Right Now Downtown

ART – FULL SNEAKERS DISCOVERED

It’s easy to find time to take a little walk in May when the sun is shining and flowers are blooming, but the darkened skies of fall often lure us to the couch with promise of cozy blankets and warm jammies.  But, you’re in luck – Columbus Public Health created Columbus Art Walks, which makes getting exercise a breeze.

Columbus Art Walks celebrates the city’s history and neighborhoods with pocket-sized maps.  Put one to use to counteract the giblet gravy and pumpkin pie coming up this weekend or to calm your nerves during half-time of the OSU-Michigan game with a brisk walk.  The maps provide enough fun to pull even hardcore couch potatoes from their cushions to move their tooshies as they catch a little culture in the process.

Did you know that the Old National Road runs through Downtown Columbus and colorful murals are hidden throughout the Discovery District?  The Art Walks map even employs a little scavenger hunt to find pieces of the Ohio Penitentiary scattered throughout the Arena District.

Explore public art, historical sites and architecture along one to three mile routes with each map, and you can also go high tech when you download the audio tour on your mobile device.  Right now, you can find maps for the Statehouse District, the Arena District and the Discovery District, and be on the lookout for many more.

For additional information, visit the Art Walks Website or pick up pocket maps at the Capital Crossroads SID offices at 23 N. Fourth Street.

On October 29 the summer Pearl Market closed for the 2010 season, wrapping up another very successful year of bringing fresh, local produce, foods and unique goods to the downtown community.  Over the course of the summer, 58 merchants and 30 farmers peddled their wares in the Pearl and Lynn alleys with spillover on Broad and Gay streets.  The Market operated for 47 days this summer, with an average of 3,500 people exploring its offerings on any given day.  That totals almost 165,000 visits – all from people who enjoy shopping, lunch, entertainment and some fantastic people watching.

Numbers like these reinforce the importance of Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District’s commitment to running the Pearl Market. Our Market Manager, Adam Schroeder, has helped expand the Market’s offerings through outreach to potential farmers and vendors and has improved the Market’s accessibility and visibility.  This year, after a trial run in the 2009-10 Winter Pearl Market, guests of the Market could use credit cards or the Ohio Direction Card to purchase tokens redeemable at almost all Market vendors.  The move from cash-only purchasing made it easier for last-minute shoppers, and the ability to use the Ohio Direction Card opened the Market to a new demographic.  The program was a huge success with over $14,000 in credit card transactions and over $2,400 in Ohio Direction Card/EBT transactions.

Special events and offerings served to boost interest and attendance at the Market.  Five Tasty Tuesdays were held, during which staff prepared recipes featuring Market products and provided samples and copies of the recipes to customers. (If you missed our Tasty Tuesdays, you can still check out the recipes at downtowncolumbus.com/pearlmarket/special-events). The Ohio Proud Mobile Kitchen set up shop in the Market on two occasions.  Area chefs shopped the Market and then prepared some tasty samples for Market customers.  Other special events included the Second Annual Kids’ Day on July 27 in conjunction with COSI, which garnered media attention on all of the major network television stations.  And there was Tomato Day, Strawberry Day, Squash Day, Taste of the Summer Harvest and Taste of the Fall Harvest, all of which featured special recipes and samples of the special ingredient or ingredients of the day.  Plus customers were able to enjoy live entertainment every Market day from a variety of musical guests, which sometimes led to actual dancing in the streets.

Capital Crossroads kicked off the Friends of the Market program this summer to allow fans of the Market to help support daily operations.   Both individual and business Friends of the Market options are available for purchase, benefits of which include a listing on the Pearl Market website and a reusable canvas Pearl Market shopping bag.  By the end of the Summer Market, 30 individuals and one business had signed up to be Friends of the Market. If you are interested in more information or would like to take a peek at our Friends list, visit downtowncolumbus.com/pearlmarket/friends.

The Market received much earned media from newsprint to television all season long.  One of the highlights included Fox 28 reporter, Johnny DiLoretto, who came to the Market and aired his entire morning show live in the alley.  He promoted the Market and interviewed vendors, which was a great way to support the entrepreneurial spirit of the Market vendors.  In addition, Market promotions were enhanced through our marketing and communications channels, including Facebook, Twitter and our weekly Right Now Downtown email blast.  Each vehicle was used to share information on special events and a weekly Market Special was available to Right Now Downtown subscribers.  One of our Market vendors penned a weekly blog post called the Market Maven and we posted a number of videos showing interviews with vendors and highlighting what makes the Market unique.

Though the summer Pearl Market has wrapped up for another year, the Winter Pearl Market is just kicking off. The Winter Market will be held on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 2 through February 25 at 33 N. Third Street.

RUB A DUB, DUB

When was the last time you actually gave a thought about taking a shower or dipping your toes into a steamy warm tub?  If you are like the vast majority of peeps reading this, it probably doesn’t cross your mind unless you’re counting the hours until you take the plunge.

Capital Crossroads SID is in the process of preparing for the fall and winter months.  Each season brings its own set of duties for the Clean and Safe Team of Ambassadors.  The teams have wrapped up summer power washing and flower watering.  But as the leaves begin to fall throughout the downtown, the ambassadors will employ two leaf vacuums along with two ATLV ride on refuse collectors to ensure that the sidewalks are clear of leaves and debris.  The leaf matter will be transported to a local point so that it can be repurposed as mulch rather than end up in plastic bags in the landfill.

The Clean and Safe Teams have also been training on a new Rapid Response Vehicle, which will be used to tow equipment around the SID in response to urgent requests or planned duties.  And they have begun utilizing a new small machine trailer to help transport equipment and gear to pinpoint locations downtown where they are needed.  The Rapid Response Vehicle will also be used to address graffiti and other issues in critical areas. 

Additional staff has been added to the Discovery District team and a third shift has been established as a clean and special projects team that will work on COTA bus shelters and with power washing trouble spots during the overnight hours.  This will also help in the winter months as staff will be on hand and ready to go when snow falls during the night.  The third shift team will be able to begin snow clearing and salting before pedestrians arrive in the morning.

Finally, the Clean and Safe Teams are undergoing new training programs for several different divisions, including Radios, Graffiti, Bike Patrol and Life Safety.  The Capital Crossroad SID continues to improve operations through the use of improved equipment and training of staff.  As always, if you have any issues or concerns or a specific service request, you may call 614-228-5718 or complete an online Service Request Form http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/SIDservicerequest .

The 2010 Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan was adopted by Columbus City Council on July 19, after many months of public input, planning, discussion, dreaming and synthesizing.  This Plan is not a to-do list; rather it is meant to guide investment and development in downtown for the next 10 years.  It takes off where the 2002 Strategic Business Plan for Downtown Columbus ended, building on the long-term framework and looking to identify catalysts for growth.

The planning process, which included public meetings, an online survey and discussion with downtown stakeholders, identified a list of 10 Principles to define the community’s goals and vision, 12 Ideas emerging from those Principles, and 8 Strategies to implement the Ideas.  To view the complete Plan, including the Principles, Ideas and Strategies, click here.

What does this mean for Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District (CCSID)?  First off, Cleve Ricksecker, Executive Director of CCSID, was involved in the planning meetings and participated in a downtown stakeholder interview.  All efforts to improve the downtown are important to the SID, and Ricksecker approached the planning process with that point of view in mind.

“The SID had already worked with MSI to develop our Public Realm Enhancement Plan - a wish list for the SID, if you will.  I was able to offer input from a SID-perspective through the strategic planning process,” explained Ricksecker.

Andrew Overbeck of MSI added, “We know Cleve real well and he was part of these meetings.  The SID’s plan was done beforehand, so that informed our planning sessions with regard to what enhancements they were looking for downtown.  It will be great to integrate these plans.”

As the City seeks to implement the Strategic Plan over the long term, public/private partnerships will play a vital role.  And over the years, CCSID has acted as a catalyst for such parternships, from the revitalization of Gay Street in 2007 to the wayfinding sign system that was installed in 2008.

Overbeck identified Ideas four through nine of the Plan, which deal with the High Street Core, as falling specifically within the SID boundaries and as places where the City, the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC) and others will look to partner with CCSID.  These ideas include:

• Redefining Broad Street as the civic spine of the City;
• Restoring High Street as downtown’s commercial corridor;
• Developing a Downtown Transit Center to replace the High Street Transit Mall;
• Building a 3-c Multi-Modal Station;
• Developing a Downtown Field House.

“We have looked at each part of the Plan and identified where partnerships currently exist and where they can be developed.  Right now these are just ideas, but it’s important to get everyone at the table to let some of these ideas take hold,” added Overbeck.

Ricksecker agrees.  “We look forward to partnering with the City, CDDC and others to bring these ideas to fruition.  Through the SID’s efforts, some advance work has already been done, particularly with regard to bike facilities and restoring the High Street retail corridor.”

Overbeck noted that if one looked at photos of Columbus from 1995, one would see an abandoned prison, an abandoned school and an undeveloped gash through the city where 670 cut through.   Fifteen years later, those same areas are vibrant sectors – the Arena District, COSI and the High Street cap over 670.  The vision of our city leaders in the 1990s has taken root in our city’s fabric.

“It’s an inspiring thing.  We can do an awful lot in Columbus.  None of these things is out of reach,” concluded Overbeck.

The next fifteen years should be something to behold.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU TONIGHT?

The Menus served up a feast of entertainment during Downtown LIVE last week on the patio at Darbys, but not before Francisco Roja whet the appetite of all the people ready to kick off the weekend early at the annual concert series.

In between appetizers and frosty beverages, players from the Capitol Square Kickball League sauntered over from the “People’s Lawn” to kick back before they kicked butt on the field.  By the way, there’s still time to get a team together for the second course of kickball (registration closes on July 23).

Check out the video below to see for yourself what Capitol Square looks like on Thursday nights during the summer, and thanks go out to The Hyatt and WCBE 90.5 for their generous support.

Untitled from Downtown Columbus on Vimeo.

Meet Market Vendor and corn cook extraordinaire Ross Shipley of Darby Valley Farm.  The corn looks delectable and we can’t wait until he brings some melons the third week of July!

Calling All Corn Lovers from Downtown Columbus on Vimeo.

Spoonful: Lovin’ Vinyl

Brett Ruland is making lemonade outta lemons.  After being laid off from his graphic design job, Ruland decided to follow his passion.  As a lifelong record collector, he was struck by the reemergence of “vinyl” on the music scene and decided that now was the time to open a retail vintage record store.  Spoonful Records opened at 116 E. Long Street on July 17.

But Spoonful is more than just a record store; Ruland envisions a lifestyle store that touches on a number of his interests.  Think vintage pinball, live bands, t-shirts, plus, of course, records.  Though he originally planned to carry only vintage records, he also stocks new music that is being released on vinyl.

“I am just trying to make the store about what I like.  I figure if I like it, then maybe other people will like it too.  I want the store to be a place to hang out, a place to have a conversation.  In a time so focused on technology, this will be a place to hang out, where you don’t know who you’ll bump into.”

Ruland believes that fans of vinyl feel like the music has a warmer sound and that you are “closer to the band.”  He knows others collect records for the covers, many of which are true works of art.  He has already seen a lot of interest in his store, with fans on Facebook and others popping into his storefront asking questions.

Though he looked at locations around the city, he decided that downtown was where he wanted to be.  He noticed the reemergence of retail on Gay Street and hopes that along with B1 Bicycles, Spoonful will ramp things up on Long Street.

“I like all the activity, excitement and buzz.  There’s just something about downtown, and I want to seek that out.  Plus, there’s a good mix of students and business people who want to collect records.”

He has been in touch with Kacey Campbell Brankamp, Retail Recruiter for Capital Crossroads SID who has helped with available resources and promotion of the store opening. After learning about the City’s matching funds for storefront improvements, Ruland is looking into applying for funds, once he is sure what type of signage he would like.

Capital Crossroads welcomes Spoonful and these other businesses that have opened recently:  Si Senor Sandwiches & More, the Downtown Alternative High School Restaurant, Justin Harvey Clothing Store, Verizon Wireless and Pickles Deli.

The Downtown LIVE summer concert series returned June 10 to the Darbys patio at the corner of Third and State streets.  The Capital Crossroads-sponsored free outdoor concert series kicked off with the unparalleled sounds of Conspiracy.  Again this year, those who head over early for happy hour, which starts at 4:30 p.m., can enjoy an opening act.  Matt Munhall entertained the early birds on opening night.

Ever since Thursday night became the unofficial start of the weekend, revelers have been able to enjoy free outdoor concerts to celebrate a warm summer’s night downtown.  Those willing to date themselves admit that they used to hit Rally in the Alley.  Earlier this decade, the Rally was revitalized as Party on State.  And for the past few years the revamped Downtown LIVE has offered a great way to unwind after work with food and drink specials and the best in local and regional bands.

This year’s line-up, coordinated by CCSID staff and Class Act Entertainment, offers something for every musical taste.  Each week a new band will hit the stage, including favorites such as The Menus, Reaganomics and Red Wanting Blue.  In addition to Muhnall, Alex White and Francisco Rojas join the opening act rotation.  While the tunes change weekly, the schedule stays the same with music, food and drink specials, and fun from 4:30 to 9 p.m.  For a complete band line-up, click here.

Downtown LIVE also provides the soundtrack for the Capitol Square Kickball League.  Players can kick head over before or after their games for food, drinks, music and fun, rounding out a fun evening downtown.

This year, Capital Crossroads secured a media sponsor for the event in WCBE.  Listeners to WCBE will be updated on the weekly band line-up (along with information regarding Pearl Market) three times a day.  This is a significant sponsorship worth roughly $22,000.  In addition, a local media push has garnered increased interest in both Downtown LIVE and the Market.  News crews from Fox/ABC WSYS and 10TV covered the Market’s opening and 10TV had a crew at Downtown LIVE’s opening night with Chris Bradley giving his weather reports on site.  Media attention should result in bigger crowds at all the downtown events this summer.

Columbus is making some amazing strides with bicycling.  Friday, the Cityof Columbus announced a bike-sharing program for employees.  City employees can use bicycles available at City Hall, the Columbus Health Department and the Jerry Hammond Center.

The Columbus Health Department has long been one of the most progressive in the United States.  We also have a mayor who is “finding his stride” and becoming one of the country’s truly great mayors.

On the biking issue alone, Mayor Coleman has made a huge difference.  He became personally involved in securing Federal Energy Stimulus fund so Capital Crossroads SID can develop bicycle parking facilities in downtown.  He has championed “Share the Road,” bike lanes and trails, and biking to work.

Ultimately, he may have as a big of an impact on Columbus as Manny Sensenbrenner did in the 1950s and 1960s.  His impact, however, will be to grow the city inward, not outward.

He has had his impact on me.  Thanks in large part to his prodding, I bought my bicycle on May 17 and have been riding to work virtually every day since.