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.
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 and a building block for future public and private development.
Multi-Family Housing and Urban Grocer
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. The CRC will be working with Flaherty & Collins Properties on the development. Phase I is expected to break ground in early 2022, once detailed designs and budgets are complete. A phased opening for this portion of the development is projected for 2023 and 2024. The second phase of development, includes plans for the development of a hotel and conference center that will enable Columbus and Bartholomew County to expand hospitality and tourism initiatives
As part of the Envision Columbus initiative, the committee 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.
Court Services Center
In 2019, the City of Columbus adopted the Envision Columbus plan as part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The Envision Columbus plan focused on downtown development. The plan identified some catalytic projects for downtown Columbus, with one being the development of a new downtown Hotel Conference Center. The future location of the Hotel Conference Center is currently a surface parking lot for Bartholomew County employees and the Probation Department.
The Redevelopment Commission has acquired the referenced County owned property. The acquisition agreement included building a new Court Services Center in exchange for ownership of the property for the future Hotel Conference Center development.
1821 Trail
The Bicentennial Commission and City of Columbus announce the seminal project for the Columbus Area Bicentennial will be the “1821” Trail extension along First Street, from the Haw Creek Trail, which ends at Lafayette Street, to Water Street. This trail extension will also include architectural and art elements to encompass the 2021 Bicentennial theme of “Common Ground.” The 1821 Trail will be a key addition to the Columbus Park Foundation trail system and will connect our 26 miles of trail which extends throughout the city. The Riverfront project will later complete the final piece from Water Street to Mill Race Park. This trail extension will also include architectural and art elements to encompass the 2021 Bicentennial theme of “Common Ground.”
Riverfront Project
Work has been underway to ensure public input on all plans to refocus attention on our Riverfront. 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 that is developed based upon considerable community and public input is important to the future of Columbus.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife is currently reviewing the plans and recommendations for redevelopment of a tremendous community asset. Those plans made a priority of protecting our environment, ensuring safety in all aspects, being fiscally responsible and continuing Columbus’ history and legacy of architectural quality and innovation throughout all design aspects.