The transformation of the Riverfront has begun
Scioto MileImagine thousands of visitors and locals enjoying a grand promenade and a stunning, fountain-laden park, café and stone-paved plaza outfitted with free Wi-Fi.
That’s the dream behind the Scioto Mile, a signature riverfront park that will be located in the heart of downtown Columbus. Stretching from the Arena District to Whittier Peninsula, Scioto Mile is an extraordinary park designed for everyday use and enjoyment.
The Plan
Construction began in 2008 with completion set for summer 2011 — just in time for the City’s bicentennial celebration in 2012.
When completed, Scioto Mile will connect downtown with the Scioto River, creating a green corridor and completely transforming the area along Civic Center Drive from Broad Street through Bicentennial Park.
As part of the project, Civic Center Drive will be narrowed to two lanes from four, as well as converted from one-way traffic to two-way in an effort to make the Promenade safer and more accessible to visitors.
The Promenade
The grand Promenade will stretch along Civic Center Drive from Broad Street to Rich Street, connecting Battelle and Bicentennial Parks. The historic balustrade will be restored to its original condition and a continuous stone bench will be installed along a four foot-wide linear water canal featuring a series of water jets designed to animate the water’s surface.
A stone colonnade with swinging benches, traditional park benches, and card and chess tables will add both beauty and function to the space.
In the center of the Promenade will be a stunning plaza area with plenty of seating and an interactive water feature. The entire area will be designated a free Wi-Fi zone, offering a little work and a little play every day.
The Park
As part of the Scioto Mile initiative, Bicentennial Park also will undergo a renovation of its own. The signature piece for the Park will be a stunning 15,000-square-foot water feature with multiple fountains of varying heights.
In addition, the Park will receive a permanent stage/band shell constructed with a reflective metal exterior and wood interior to enhance sound acoustics. A glass-etched café restaurant with outdoor terrace dining overlooking the Park will serve as an architectural icon along the Riverfront.
The Partnerships
The $44 million investment in the Scioto Mile project is an unprecedented, 50/50 partnership between the public and private sectors.
Of course, the development of Scioto Mile would be impossible without the generous support and funding of many corporate and community sponsors including:
American Electric Power
City of Columbus
Franklin County Board of Commissioners
State Of Ohio
Huntington Bancshares
Nationwide Insurance
Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation
Battelle
Columbia Gas
The Columbus Foundation
Limited Brands
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Anonymous Donors
Crane Family Foundation
Grange Insurance
Ingram-White Castle Foundation
NetJets, Inc.
JP Morgan Chase
Bowen Engineering Corporation
Cardinal Health
Joseph A. Jeffrey Endowment Fund of The Columbus Foundation
New Albany Company
Abbott Laboratories
Industrial Contractors
Sun Technical Services
For more information, visit the Scioto Mile Web site.
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