Project Summary

The City of Columbus and Columbus Redevelopment Commission have partnered with the Columbus Design Institute to seek design qualifications for the redesign of the Downtown Entrance Plaza, which encompasses the POW/MIA/Law Enforcement Plaza and Robert D. Garton Veterans Plaza. Columbus Design Institute will play a critical role in managing the project, while Redevelopment will support the project funding. The City and Community Development will provide anchored support through the designer selection and ultimately design review process, as well as additional engagement from Downtown Entrance Plaza committees and stakeholders.

The plaza redesign seeks to achieve several goals:

• Transform this gateway entry to the city to be more attractive, safe, and accessible for all while maintaining green space and allowing more activity from and interaction with downtown residents, employees, and visitors.
• Collaborate with organizations with a stake in the property to creatively solve site deficits and design for greater use, enjoyment, and connectivity to the 1821 Trail, downtown, and future riverfront development.
• Improve pedestrian-friendly design features with the vehicular experience ensuring the site design creates a positive experience and complements the key entry features of the Bob Stewart Bridge, Veterans Memorial Park Plaza, and the Bartholomew County Courthouse.
• Ensure compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act

What’s New?

Landscape architecture and urban design firm, Merritt Chase, hosted a Public Engagement Picnic on June 24th. The event was well attended and featured Theo’s Brunchfast. Several community members attended to engage with Merritt Chase and provide thoughtful feedback for consideration in the plaza redesign. Key takeaways from the Public Engagement Picnic can be found here.

We want to hear from YOU!

If you did not have an opportunity to attend the public picnic, we would encourage you to visit the Downtown Entrance Plaza’s website to provide feedback.