Right Now Downtown

STAYCATION, ALL I EVER WANTED

We don’t mean to harp on the less-than-pleasant Columbus weather, but the holidays have passed and the winter doldrums have arrived.  If your finances or time prohibit a Caribbean cruise, planning a staycation is a great way to liven up the winter months.

Downtown Columbus offers loads of lovely rooms in which to “staycation” for a night or a weekend.  Whether you want to book a room for one of the upcoming long weekends or make an overnight out of a Blue Jackets game or Broadway Series show, you’re sure to find just the right spot downtown.

Red Roof Inn
111 East Nationwide Boulevard
614.224.6539
The Red Roof Inn is holding a Grand Reopening event on January 20 to celebrate their recent renovation of the hotel.  Everything is new – the rooms, public areas and meeting rooms.  What they call their NextGen room design features a more boutique style, including flat screen TVs, wood floors, boutique-style bathrooms and many amenities.  This isn’t your parent’s Red Roof Inn!  If you want to plan your staycation, find deals at 1.800.redroof or at redroof.com.

Columbus, A Renaissance Hotel
50 North Third Street
614.228.5050
Columbus, A Renaissance Hotel is well known to food lovers for their wonderful Latitude 41 restaurant and its unique and elegant cuisine.  If you want to impress, book a three-night stay between February 10 and March 27 and get the third night at no cost (you must book the stay between January 21 and February 11).  marriott.com

Courtyard by Marriott
35 West Spring Street
614.228.3200
marriott.com

Crowne Plaza and The Lofts Hotel
33 and 55 East Nationwide Boulevard
614.461.4100 and 614.461.2663
The Lofts Hotel provides the feel of New York with loft stylings.  And both hotels offer a number of packages including massage packages, spa packages, Blue Jackets packages and more.  Just check out their websites for more details. crowneplaza.com and 55lofts.com

Doubletree Guest Suite
50 South Front Street
614.228.4600
doubletree1.hilton.com

Drury Inn & Suites
88 East Nationwide Boulevard
614.221.7008
druryhotels.com

Hampton Inn
501 North High Street
614.559.2000
hamptoninn.com

Holiday Inn Capitol Square
175 East Town Street
614.221.3281
holidayinn.com

Hyatt on Capitol Square
75 East State Street
614.228.1234
The Hyatt on Capitol Square offers three special packages which can be booked on their website under “Special Offers.”  There are no fixed rates for these packages, so check multiple dates for the best deal.  The Awaken package lets you ease into your day with a freshly prepared breakfast when you’re ready to make a move.  This package includes full breakfast and valet parking.  The Amour package lets you take the time to reconnect with that special person.  Enjoy time for just the two of you with an unforgettable setting and all the romantic touches.  This package includes full breakfast, champagne and spiced truffles, valet parking, and late check-out.  And the Explore package helps you experience local life and all of its ingredients.  This package includes full breakfast, choice of admission to COSI or the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, valet parking and late check-out. capitolsquare.hyatt.com

Hyatt Regency
350 North High Street
614.463.1234
Like the Red Roof Inn, the Hyatt Regency is going through major renovations.  Scheduled for full completion in April, the renovations include 42 inch flat screen TVs in all rooms, granite counter tops and more.  If you’ve stayed at the Hyatt Regency before, this will be an all new experience.  Check out their website for rates.  columbus.hyatt.com

Residence Inn Columbus Downtown
36 East Gay Street
614.222.2610
residenceinncolumbusdowntown.com

Westin Great Southern Hotel
310 South High Street
614.228.3800
The Westin Great Southern is one of Columbus’ classic and most beautiful hotels.  They are offering winter escapes from 139.00 per night through March 31; a year of your birth special where your first night is 169.00 but your second and third nights are priced equal to the year of your birth (say 70.00 for 1970); plus bonus Starpoints for members on weekend stays and a 10 percent discount when you book 14 days in advance.  Check out their website for full details. starwoodhotels.com

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.”

WHAT EXACTLY?

What exactly do you love about me?

Isn’t that always the question?  It’s nice to be loved, but it’s nicer to know precisely what is so lovable about… downtown Columbus.

Who better to assess the lovable features of our downtown than hotel execs?  They get to see the city through the eyes of visitors from far-flung regions of the nation.  It lends a certain amount of objectivity to the perspective.

Leave it to the folks at Hyatt on Capitol Square to set the standard.  Reviewers at Priceline and Zagat place the hotel in the local top tenth percentile.  It’s n-i-c-e.  Bruce Flyer spent several years as the General Manager there before the corporation moved him up to Canada.  What does he miss the most about life here in the capital?  He says, “The biggest thing we miss is the small-town feeling you get while living in a big city.”  Columbus feels like home.

Intriguingly, the new Hyatt GM, Nancy Dudak, is already making similar observations about us.  She says, “The sense of neighborhood and neighborliness” is an amazing thing about the area… and her last stint was in the home of southern hospitality – Atlanta, Georgia.

As for the Hyatt’s guests, they’re pretty happy too.  A peek at the ratings and reviews shows high marks for the fitness room, great staff and stunning views.

Naturally, the view is stunning:  It’s downtown!