Downtown Columbus study shows housing demand, Mill Race improvements

A new Columbus Downtown 2030 study was unveiled to the public and city officials on Monday.

Consultants with the Sasaki engineering firm from Boston and the SB Friedman financial firm from Chicago presented their conclusions about the best ways to improve downtown Columbus to a joint meeting of the Columbus Redevelopment Commission and City Council Monday evening.

The study concluded that those who took part wanted an attractive, pedestrian friendly downtown with special emphasis on Washington, Fourth and Fifth streets and better access to Mill Race Park.

Looking at the demand for downtown uses, the consultants said that housing demand is strong in the near term, with people craving more housing developments and a strong market for multi-family units. The weakest market demand in the downtown area is for more office space, with a weak market and most new offices being built directly for particular employers. They suggested office and retail space be more of a long-term goal.

Immediate suggestions included improving the entrances to Mill Race Park, extending the streetscape on Fourth Street to the park, and putting policies in place to bring Washington Street to life through the downtown.

They envisioned a pedestrian bridge leading into Mill Race Park over Fourth Street, a new gateway into the park at Fifth Street and a children’s splash pad and play area in the park.

Mayor Mary Ferdon unveiled four teams that will work on the plan, with some movement expected on immediate items by the end of the year.

No pricetags were attached to any of the suggestions.

You can find out more about the study at https://downtowncolumbus2030.com