Lifestyle

Where do I buy groceries?

I have lived at ConneXtions Lofts at 110 N. Third St. in downtown Columbus for over a year now. I was thrilled when Mayor Coleman announced his incentives for downtown housing, and I immediately called to reserve a unit when ConneXtions became one of the first projects announced in 2002.

Three years later, even the most diehard downtown housing fan is amazed at the strength of this market and the apparent pent-up demand for downtown living in Columbus.

Since 2002 when Mayor Coleman's plan was rolled out, there have been 988 housing units added in the downtown area, and there are another 2,664 either under construction or in the planning stages. Compare this to all of the 1990s, when there were less than 100 total units added. It seems that you can't pick up a paper lately without reading about another adaptive reuse of an older building in the downtown area. People really appreciate the architectural features of an old, solid downtown building. You can't get the urban feel of downtown anyplace else in the city, and we are finally taking advantage of this great asset.

The people who choose to live downtown are from all backgrounds and age groups and include young and middle-aged professionals, singles, married couples and empty nesters. They like the opportunity to walk to the theaters and museums, restaurants and clubs, festivals, Short North, etc.

There has been a definite change in the downtown streets over the last 3-4 years. Since the start of the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District (SID) in 2001, the streets have become much cleaner and safer and there are almost always people in bright green shirts sweeping, cleaning and watching over the area. Businesses in the downtown core have funded this service and they are thrilled at the results.

Contrary to popular belief, the downtown area is very safe! Given the combination of the SID, all of the property improvements going on, and the addition of numerous residents walking the neighborhood, the crime rate dropped 20% from 2003 to 2004 and it has held at that level. The downtown precinct ranks 6th best out of 18 precincts when looking at overall crime rates in Columbus.

Shopping is something that I am always asked about as a downtown resident. There are three major grocery chains within about a mile of the intersection of Broad & High Streets, and a new Kroger being constructed in the Brewery District. There is also the North Market and talk of a Whole Foods going into the Arena District. The new CVS on High St. downtown is open seven days a week and carries milk, bread, frozen foods and a large grocery section. There are plenty of options for me when it comes to groceries. Although City Center is going through major changes, there are still about seventy stores to shop at including Kaufmann's, and we are eagerly awaiting what the new owner plans to do with this mall. I can also walk to numerous shops downtown and in the Short North.

I have served as president of the Downtown Residents' Association of Columbus (DRAC) since August, 2003. We meet the third Wednesday of each month at a different downtown location such as condo projects, restaurants, athletic clubs, etc. We have a speaker who briefly addresses some aspect of downtown living, as well as a social/networking session. We have regularly been drawing 80+ people from throughout the city, and you can learn more about us and our next meeting at www.dracolumbus.com. Check us out and see what the excitement is all about downtown!

Kevin E. Wood, President
Downtown Residents' Association of Columbus

Diversity, friendship, community, fun and convenience

Ten years ago, living in downtown Columbus was considered a frightening financial investment. Those who bought a home in the downtown area took the risk of losing money on the re-sale of their property or not being able to resell at all! Now, those same people are considered pioneers who paved the way for an immeasurable amount of growth in downtown Columbus. Each one of those early investments made a huge impact on the creation of a new lifestyle associated with the area?one of diversity, friendship, community, fun and convenience.

In recent years, a surge of young professionals, couples without children and empty nesters have been moving to downtown Columbus and the surrounding areas. These people represent diverse ethnicities, races, cultures and languages. As urban dwellers, these people embrace "one-stop living" where they can work, live and play within a short drive or walk. Since these residents spend most of their time in the downtown area, they know the establishments and other residents well, and call each other friends. This friendship creates a strong bond and sense of community that is evident in the various downtown resident's associations and community festivals.

Every day, more people move downtown. Each new person is part of the thread that is pulling downtown Columbus and surrounding areas closer together. The lifestyle associated with downtown Columbus is becoming more and more prominent with each new resident. Although Columbus is many, many years from even being in the same ballpark as Chicago or New York, it is proving itself to be an actual metropolis, the center of activity in Ohio. Just imagine what the future may hold!

Lenore and Robert Kaler
Coldwell Banker King Thompson
Exclusive selling agents for Brewer's Gate