Inside 43215: Building Blocks
BEHOLD: BE-HOLED
Unlike other downtown structures, the Sky Bridge isn’t going out with a BOOM. There will be no explosions… nor will there be implosions.
But the big Bridge is going out in style. You might even say that it’s going out in unprecedentedly unique style. On October 22, the demolition team will showcase the destruction and area political leaders and the community will gather as they reveal… a giant hole in the Bridge.
Normally, a hole isn’t something to celebrate. A hole in the nylons, a hole in an inflatable pool: all bad things. But this particular hole in the skyline will eventually allow dramatic changes to take place on that centralized stretch of High Street.
Columbus Downtown Development Corp.’s Amy Taylor shared the timeline on the project. “The Bridge will be removed by the beginning of December, and retail storefronts will be built out sometime in the spring.” That’s right, spiffy new retail storefronts. With the bridge gone, daylight will spill down into that dark corridor and will illuminate fun, street-side spending opportunities.
So, even if there’s no explosive BOOM in the near future, the big hole is surely an explosive BOON for downtown’s future.
October 21st, 2008 at 8:26 am
This couldn’t happen soon enough. Away with the failed experiment of skywalks! Next step, turn City Center inside-out!
October 21st, 2008 at 8:37 am
It will be exciting to see the sunshine down on High Street once again.
Currently, there are no less than 12 empty store fronts from State Street to Mound Street. I ride through the area on COTA every weekday. I always think what a shame and then I seen the bright shining light of the old Lazarus building. That keeps me hopeful that more can be done.
This is an enormous opportunity to create a town square atmosphere. This is an eminently walkable area. I believe small businesses will see the big pieces of the puzzle begin to fill in and follow soon thereafter. Hopefully, the historic structures can be refurbished and more trees planted.
Make the empty space beside City Center at High and Rich a park.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Yes! One Step Down, 11 more to go!
October 22nd, 2008 at 5:46 am
[...] and defunct City Center skywalk over High Street has been prepped for demolition, which is being kicked off tomorrow morning with a small ceremony that also includes the revealing of some new renderings of the ground-floor [...]
October 22nd, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Are the renderings of the new storefronts that will be created available online someplace?
November 1st, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I began working in the AWESOME LEEDs Gold Std. “green” Lazarus Bldg. in May 2008. I love being in a downtown office, although I miss the heyday of City Center Mall before Tuttle, Polaris & Easton sent her to an early grave . . . .
I have been watching with interest the doings on High St. near our 50 W. Town St. location. I am very impressed with the beautiful street work being done on Town St., Front St. and Marconi Blvd. I hope that, when the old City Center/Lazarus Bldg. bridge comes down, new retailers and restaurants will grace the area around my new “work home.” (Hey, pay attention: Noodles & Co., El Vaquero and Eastern Bay!!!)
Every time I walk through the beautiful but empty City Center, I fondly remember my experiences there when it was in its heyday. I hope the planning folks in Columbus and Franklin Co. can figure out a new use for this wonderful spot that will: a)serve the downtown residents and workers first, b) support local art, music, theatre and its artisans second, and 3) attract outside visitors/businesses to downtown Columbus for tourism, conventions and trade shows (third) dwhile we’re at it.d
If there is a way that an individual like me can become involved, I’d like to know how I can help. Is there a place I can go to see what is needed???
Downtown Columbus is BEAUTIFUL and loaded with history. It is sitused on a lovely riverfront. There are many wonderful historic buildings near the river [Statehouse, Ohio Supreme Ct.(old State Depts. Bldg.), LeVeque Tower, Ohio Nat'l Bank Bldg (S. High St. at Town St.), Columbus City Hall, etc.], in addition to state-agency occupied buildings. I hope that Columbus can restore our capital city of Ohio to a thriving downtown that people come from all over the state to visit, enjoy and celebrate. I believe this can be done. Columbus city planners have already made great strides. I hope the state of Ohio will continue to support the renovation of its capital city — as it has so much to offer, for tourism, the arts, business accomodations, etc.
I am very concerned that our citizens aren’t sufficiently supporting the fine/performing arts in our city. Such cultural influence is the difference between GREAT cities and all the rest of them.
Maybe the removal of the Lazarus/City Center Bridge over High St. will be a catalyst for positive change for downtown Columbus OH!!!