In Search of a City: The Elephant in the River
Columbus could take some inspiration from Lucy the Elephant in Margate City, New Jersey. Lucy is a 128-year-old, six-story building that has served as a real estate office, summer home, and tavern. She draws thousands of visitors each year and helps to put Margate “on the map.”
Imagine the visual impact of the Santa Maria dry docked at Rich and High or Nationwide and Neil. It would certainly draw more visitors than it does hidden in the Scioto River at Battelle Park. The Santa Maria would make a great Columbus gift shop.
If it were dry docked next to COSI, it could be an added attraction for COSI visitors. Sell it to Chris Corso or Rajesh Lahoti and see what they can do with it. Or park it at the Columbus Health Department to create a display about scurvy to freak kids into eating their fruits and vegetables.
Columbus may not have a six-story pachyderm, but the Santa Maria has great potential.
Tags: COSI, Santa Maria
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:14 am
I think the Santa Maria should be relocated across the river by COSI where school children could get some fresh air and education at the same time. I really think that COSI could use some outside exhibits given the fact that it is located on perhaps the most valuable real estate downtown which, in my opinion, is so underutilized with very few people venturing out of the largely windowless COSI structure to enjoy the downtown view and riverfront.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:23 am
I love it! Great idea.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:38 am
Great idea… the Santa Maria has always had the potential to draw visitors, but no thought was ever given to putting it in a location with other things happening around it. As visible as it is from the Broad Street Bridge, it is otherwise isolated and invisible from any other part of the Downtown. My suggestion would be to dig a “dry dock” somewhere near the Arena District and place the ship inside it so visitors can walk on board from street level. A good place might be the opposite end of the park where the old Union Station “Arch” now sits.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
What a great idea! I forgot that the Santa Maria was even still docked on the Scioto downtown.
How many more have never seen or even heard of it??
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Great Idea! COSI is a great suggestion! They need some more attractions. Actually, any of the suggestions are good.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:38 pm
What a great idea to do something positive with the Santa Maria. If Christopher saw it in its current state he wouldn’t claim any affiliation with ship. It is not only in an excellent hiding place it has the appearance of an old broken toy left outside over the winter. It certainly is not a representative of the celebration of C. Columbus’ 500th Anniversary. Make it a positive monutment/memorial or have a party and burn it to the water line.
November 11th, 2009 at 7:58 am
I thought the city was spending millions on the glamorous Scioto Mile..Shouldnt that draw enough visitors to the riverfront daily to see the Santa Maria where it is? Or are you still skeptical about the whole project
.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:51 am
It would be a good idea to consult with the Native Ameican Center and see what they think of your ideas regarding the Santa Maria. The center located at 67 E. Innis Ave serves as a food and clothing bank for the neighborhood and city monies could certainly help the neighborhood that they serve. Food and clothing donations are certainly welcome.
November 17th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I third (or fourth)the suggestion to move it adjacent to COSI. That is almost a no-brainer. Not only would it benefit from being much more accessible to a receptive crowd, but it would also make a great counterbalance across from the Scioto Mile. The Santa Maria is currently very representative of our civic pride (as in not-at-all prominent). Time to bring it out and put in front-and-central. Stand up and be proud, Columbus!!!