Parcels to Places Initiative

PARCELS PLACES to

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Neighborhood Design Center | September 2018

IMAGE CREDITS All photos by Ryan Hillyer, except as follows: 1 (top, center) Mid-Ohio Foodbank (bottom, left) Franklinton Farms 9 (center, plan) Growing Hearts & Hands Gardens (center, right) John Thorne (bottom, left) Maroon Arts Group (bottom, center) Bernie Frankl 20-21 Mid-Ohio Foodbank 22 (top and middle circles) Oscar Camacho Cabrera 23 (top) The Miracle Garden (bottom) Oscar Camacho Cabrera 24-25 Franklinton Farms 26 (center circle) Maroon Arts Group (bottom circle) Aaron Murphy 27 (top and middle) Maroon Arts Group 28 (top and middle circles) Aaron Murphy 29 30-31

(bottom circle) Billion or Bust Media (top) Maroon Arts Group South of Main Civic Association

Special thanks to The Columbus Dispatch and following photographers for the following images: 22 (bottom circle) Tom Dodge for “Nonprofit growing food, hope on vacant Linden parcels” by Kayla Beard, July 31, 2017 27 (bottom) Fred Squillante for “Shipping containers become entertainment venue for Near East Side” by Eric Lagatta, June 28, 2018

CONTENTS COMPETITION BACKGROUND 4 6 7 8 10 12

Introduction Project Partners + Sponsors Competition Accomplishments About the Competition Competition Timeline Parcel Map

WINNING PROPOSALS 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

Remembrance Park Olde Towne East Pocket Park Urban Forest Wheatland Farm Victorian Herb Garden Community Education Garden MPACC Willowbeez Soul Veg Pop-Up Community Art + Flower Garden

INTRODUCTION All vacant parcels ask a question and offer a promise that extends beyond their physical boundaries.

“What can we do with vacant land?” is a question that has come up many times over the 35 years that the NDC has engaged in urban revitalization efforts in Columbus. The Parcels to Places Competition, launched in 2016 and completed in the Spring of 2018, repositioned this question with greater intensity and focus than did our previous experiences in this arena.

We hope that the nine projects showcased in this book will each tell a unique story of how a vacant parcel in our city, whether big or small, can become a powerful catalyst of positive change, able to harvest and weave latent forces present in a neighborhood to cast a broader spell of transformation within the community. Together, they make Parcels to Places a project with unique synergy - an exercise in how change can begin with a specific problem, which, if driven by strong partnerships and commitment, can grow incrementally to re-scale our thinking and actions in service of greater and more effective visions.

We are not done answering the question we started with, “What can we do with vacant land?”

More importantly, we cannot do it alone. We thank our sponsors and community partners for their extraordinary commitment to action and hope that we will have the opportunity to re-ignite the question with renewed energy and collective wisdom.

Isabela Gould, Executive Director The Neighborhood Design Center

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With the support of Mayor Ginther’s office and City Council the Land Redevelopment Division was able to assemble a team of partners that made Parcels to Places possible and successful.

Reutilization of vacant and abandoned property has been and will continue to be a priority for the City of Columbus and a necessary component of the growth of the city.

Parcels to Places besides transforming vacant properties was a great opportunity for introducing community members to the Land Bank program and demonstrating how they can participate in the improvement of their neighborhood. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Neighborhood Design Center in the future rounds of Parcels to Places.

Reza Reyazi, Assistant Administrator City of Columbus Land Redevelopment Division

“...if we are to solve the problems that plague us, our thinking must evolve beyond the level we were using when we created those problems in the first place.

“

cradle to cradle, William McDonough + Michael Braungart

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PROJECT SPONSORS + PARTNERS Parcels to Places would not be possible without the generous support of:

Additionally, the Neighborhood Design Center would like to extend thanks to the Advisory Panel: John Turner

Lisa Patt-McDaniel

City of Columbus Landbank

Affordable Housing Trust

Reza Reyazi

Aaron Murphy

City of Columbus Landbank

Affordable Housing Trust

Andrew Dyer

Jason Kentner

Legislative Aide, Columbus City Council

The Ohio State University

Michael Wilkos

Jeannie Martin

Joe Pimmel

Louis Johnson

Cyp Studios

The Columbus Foundation Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing

Gresham, Smith and Partners

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P to

33 PARCELS

17.82

RS

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A RT N E

97

TREES PLANTED

ACRES REDEVELOPED

NTS ICA L P

1,054

VOLUNTEER HOURS

ST

S

23 A P

P

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$ 173,698 awarded

FI N ALI

2 YEAR PERIOD

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ABOUT THE COMPETITION Parcels to Places is a pilot project that sought creative ideas and strategies for transforming Columbus’ vacant land into community assets. Launched in the winter of 2016, the Parcels to Places team looked to individuals, community organizations, neighbors and design professionals to submit proposals for innovative strategies that spur conversation on the transformability of vacant land into active, vibrant places.

Parcels to Places​aims to raise awareness of the inventory of properties managed by the City of Columbus Land Bank, and foster public dialogue around issues such as food systems, art, community space, economic development, education and storm water retention.

In its inaugural year, 23 applicants submitted proposals. After two reviews by the Advisory Panel, representing by a jury of city officials, design professionals and representatives of community organizations, nine winners were selected to implement over $170,000 worth of improvements to vacant properties throughout the Columbus community. In generating a collection of innovative and replicable ideas for the future of vacant lots, the competition hopes to spark increased demand for creative, smart, and sustainable uses of under-utilized land in Columbus neighborhoods.

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Supplemental Information Session

RUARY 201

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COMPETITION TIMELINE

MA RCH 2018

Competition Kick-off Opening event at the King Arts Complex

PARCELS TO PLACES IN THE MEDIA FEBRUARY 5, 2016 Columbus Undergound, “Parcels to Places Wants to Transform Vacant Properties” OCTOBER 20, 2016 WOSU, “Columbus Neighborhoods” series (Ep. “Pocket Parks”) JULY 31, 2017 Columbus Dispatch, “Nonprofit growing food, hope on vacant Linden parcels” AUGUST 12, 2017 Columbus Dispatch, “Gardens scattered across Franklinton add up to big produce operation” MAY 18, 2018 Columbus Underground, “Shipping Container Arts Space Opens in King-Lincoln District” JUNE 28, 2018 Columbus Dispatch, “Shipping containers become entertainment venue for Near East Side”

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Semi-Finalists Announced RCH 2016 MA

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AP R I

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13

2 01

23 Initial Submissions Received

Finalists Announced

AP R IL

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9 APR IL 2016

Public Exhibition/ Panel Review

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Original Selected Parcels Submissions Received Winning Proposals

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WINNING PROJECTS

WINNING PROPOSALS

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REMEMBRANCE PARK 2863 Fern Ave. The Miracle Garden $13,000

this page (from top left): new plantings, donated metal trellis, rock pathway through site opposite page: new seasonal blooms

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

Situated in a natural setting, Remembrance Park embraces the existing topography and mature trees to redefine a gathering space for the neighboring residential properties. Improving access through the site are mulch trails and flagstone paths that wind through trees and a new metal trellis. Additional site enhancements include pollinator habitats, fruit trees, berries and herb plants. These improvements tie into the larger goals of the Miracle Garden’s mission to transform sites that provide neighborhood beautification, engage community with outdoor educational spaces and grow herbs and produce for the Urban Farming Economic Development Plan.

Project Partners: Habitat for Humanity Mid-Ohio Schieber & Associates

Improvements Include:

Structure

Connectivity

Education

Gardening

Signage

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Community

OLDE TOWNE EAST POCKET PARK 54-56 S. Ohio Ave. OTENA $20,300

this page (from top left): flowers in bloom, neighborhood free library, spool screening wall opposite page (from top): entry to park, new benches and frames for art, custom bike rack

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ABOUT THE PROJECT With a goal of providing amenities and garden plots to the neighborhood, as well as signs of vitality, the Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association proposed site enhancements for the Olde Towne East Pocket Park.

Improvements include items such as decorative fencing, community art and plantings, creating opportunities for community farmer’s markets, community gatherings and other pop-up activities. In addition to the lot features, OTENA also considered opportunities to utilize an adjacent parking lot as an extension of the development to host food trucks or extend the market.

Project Partners: Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association

Improvements Include:

Structure

Connectivity

Education

Gardening

Signage

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Community

URBAN FOREST 941-49 Carpenter St. HNHF Collaborative $15,000

this page (from top left): volunteer painted raised planters, new plantings on site, new signage opposite page (from top): new shelter space and on-site storage, entry gate

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ABOUT THE PROJECT To supplement the Healthy Neighborhood Healthy Family’s non-profit housing initiatives, HNHF transformed two adjacent lots into a sustainable “Urban Forest” to benefit the community. The goal is to create a third place within the community, connecting residents with each other, opening access to fresh produce, providing educational opportunities for nearby Livingston Elementary and creating a place for novice gardeners to grow through programming with Community Development for All People.

Project Partners: Community Development for All People

Improvements Include:

Structure

Connectivity

Education

Gardening

Signage

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Community

WHEATLAND FARM 116 N. Wheatland Ave. Mid-Ohio Foodbank $9,000

this page (from top left): in process work, planting inside the greenhouse, farmers and volunteers opposite page (from top): original undeveloped site, farm stand

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ABOUT THE PROJECT Urban Farms of Central Ohio (UFCO), an initiative rooted in Mid-Ohio Foodbank, sought to transform a once vacant lot into Wheatland Farm, a thriving urban farm that will increase the community’s access to fresh, local produce while simultaneously offering training and education, community engagement, and volunteer opportunities for local residents.

Located in a community that has high rates of poverty and food insecurity, this parcel was once a certified brownfield after the demolition of the state psychiatric hospital and sat vacant for more than thirty years. Since that time, the soil has undergone extensive remediation to remove potential hazards and contaminants, which has resulted in an environment that is safe for crop production to carryout various initiatives and add value to the community.

Improvements Include:

Structure

Connectivity

Education

Gardening

Signage

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Community

VICTORIAN HERB GARDEN 2211-17 Cleveland Ave. The Miracle Garden $25,000

this page (from top left): View of site, proximity of site to Linden Library, Volunteers working on the new gazebo opposite page (from top): activity from site groundbreaking, decorative masonry wall in process

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

The proposal for the Victorian Herb Garden creates a replicable herb garden aimed at beautifying the neighborhood, engaging and educating the community, and developing an urban farm.

These further align with other Miracle Garden developments in the neighborhood.

With brick-lined gravel paths and a decorative masonry fence along the sidewalks, the site contains pollinator habitats, fruit trees, berries, herbs, walking paths, benches and a gazebo for outdoor educational activities. Beyond direct community engagement, the intent is to utilize local students and volunteers to implement the proposal and assist with annual maintenance on site.

Project Partners: Habitat for Humanity Mid-Ohio Schieber & Associates

Improvements Include:

Structure

Connectivity

Education

Gardening

Signage

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Community

COMMUNITY EDUCATION GARDEN 164 Hawkes Ave. Franklinton Farms $30,000

this page (from top left): greens inside high tunnel, finalizing the high tunnels, framework under construction opposite page (from top): food in production, view from the entry gate, volunteers constructing fences

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

In its proposal for Parcels to Places, Franklinton Gardens looked to establish a pilot community education garden. Situated near two prominent community assets, Gladden Community House and Avondale Elementary, the learning garden will provide a number of benefits to the neighborhood including space to carry out diverse educational programming focusing on gardening and food production for both home and market.

Additionally the garden provides a place for community events, general beautification, and a venue for Franklinton Gardens to host annual garden-related festivals.

Project Partners: Franklinton Gardens VISTA Collaboration (Mt. Carmel West, Gladden Community House, St. John’s Episcopal Church)

Improvements Include:

Structure

Connectivity

Education

Gardening

Signage

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Community

MPACC 925-33 Mt. Vernon Ave. Maroon Arts Group $30,000

this page (from top left): Opening celebration, performance from Maroon Music Sunday, Box Party grand opening opposite page (from top): evening performance, container delivery, MPACC Rotating Art Gallery

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Maroon Arts Group (MAG) is a collective of creatives who have galvanized to develop and provide a platform for conscious art centered around the preservation and promotion of cultures of African descent. Movement Pursuing Arts, Commerce + Community (MPACC) is an innovative endeavor that supports local artists of all genres, engages the community at large, and brings a wealth of social and economic commerce to the district.

This is done through programming and events around an innovative gallery and performance venue constructed from reused shipping containers. The containers will be transformed into a community gallery filled and surrounded by art that speaks to social justice issues in the community.

Project Partners: Willowbeez SoulVeg Improvements Include:

Structure

Connectivity

Education

Gardening

Signage

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Community

WILLOWBEEZ SOUL VEG POP-UP 925-33 Mt. Vernon Ave. Willowbeez Soul Veg $16,200

this page (from top left): Herb planter boxes along fence, patrons utilizing new patio deck, open for business during events opposite page (from top): container after installation, signage and sponsors for the project

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

Partnering with the Maroon Arts Group proposal, Willowbeez Soul Veg developed a stationary food structure to provide healthy, freshly prepared vegan and vegetarian food options on site. In addition to providing food options in a community currently lacking food access, Willowbeez plans to host cooking demonstration and classes to educate the community on the preparation of healthy meals.

Project Partners: Maroon Arts Group

Improvements Include:

Structure

Connectivity

Education

Gardening

Signage

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Community

COMMUNITY ART + FLOWER GARDEN 545 Berkeley Ave. Berkeley Road Block Watch * $15,000

this page (from top left): photos from community art project event opposite page (from top): proposed conceptual plan, participating in the art event

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Berkeley Road Block Watch proposed the transformation of a vacant lot into an art and community gathering space. In addition to providing art education to the neighborhood, the project aims to have residents create a space that builds a sense of community pride and place to gather, beautifying the once vacant property with perennial gardens and artwork created by community residents.

Project Partners: South of Main Civic Association * Grantees withdrew from the competition

Improvements Include:

Structure

Connectivity

Education

Gardening

Signage

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Community

COMMUNITY

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PHOTOS OF THE WINNING PROJECTS VISIT:

www.parcelstoplaces.com