 2026.
AP-07: Support rehabilitation of Crump Theater
Category: Activation
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Planning
Partners: Crump Center for Performing Arts
May 1, 2026 | Crump Center for the Performing Arts reports:
Design completion and fundraising efforts continue. Final spring programming wrapping up in May 2026.
AP-08: Enhance 5th Street identity with architecture/design programming
Category: Activation
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: Visitors Center, Community Development
May 1, 2026 | Columbus Area Visitors Center reports:
Visit Columbus is installng vinyl on the Irwin Block building highlighting the Avenue of the Architects
AP-09: Brand/program open space at Irwin Bank (5th and Jackson)
Category: Activation
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Not Started
Partners: Cummins
AP-10: Bolster commitment to local business (Shop Downtown campaign)
Category: Activation
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: Chamber of Commerce, Office of Downtown Development
May 1, 2026 | Chamber of Commerce reports:
Holiday 2025 collaboration to support shop local campaign, Catalyst 100 to support local business (including 25% downtown)
May 1, 2026 | Downtown business owners reports:
First Thursday Events occuring each month
AP-11: Activate alley between Jackson Garage and Washington Street
Category: Activation
Implementation Phase: Near-term (0-2 years) Status: Planning
Partners: Private landowners, Office of Downtown Development, City of Columbus
May 1, 2026 | Private developers reports:
Early designs shared and in-process
AP-12: Enhance connectivity between downtown and Nexus Park
Category: Activation
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: In Progress
Partners: Visitors Center, City of Columbus
AP-13: Hire a coordinator for downtown programming/events
Category: Activation
Implementation Phase: Short-term (3-5 years) Status: Planning
Partners: City of Columbus, Arts Council, Heritage Fund
May 1, 2026 | Columbus Area Arts Council reports:
Arts & Culture group and City discussing position and where it best fits.
