Right Now Downtown

JOIN THE COUNTDOWN

Wanna bring in 2011 with a bang AND maintain full recollection the morning after?

Whether you are married or single, young or young at heart, there will be something for everyone at First Night Columbus, a community-oriented, family-friendly, alcohol-free event.  Best of all, it’s right downtown.  You will be part of Central Ohio’s Largest New Year’s Eve celebration and you won’t even come away with a hangover.

Just who is this soiree geared toward?  Well, with more than 150 entertainers in more than 15 downtown venues, perhaps the more accurate question might be who wouldn’t enjoy the shindig?

The event kicks off at 5 p.m. as it transforms downtown into a stage for a night of fun for everyone with tons of live performances including  jazz, funk, ragtime, storytelling and magic, hands-on activities and even a children’s festival.  Don’t even think about retiring early because the fireworks explode at 10:30 p.m. rousing the sleepiest of sleepy-heads into party mode as the crowd welcomes in the New Year at the stroke of midnight.

Purchase buttons in advance for 8.00, 10.00 the day of the event, or get an even better deal by using your Giant Eagle Card and buy a ticket for just 6.00.  For more information, go to firstnightcolumbus.com.  Bring in the New Year with family and friends as you celebrate what downtown has to offer.

CHASE AWAY THE WINTER BLUES

It’s cold, it’s windy, it’s dark at 5:15 p.m.  Ugh!  The time spent away from our cozy warm dens (o.k., the living room in front of the boob tube) seems like an eternity.

Warm your blood, body and heart at the YMCA of Central Ohio, and make sure you read through to the end of our Top 10 List for a chance to win a great prize, just in time for your New Year’s Resolution.

Top 10 Reasons to Join the Y

10.  The YMCA holds the anti-serum for Spandex allergies.  Really, you can head over first thing in the morning, on your lunch break or even after work, and the only paraphernalia you need is a pair of sweats, the ones that have paint splatters from when you painted the garage last fall will even work.

9.  The masseuse is on hand and ready to go.  Let’s face it, many of us overdo our exercise regime from time to time, but the Y has that covered too.  Grab a massage after your workout – it’s one stop shopping.

8.  Get a big bang for your buck.  The state-of-the-art wellness facility has everything from fitness classes to exercise machines to free weights to everything in between.  There’s even a lap pool.  Grab your towels before you head into the locker room, and you don’t even have to worry about lugging home a soggy gym bag.

7.  Support the Superman of the community.  Did you know that the Y is a not-for-profit organization that has been building strong kids, strong families and strong communities in Columbus for over 150 years?  Heck, with your membership you can practice philanthropy and cuss your Pilates instructor all at the same time.

6.  YMCA’s are everywhere.  Your couch potato alter ego might not think that’s a good thing, but the inner Jane Fonda exercise queen will thank you.  Your membership gives you unlimited access to 11 branches throughout Central Ohio, and even if you’re grabbing some vacay, you can work out at YMCA locations all across the country for free.

5.  Slice off the remnants of pumpkin pie lingering on those thighs from Thanksgiving while you add extra cash to your wallet.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that if you lose even 10% of your body weight, you can reduce your lifetime medical costs by $2,200 to $5,300.

4.  Indiana Jones is calling.  Whether it’s the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hundreds of weekly group fitness classes, rock climbing walls, gymnasiums, sports leagues, running clubs, the YMCA will help spice up your life and take it easy on your wallet.

3.  Beef up for the competition.  The Downtown YMCA offers a great Corporate Challenge Program with team building covering everything from golf to Dodgeball.

2.  Love it or leave it.  The Y frees you from any long-term contract.  After your initial 30 days, you may cancel your membership at any time with a 30-day written notice.

And the number one reason you should join the YMCA of Central Ohio:

Y-M-C-A.  Cue the music and just think how hot you’ll look after a couple months working out at the Y.  You may even channel your inner cowboy or construction worker when you sign up for your fist aerobics class.

Leave a comment here about your exercise routine (or lack thereof) and we’ll choose a winner to receive a two-week trial membership and a consultation with a personal trainer!

CAPITAL CROSSROADS SID ANNUAL AWARDS

Each year at its Annual Meeting, Capital Crossroads SID recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to making downtown the cleanest, safest and most attractive commercial district in the city.  Outlined below are the nominees and winners in each category, including Ambassador of the Year, Outstanding Service, Aesthetic Contribution and Outstanding Achievement. 

Ambassador of the Year 

Each quarter, CCSID recognizes an employee for his or her outstanding work.  This year’s four award winners are Charla Gray, Clarence Anderson, Teri Tucker and Carlos Pilier, with the 2010 Ambassador of the Year award going to Teri Tucker.  Ms. Tucker has been with CCSID for eight years and is a thoroughly dependable, versatile and professional employee who excels at problem solving and handling challenges.  She has worked in several capacities including equipment operator, outreach, graffiti removal, dispatching, equipment maintenance and special projects.  Capital Crossroads congratulates Ms. Tucker and thanks her for her hard work and dedication. 

Outstanding Aesthetic Contribution 

This award recognizes projects completed in the past year, which add to the beauty, street life, energy, brightness, colorfulness and attractiveness of downtown.  A number of projects were considered for this award based on input from the downtown community, including: 

T. Bears Florist and Chocolatier, for demonstrating their commitment to downtown by remaining in their location even after a car drove through their display window just before Valentine’s Day. 

The Edwards Companies, for the continuation of their beautiful Neighborhood Launch project, another block of which was completed this year. 

The Columbus Downtown Development Corporation for three important downtown projects:  the well designed garage at Elm and Fourth streets; rebuilding of the High Street façade of the former Lazarus building and accompanying landscaping on High Street; and the nearly completed Columbus Commons park. 

The City of Columbus for the conversion of much of Front Street from one-way to two-way, the stunning new street features on Front Street, and the completion of the Main Street Bridge. 

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board for its care of the Ohio Statehouse grounds. 

Bob Reynolds and Bob Talley for maintaining a beautiful patio and landscaping at EcleXions Lofts. 

Huntington Bank, Huntington Center and Bricker & Eckler for once again providing beautiful landscaping. 

Other mentions were for the façade work at Morningstar Mini Storage on Chestnut Street, for Spacejunk Media on Third Street and for the Trinity Episcopal Church bell tower, which turns 100 this year. 

The 2010 winner for Outstanding Aesthetic Contribution is Lifestyle Communities for The Annex at RiverSouth.  Lifestyle Communities took four dead blocks of surface parking lots south of the Lazarus Building and constructed 213 units of housing.  This elegant community takes its design cues from the East Coast and is connected to the streets in a way that encourages walking and interaction with the downtown area.  The Annex has already impacted downtown, with the building at 201 South High Street being leased to Massey’s Pizza.  Downtown is lucky to have Lifestyle Communities here. 

Outstanding Service 

The Outstanding Service Award recognizes a service in the public or private sector that makes a significant contribution to downtown.  A number of projects were considered for this award, including: 

The Hyatt on Capitol Square for developing a pilot food recycling program and sponsoring the Downtown LIVE concert series. 

Royal Paper, a recycling company, which has taken the lead in developing recycling programs at downtown office buildings. 

The Public Service Department, particularly Randy Bowman, for being responsive and flexible on issues such as on-street parking. 

The Central Ohio Transit Authority for moving its headquarters and 100 administrative employees to the downtown and for beginning to use hybrid buses. 

COTA and the Columbus City Schools for successfully addressing issues involving a small number of problem students who abused bus pass privileges and acted badly at downtown bus stops. 

MadLab Theatre for buying a building at Third Street and Chestnut and now producing shows in the SID. 

And the Community Shelter Board, Faith Mission and Mary and Kent Beittel of the Open Shelter for their hard work. 

The award for Outstanding Service was presented to CAPA for the critical role they have played and continue to play in keeping our downtown performing arts groups healthy.  CAPA owns and operates the Ohio, Palace and Southern Theatres and operates the Riffe Center Theatres.  It has stabilized the performing arts by assuming responsibility for back office services including accounting, ticketing, marketing and development for a wide range of arts organizations including the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Opera Columbus, the Jazz Arts Group and Franklin Park Conservatory.  Bill Connor, CAPA President & CEO, has personally donated his time to serve as the business manager of the CSO and the staff of CAPA has taken on additional work, allowing these groups to reduce their overhead and keep their artistic budgets stable. 

Without CAPA, it is hard to imagine where the performing arts downtown might be.  Maintaining the performances of these groups keeps our beautiful theatres lit, which in turn has helped develop clusters of restaurants and burgeoning retail in the area.  A rich environment with a healthy arts scene is vital to leasing commercial and residential space and they remain a strong selling point for downtown.  CCSID owes much to CAPA. 

Outstanding Achievement 

The Outstanding Achievement award recognizes an accomplishment that deserves special recognition.  At a time when downtown needs entrepreneurs to revitalize the area, one person has stepped up to the plate not once or twice, but three times. 

This restaurateur first opened a spot at a sleepy location on Gay Street called the Vine.  Next she had the guts to open a restaurant at the former Queen Bee on Fourth Street near the Greyhound Bus Station.  And she recently purchased The Jury Room on Mound Street. 

Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails is now a staple on Gay Street.  If you pass Dirty Franks on Fourth Street, you are likely to see standing room only crowds.  And with The Jury Room due to reopen soon, we are all excited to see what the Betty’s Family of Restaurants does with that location. 

We are so happy to recognize Elizabeth Lessner for her outstanding contributions to downtown and congratulate her on her success.

On November 10, Capital Crossroads SID held its annual meeting to report on the work the SID has conducted through the year and to recognize the contributions made to the fabric of downtown by individuals and businesses.  This year’s meeting was held at the Westin Great Southern, thanks to in-kind donation from the hotel.  Additional sponsors included Ohio Support Services and Ohio Custodial Management, which provides the SID with the Clean and Safe Ambassador team.  Spinelli’s Deli tempted attendees with freshly baked cookies in celebration of the grand opening of their new location at 50 North High Street.  Musical entertainment was provided by students from The Wellington School. 

In addition to thanking the SID property owners, Jeffrey Wolf, Chairman of the CCSID Board of Trustees, recognized the voluntary contributions by four exempt owners whose contributions represent 18 percent of the SID’s operating revenue: the City of Columbus, the Central Ohio Transit Authority, Franklin County and the Greater Columbus Convention Center.  Wolfe reminded attendees that reauthorization of the SID is in process.  Marc Conte, Research Director, is meeting with property owners; owners representing 60 percent of the property in the SID must sign the petition to reauthorize in order to continue operations beyond 2011.  The reauthorization efforts should be completed in January. 

Executive Director Cleve Ricksecker then discussed SID financials, outlining the balance of administrative and overhead costs with programming expenses.  This year, CCSID staff was able to supplement budgeted monies with $132,000 in grants from a variety of federal, state and local sources, as well as through generous sponsorships such as those from WCBE FM and the Hyatt on Capitol Square for Pearl Market and Downtown LIVE. 

“We are very conscious of the assessments you provide, and everyone on staff works hard to deliver the best possible value,” explained Ricksecker.  “We try to spend as little on administration as possible so that your money goes into programming on the streets.”  

Clean and Safe Services 

Ricksecker then reported on the SID’s clean and safe services, noting that Downtown Columbus is the cleanest downtown in the U.S.  CCSID ambassadors work daily to remove litter, wash sidewalks, control graffiti, remove weeds, and wash newspaper racks, High Street bus shelters and other fixtures.  Seasonal services are also performed such as leaf removal, snow and ice removal and planting and maintenance of flowers during the summer months. 

In addition to maintaining a clean environment, CCSID strives to keep downtown one of the safest precincts in Columbus.  Though crime is up throughout the city during these tough economic times, the increase within the SID has been kept to a minimum. 

“Downtown is safe because of an effective program, combining communication, strict enforcement, compassion and coordination,” said Ricksecker.  “Safety does not happen by accident.” 

Communication is vital between CCSID safety ambassadors, the Columbus Division of Police, security forces within buildings and people on the street.  Lisa Defendiefer, Downtown Safety Coordinator, was commended for completing a comprehensive security network, which included linking security operations with one another, the SID and the Division of Police through regular meetings, a secure Web site and a radio network.  And Outreach Coordinator Alyson Poirier was recognized for her work providing outreach and advocacy services to people in need of help.

Marketing and Promotions 

In addition to the very important safety and cleaning services, CCSID also is charged with marketing and promoting downtown.  Ricksecker noted that the SID markets to key audiences including downtown employees, downtown and in-town residents and young professionals.  The message revolves around the idea that downtown is the place to be, is at the center of culture, arts and entertainment, and is a charming, urban location.  The message is shared through the DowntownColumbus.com Web site; companion newsletters such as Right Now Downtown and Downtown News Network; special events such as Pearl Market, the Capitol Square Kickball League and Downtown LIVE; sponsorships of events such as Independents; Day, Bike-to-Work Week and City Hop; and programming such as a the recycling program.

CCSID also works to make coming downtown a positive experience for residents, workers and visitors.  The SID offers visitor services like the mobile iCart kiosk, welcome baskets for new tenants and property owners, and a hospitality network during special events such as the Arnold Sports and Fitness Expo and the 2010 Gay Softball World Series.

 The Future of Retail

While Ricksecker noted that overall Downtown Columbus is doing well, the area most in need of improvement is retail.  While the demand for retail services is strong, there is insufficient retail supply, particularly after the demise of City Center. 

With support from the City of Columbus, CCSID hired Kacey Brankamp as a Retail Recruiter, to help draw independent operators from throughout Central Ohio to downtown.  Interest in downtown continues to grow as does the demand for retail downtown.  And CCSID will continue to help suppliers find the right space downtown to meet the demand. 

“We lost those retail chains,” added Ricksecker, “and they are not coming back.  But independent retailers will be the source of retail in the coming years.  And thanks to the efforts of entrepreneurial folks like Mark Ballard and Tom Finney of Sugardaddy’s, Don Steele of Plantain Café and Brett Ruland of Spoonful, the future of retail is looking brighter.”

HARD HATS SOON OPTIONAL

You’ve seen and heard all the heavy equipment making busy where City Center used to be, but take a peek at the progress of Columbus Commons.   Check out this preview of what to expect, and in no time you’ll be able to walk through to see for yourself.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK ROCKS!

Winter is here, but Spinelli’s Deli has a way to keep you toasty warm – for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  No excuses – they’re even open seven days a week.  The selection is hot and flavorful.  You’ll find everything from bagels to pancakes to salads, sammies, soups and pastas. 

Don’t take our word for it, take a peek for yourself.  Now, if only we had a little smell-o-vision!

Pearl Market fans might have been saddened when the summer Pearl Market came to a close on October 29, wrapping up another successful summer.  But the following week the Winter Pearl Market opened in a new location at 33 N. Third Street.  Now in the second year of a two-year grant from the USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Winter Pearl Market will continue to offer fresh seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, bread, baked goods and unique handcrafted items.  The Winter Market will operate Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through February 25.

Once again this year, the Capital Crossroads Market staff has put together a Marketplace where customers can shop a variety of goods from vendors such as Sweet Thing Gourmet, IKC Designs, The Olive Orchard and more.  The Marketplace  offers visitors a unique shopping experience for the holidays.  Shoppers can also continue to use their credit cards or Ohio Directions Card to make purchases, a service which was test run at last winter’s Market and utilized so successfully at the summer Market this year.

“We are excited about running a Winter Pearl Market again this year,” explained Adam Schroeder, Market Manager.  “We have a great mix of new and returning vendors and have brought in some live entertainment to add to the experience.”

Kacey Brankamp, Retail Recruiter for Capital Crossroads, is excited about the Market too.  It is her job to recruit retailers to the downtown area and the Pearl Market, both the summer and winter versions, is an outstanding tool.  The Pearl Markets serve as retail incubators for entrepreneurs interested in testing the waters downtown.  Someone with a great idea or an established business in another part of town can do a trial run downtown in a low-risk environment. 

The booth fees are minimal and include the “storefront,” so the vendor can focus solely on his/her product, customer interaction and visual display.  Being part of the Market also means their business is part of an established commercial area with its own marketing and existing customer base.

“The Pearl Market is a wonderful retail incubator for downtown,” said Brankamp.  “Incubator is the perfect word to describe the environment because vendors are clustered together which offers them support, feedback and a customer base that is naturally inclined to support new and unique products.”

In her efforts to bring new retailers downtown, Brankamp has been able to point to the success of previous Pearl Market vendors who have gone on to open permanent retail locations in the area.  These vendors who used the Markets to test and grow their businesses include Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties, Si Senor Sandwiches and More and Take Ten Body Therapy. 

“To test the idea of expanding our retail presence with a Sugardaddy’s downtown store, we leveraged Pearl Market and Capital Crossroads to understand better the downtown customer and the potential fit of Sugardaddy’s in the downtown market, while actually selling our products to new customers,” explained Mark Ballard, co-founder and co-CEO of Sugardaddy’s.  “Moreover, once we made the decision to open a store downtown, we then were able to use the Market to advertise when and where we were opening.  Pearl Market proved to be a tremendous low-cost, low-risk solution to conduct market research, increase sales and advertise our business’ products.”

The Market also offered a landing ground for New Orleans Pralines when their location was closed with the demolition of City Center.  Chandra Noble has maintained her business and customer base through offerings in the Market.

While the closure of City Center altered the face of retail downtown, with the help of ventures like Pearl Market and the commitment of Capital Crossroads SID full-time retail recruitment program, downtown’s future will see more small and locally owned businesses, the very type that Pearl Market can help foster and support.