Below is a summary of several projects that are in various stages of completion. Click on the images below to be directed to that project’s page.
1821 Trail
The 1821 Trail was announced as the seminal project for the Columbus Area Bicentennial in 2021. The “1821” Trail extension was constructed along First Street from the Haw Creek Trail, which ends at Lafayette Street, to Water Street. This trail extension includes architectural and art elements encompassing the 2021 Bicentennial theme of “Common Ground.” The 1821 Trail is a key addition to the Columbus Park Foundation trail system and connects our 26 miles of trail extending throughout the city. The Riverfront project will later complete the final piece from Water Street to Mill Race Park.
2nd Street Thoroughfare Project
One recommendation identified in Envision Columbus Comprehensive Plan was to increase connectivity to the south side of our town to enhance pedestrian safety and experience. The 2nd Street Thoroughfare Project was created in response to a desire to extend the pedestrian-friendly experience downtown. The project will feature several modifications to the existing conditions such as: narrowing the traffic lanes as a traffic calming measure, integrating on-street parking, incorporating safety bumpouts and buffers, creating an on-street connection to the Taylor apartments, installing pedestrian crosswalks, and planting new landscaping.
Court Services Center
The 2019 Comprehensive Plan, Envision Columbus, focused on downtown development and identified some catalytic projects for downtown Columbus, with one being the development of a new downtown Hotel Conference Center. At that time, the future location for the Hotel Conference Center had been identified as the surface parking located between 2nd and 3rd Streets and Franklin Street and Lafayette Avenue. The lot has traditionally been used by Bartholomew County and the Probation Department for their employee parking. The Redevelopment Commission acquired the referenced parking lot with the intent of developing the future Hotel Conference Center there. The acquisition agreement included building a new Court Services Center in exchange for ownership of this referenced property.
Hotel/Conference Center
In 2018, the Bartholomew County Heritage Fund supported an initiative called Envision Columbus to study the needs and potential for future growth in Columbus. That study identified 3 opportunity zones for development; commercial, residential and park systems. The commercial area targeted the 2nd and 3rd Street corridor in downtown Columbus as an area that could be revitalized into a destination that would attract cultural, dining, and entertainment opportunities. Their recommendations included a downtown hotel as well as the addition of a downtown conference center as vital to the growth of the area.
Multi-Family Housing and Urban Grocer
The Envision Columbus Comprehensive Plan included recommendations for multi-family housing in the downtown area as well as an urban grocer. By increasing opportunities for housing within the downtown core, this project will promote downtown living and shift perceptions on the quality and character of current downtown housing. An urban grocer has the capacity to increase the vibrancy and support additional residential and retail development in the area. Both of these elements provide an opportunity for sought after urban living close to the cultural amenities, established parks and downtown assets that so many in our community are seeking.
In January, 2021 the Columbus Redevelopment Commission unanimously approved Phase I of the downtown mixed use project to include a 200 unit downtown apartment building as well as an urban grocer. Flaherty & Collins Properties is the developer for this project.
Riverfront Project
All of the necessary regulatory permits have been received for the Our River… Our Riverfront project! Throughout the course of planning and preparing to implement the Riverfront Project, seeking public and professional input has remained a priority. We realize that this is “our” river and that the future of our community will continue to be tied to innovation and creativity. Having a vibrant Riverfront is not only about the trail redesign, but also considers priority planning to protect our environment, ensure safety in all aspects, and fiscal responsibility. All this is critical while continuing to be mindful of Columbus’ history and legacy of architectural quality and innovation.
