Dear friends, The University District has always been framing the future through proactive planning. At the same time, it is a continuously evolving community of neighborhoods that is never static. This has never been more evident with construction fencing, building framing, towering cranes, and lane closures signaling a state of transition for a lot of the University District. Even more projects are in the pipeline. However, as the dust begins to settle, the rewards from all of the careful planning and construction headaches will start to become evident: •
Safer sidewalks, increased lighting, and more connectivity linking neighborhoods and people
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Improved utilities and cleaner stormwater
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More parking on High Street
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Slower traffic speeds and easier circulation
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Additional public space
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New opportunities to create signature public art
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New programming that enhances the culture of the University District
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Increased public engagement in neighborhood planning issues
The University District community has always faced changes with an open mind and a steadfast spirit to do what’s right. University District organizational leaders have achieved collaboration by forging a shared vision with those they engage. Community involvement that brings new perspectives to the conversation is a deeply held core value of the District’s residents and businesses. As we continue to frame the community’s future amid evolving perspectives, one fact holds true: change has been, and will always be, part of the University District’s future. Matthew Hansen Executive Director Ellen Moore Griffin President University District Organization University Community Business Association
framing the arts The University District Organization’s Arts & Character Plan will develop a strategy for the University District to showcase and celebrate its unique character and culture through public art, placemaking, and creative projects. The planning process has included public engagement events, workshops, and temporary art installations meant to stimulate ideas for long-term recommendations. The University District Organization received a grant from the Create Columbus Commission for its efforts to engage public art decision making with new and emerging young professionals. Five tactical art pieces will be installed throughout the District. Additional temporary/tactical art projects are currently being considered.
Longer term concepts and policies will be presented to the community in the coming months. These concepts will range from potential locations for public art to ways in which design can be incorporated into streetscape
improvements. The University District community can connect and provide input through the project’s website:
universitydistrict.org/character
Music Tee, John Grosvenor
Art from Nature, Walter Herrmann
Neighborhood 100, Rory Krupp
Tactical Art Series
Project: Concrete Words Planted sculpture by: OSU Pay It Forward King Avenue, Dennison Place
framing impressions The University District Special Improvement District’s (UDSID) mission is to enhance the resident and visitor experience along the High Street corridor directly adjacent to The Ohio State University. A collective effort funded by property owners, the UDSID’s services will reverse old notions of the area and create new impressions as a destination that is maintained, friendly, and inviting. Operations began July 1, 2016 and the organization received its non-profit designation in January. The UDSID has already greatly improved the appearance of the area with daily litter pick-ups, rapid removal of graffiti, and powerwashing of sidewalks. Other efforts have been piloted to reduce cigarette butt litter around bar areas.
The District’s Steward team is the primary force behind keeping the UDSID area clean. However, Stewards also provide many more services including visitor hospitality assistance, supplemental security, panhandling reduction, and snow removal. For 2017, the UDSID is planning beautification projects and other aesthetic enhancements at the 13th and 14th Avenue parking areas. Plans are being developed with assistance from the Neighborhood Design Center. Stewards will also be trained to patrol on bicycles and additional panhandling reduction programs will be implemented in conjunction with other Columbus special improvement districts, the City, and Experience Columbus.
graffiti removal services
UDSID Services Snapshot (Aug - Nov)
University District SID Stewards
Service Hours To-Date..............7,703 Handbill/Stickers Removed......1,567 Property Checks.......................575 Public Assists............................339 Incidences Responded..............266 Trash Cans Topped Off..............247 Graffiti Incidences Removed.....238 Sidewalk Powerwashing...........63 Streetscape Pieces Painted......45 Outreach Offered.......................47 311 Requests Submitted...........35
framing the brand The University Community Business Association continues to provide a connection the latest neighborhood news and networking opportunities. This year’s Lunch & Learn Series hosted a variety of speakers on topics exploring the development of Weinland Park, the benefits of special improvement districts, and how public art can spur economic development in neighborhoods. An after-hours event in June brought businesses together for a philanthropic evening to tour the expanded facilities at Neighborhood Services, Inc. - the University District’s local food pantry. UCBA will move forward with a new focus in 2017 on marketing and branding as the University District Special Improvement District took over clean services. The development of a relationship between UCBA and the University Hospitality District (UHD) - a consortium of area hotels and convention spaces - lead to two project meant to help promote the area’s assets and drive visitation.
This fall, UCBA took on an ambitious photo project to capture the essential and unique locations of the University District. UCBA will create University District Discoveries - curated insider guides for those wanting to visit the not-to-be-missed businesses, neighborhoods, and cultural institutions of the area. These guides will be developed for print and online with collaboration from the UHD. Five tours will be launched initially with the opportunity to develop additional guides.
discover hidden urban ravines
discover fine food & art
discover breakfast & brunch
discover live music & vinyl
As the digital society communicates more and more with emojis, UCBA is taking a new spin on iconographic messaging. Using the University District’s new branding, UCBA will develop the “I Heart U” Campaign to bring exposure to the University District branding. Look for it to appear in print and digital advertising, social media, products, and even in the neighborhood!
discover river ecosystems & vistas
university framing discussions community association
The University Community Association (UCA) is the oldest civic organization in the University District and one of the oldest in the City of Columbus. Over the years it has served as a community organizer and voice on issues affecting the University District. It has also created opportunities for neighborly discussion and information sharing with its quarterly community gatherings. Highlights from 2016 include: •
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Hosted UCA’s Potluck Breakfasts at Indianola Presbyterian Church and helped celebrate the church building’s 100th anniversary Discussed important issues such as the OSU Arts District planning and redevelopment at 15th & High Hosted the Annual Summer Ice Cream Social at Tuttle Park Presented the Pavey Award at the Annual Ice Cream Social, given to a person who has demonstrated commitment to the improvement of the University District through their outstanding service to the neighborhood Helped create a dialogue around new development in the University District Worked with city officials to initiate zoning code changes
This year, the Board of Directors expand with three additional members allowing for greater perspective on University District resident issues. All new officers were also chosen for the Board. UCA has already started is goal planning for 2017 and is excited to play an on-going role in the university community with the other University District organizations.
Indianola Presbyterian Church Celebrating 100 years
University Community Association Breakfast at Indianola Presbyterian Church
university area framing civic action commission The University Area Commission’s (UAC) 2016 and coming 2017 agendas continue to be future oriented while dealing with contemporary challenges. With a increased development-oriented agenda, the commission reviewed:
30 variances 9 early demolition permits 1 rezoning request Much work, thought, and community input have gone into evaluating changes and updates to the existing zoning overlay, while new development opportunities continue to arise. The UAC began community discussions with the City of Columbus Planning Division
University Area Commission
on updates to the University District Zoning Overlay. The nine month revision process will draft new standards that will impact height, floor area ratio, and parking. The revisions have a targeted adoption date by City Council in January 2017. More information on the changes can be found at the project’s website at:
schools could impact neighborhoods. More information on this event will be coming. Other items that are set for the UAC’s 2017 agenda include more attention to crosswalk safety, enforcement to ensure legal rooming houses, by-law updates, and increased outreach to the public.
columbus.gov/planning/udzo A task force on education is planning a conversational forum for neighborhoods on the Northside early in 2017. The forum will discuss school facilities and how the reuse of vacated
Meets: Third Wednesday of every month Northwood-High Building 2231 N High Street, Room 100 6:30 p.m.
UAC Meeting
BOARDS OF DIRECTORS & COMMISSIONERS University District Organization & University Community Business Association Ellen Moore Griffin, President Susan Jennings, Vice President Jenny Bell, Secretary Erin Prosser, Treasurer Doreen Uhas-Sauer Willie Young Susan Colbert Timothy “Wolf ”Starr D’Lyn Stinziano
University District Special Improvement District Scott Solomon, President Edward Gaughan, Vice President Jared Schiff, Secretary Bob Mickley, Treasurer Amanda Hoffsis Michelle Larsen Andrew Dyer
University Community Association D’Lyn Stinziano, President Paul Newkirk, Vice President Sharon Young, Secretary Bob Fletcher, Treasurer Jen Miller Jonathan Riley Jon Marshall Brent Warren Deb Gallagher John Sauer
University Area Commission District 1 Rachael Beeman Abby Kravitz Deborah Supelak District 2 Seth Golding, Treasurer Dan Sheehan Tom Wildman, Code Enforcement & Safety Committee Chair District 3 Mario Cespedes Omar Elhagmusa Rory Krupp District 4 Susan Keeny, 1st Vice President & Zoning Committee Chair Michael Sharvin Brian Williams Nominated & Appointed University Area Commissioners Craig Bouska, Rental Property Owners David Hegley, 2nd Vice President, Social/ Charitable Groups Steve Volkmann, The Ohio State University Alex, OSU Council of Graduate Students Sam Runta, OSU Undergraduate Student Government Dick Talbott, Business Owners Doreen Uhas-Sauer, President, University District Organization Sharon Young, Corresponding Secretary, University Community Association
UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS Summa Cum Laude Members: Buckeye Real Estate Inn-Town Homes Key Bank NorthSteppe Realty Oxford Real Estate Steiner + Associates Cum Laude Members: Ace of Cups Chop Shop College Traditions Columbus Metropolitan Library Community Crime Patrol Creative Living
Credit Union of Ohio Edwards Development Company Gateway Businesses Hometeam Properties Joe Jackson - Keller Williams Kohr Royer Griffith Neighborhood Services, Inc. North Central Mental Health Pella Company Progressive Building LLC Student Legal Services @ OSU The Big Bar The Little Bar University Kiwanis Wagenbrenner Development
PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS Buckeye Block Watch Campus Partners for Urban Development Capital Crossroads SID Central Ohio Transit Agency Clintonville Area Commission Columbus Building & Zoning Services Columbus City Attorneys Office Columbus City Council City of Columbus Columbus Landmarks Foundation Columbus Metropolitan Library Columbus Neighborhood Liaison Program Columbus Office of the Mayor Columbus Parking Meter Advisory Team Columbus Parks & Recreation Community Crime Patrol Community Housing Network Create Columbus Commission Experience Columbus Gateway Film Center Glen Echo Civic Association Godman Guild Greater Columbus Arts Council Indianola Church of Christ Indianola Forrest Association Indianola Presbyterian Church Iuka Ravine Area Block Watch Iuka Ravine Association Kafe Kerouac King Avenue United Methodist Church Maryhaven Neighborhood Design Center Neighborhood Services, Inc. OSU Council of Graduate Students OSU Extension - Weinland Park OSU Off-Campus & Commuter Student Services OSU Office of Government Affairs OSU Pay It Forward OSU Physical Planning & Real Estate OSU Public Safety OSU University Student Government Short North Alliance SoHud Block Watch SoHud April Fool’s Parade Studio 614 The Columbus Foundation The Lantern United Way of Central Ohio University Architectural Review Board University District Safety Committee University Hospitality District Weinland Park Civic Association Weinland Park Collaborative Wexner Center for the Arts Wild Goose Creative
2231 North High Street, Room 200 Columbus, OH 43201 614.294.5113 universitydistrict.org universityarea.org