University district bUsiness gUide Usiness
Introduction
Welcome
A true “Neighborhood of Neighborhoods,” the University District is a diverse mix of many different people, cultures, and communities all converging together. The University District simultaneously represents modern ideas and century-old traditions, preservation and renewal, urban living and secluded wooded hollows. Featuring a strong market with thousands of potential customers, it is not only a vibrant place to live, but also an excellent place to work and do business. We’re glad that you have decided to join us in our little piece of Columbus. On behalf of the neighborhood, welcome to the University District!
13 Neighborhoods & 1 World Class University
While The Ohio State University may be the star attraction of the district, the community is comprised of 13 separate neighborhoods, each having its own unique identity and traditions. Below are maps of these neighborhoods. For more information on their unique histories and traditions, visit universitydistrict.org/neighborhoodsindex
Boundaries of University District. University District neighborhoods.
udo InForMAtIon
University District Organization
Phone: 614.610.4546 x200
Email: info@universitydistrict.org
Website: universitydistrict.org
The University District Organization (UDO) is a non-profit planning and community development organization working toward the revitalization of the University District. An “organization of organizations,” UDO is governed by a board of trustees representing community groups, social services, businesses, churches, governments, and institutions. It also coordinates interests and policies of the University Area Commission, University Impact District Review Board, and University Community Association to promote effective change.
UDO acts as a liaison between the city, the university, and the district’s neighborhoods to coordinate community improvement projects and civic engagement initiatives. UDO also provides information and referral services to local businesses, residents, and organizations and acts as the fiscal agent for several community groups.
EvEnts
Each year, the University District prepares for and anticipates impacts associated with major events that take place annually around the city.
AnnuAl EvEnts IMpActing thE
univErsity district
Event Time of Year DescriptionImpact
Arnold Sports Festival March
Columbus Half Marathon April
Large sports and fitness festival at the Columbus Convention Center.
Increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Half-marathon which passes through the district. Road closures.
OSU Move-OutLate April - Early MayMajority of students leave campus for the Summer.
Ohio State FairLate July - Early August Occurs at the State Fairgrounds, which are very close to the district.
OSU Move-InMid-August
Majority of students return to campus for the academic year.
OSU Home Games Throughout Autumn Football games at “The Shoe” between the Buckeyes and rival teams.
Increased vehicular traffic followed by a large drop in pedestrian traffic.
Increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Large increase in vehicular traffic followed by large rise in pedestrian traffic.
Large increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Changes in traffic patterns during events.
Quarterhorse Congress October
Largest single breed horse show in the world. Takes place at the Columbus Expo Center.
Increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Columbus Marathon October Marathon which passes through the district. Road closures.
Concerts
Concerts occur regularly throughout the district in a variety of different venues. However, three venues in particular host most of the district’s concerts.
Schottenstein Center
The Schottenstein Center is a multipurpose arena located at 555 Borror Drive. It is one of the largest arena’s in the Big Ten Conference, with a seating capacity of around 19,049. The building first opened in 1998 and has since hosted numerous sporting events, concerts, and even monster truck rallies.
Newport Music Hall
Newport Music Hall is located at 1722 N. High Street, directly across the street from the Ohio Union. The venue first opened in 1921 and is known as “America’s Longest Continually Running Rock Club”. The Newport has a seating capacity of around 2,000 and hosts a variety of bands and artists on a regular basis.
Ohio Stadium (The Shoe)
Also known as “The Shoe” (for its horseshoe shape), Ohio Stadium is located on OSU’s campus and is the football stadium for the Ohio State Buckeyes. The stadium first opened in 1922 and has been expanded over time to seat 104,944 people. Concerts in the Shoe are not common, but will sometimes occur for major artists.
sErvicEs
Special Improvement District (SID)
Steward Hotline: (614) 395-1600 (call or text)
Email: sid@universitydistrict.org
The Special Improvement District (SID) was established to improve the business environment and patron experience in the University District. The SID is a non-profit managed by a board of directors that is elected by property owners in the district. The SID provides various services for the benefit of local businesses. These services include:
• Safety and Security
• Cleaning
• Graffiti Removal
• Public Assists
• Homeless Outreach
• Snow Removal
• Pressure Washing
• Safety Notices
Stewards
The Stewards are a uniformed civilian workforce employed by the SID. Their duties include: monitoring the area for safety concerns, contacting law enforcement when needed, providing daily litter pick-up and graffiti removal, homeless outreach, and assisting visitors with wayfinding and information. Stewards will conduct monthly in-person visits at each of the businesses within the SID in order to remain aware of any concerns or problems. Stewards can be reached anytime from 7 AM to 11 PM via the Steward Hotline or email.
Panhandling
With the abundance of foot traffic throughout the University District, panhandling is common along major corridors. While the city does have laws in place regulating panhandling, it is legal to panhandle under certain conditions. Columbus City law bars panhandling only under the following conditions:
• What to do about aggressive panhandlers - call the SID Hotline at 614-3951600.
• When transactions are being made in the middle of the street or freeway ramps.
• When panhandlers are blocking a sidewalk or other public right-of-way.
• When panhandlers are touching people who do not want to be touched.
• When panhandlers repeatedly ask someone for money if they have already declined and are walking away.
• When panhandlers approach people using an ATM (they must stay at least 3 ft away).
Rather than giving money to panhandlers, the City of Columbus recommends donating to charitable causes that seek to aid homeless and low-income individuals in the district. If you do give money, it is recommended that you do not go into wallets or purses in front of panhandlers, as this makes you an easy target for theft.
Homelessness
University District Organization Clinician Phone: (614) 610-4546 x400
Typical evidence of homelessness includes tents, sleeping bags, cardboard on the ground, chairs, bags, and other personal items clustered together in alleyways or behind buildings. If you see evidence of homelessness, please contact the SID Hotline so that Stewards can assist in the situation. Power washing of human waste is available by Stewards.
If you encounter someone in your business and would like to provide assistance, you can contact the UDO clinician at the number listed above.
You can also download and print the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless resource card. These cards can also be delivered to you by contacting the SID hotline. This card lists every social service agency in the area, where to get a meal any day of the week, and the Coordinated Point of Care Hotline. You can access this card at columbushomeless.org/?page_id=43#page-content
Map
Below is a map of the boundaries for the Special Improvement District. The boundaries of the SID stretch from Oakland Avenue in the north to King Avenue in the south.
University District Special Improvement District Boundaries
EXHIBIT A
Boundaries of University District Special Improvement District.
City of Columbus
311
Phone: (614) 645-3111
Website: 311.columbus.gov
311 is your one-stop shop for all non-emergency services and concerns. Available online or by phone, 311 can be used to make requests for a variety of issues. Street light repairs? Abandoned vehicle removal? Damage to a street tree? Potholes in need of patching? All of this and more can be solved by calling or emailing 311. Requests can also be made through the MyColumbus App.
Small Business Concierge
Phone: (614) 645-1984
Email: HAGolatt@columbus.gov
The Small Business Concierge is a service offered by the Columbus Department of Development and is here to help you settle in. The Small Business Concierge can direct you to city offices, provide assistance in building a business plan, finding employees, securing finances, and much more.
COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 Hotline: (614) 645-1519
The City of Columbus offers various resources to help businesses deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
» Information on the COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19 testing, and reports on cases can be found at columbus.gov/publichealth/Coronavirus-Portal
» Information on masking guidance, COVID-19 protocols for businesses, return to work guidelines, and other resources to help small business owners can be found at columbus.gov/covid19resources.
» The Columbus Department of Public Health also offers a variety of different resources such as maximum capacity signage, markers for physical distancing, and other safety and cleaning protocols. This information can be found at covid-19-response-columbus.hub.arcgis. com/#Resources.
» The City of Columbus offers a COVID-19 hotline that can be called for additional information. This hotline is open from 8 PM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
sAFEty rEsourcEs
Columbus Police Department
Columbus Police Non-Emergency: (614) 645-4545
Columbus Police Service Desk: (614) 645-4760
Columbus Police Human Resources Administration: (614) 645-4803
In an emergency, Columbus Police can be contacted by dialing 911. For nonemergency calls or other inquiries, please use the numbers above.
Special Improvement District
Phone: (614) 395-1600 (call or text)
Email: sid@universitydistrict.org
The University District SID offers supplemental security services by patrolling the District, checking in with businesses regarding any issues, and contacting police when necessary. They are also able to provide information and safety escort services to anyone who asks.
Community Crime Patrol
Phone: (614) 291-4262
Email: ellen@communitycrimepatrol.org
Website: communitycrimepatrol.org
Community Crime Patrol is a group of highly-trained citizen patrollers working to increase safety in Columbus neighborhoods. Equipped only with flashlights, twoway radios, and their training, CCP patrollers deter criminals, build neighborhood awareness of crime prevention techniques, assist in the apprehension of suspects, and provide first aid when needed. CCP patrols off-campus neighborhoods of the University District from 6PM to 2 AM on Thursdays and Fridays and 2 PM to 2 AM on Saturdays.
Safety Alerts
Franklin County and OSU both provide notifications by phone in the event of an emergency. You can sign up to receive these notifications at alertfranklincounty.org. OSU students, staff, and faculty will automatically receive alerts from OSU.
Active Shooter Resources
While an active shooter event is unlikely to occur, it is always important to be prepared. Below are some helpful tips for what to do in an active shooter situation. If you would like this graphic in a poster format to hang in your business, call (614) 6104546 x200 or email info@universitydistrict.org.
BE PREPARED
Protect your Business, Employees, and Customers from an Active Shooter
Notify Authorities of Suspicious Behavior
If you notice suspicious behavior, notify an authroity right away through Columbus Police non-emergency number.
Develop an Emergency Plan
Evacuation routes, locations to shelter in place, an emergency communication system to notify employees, who have authority to close, reopen, etc.
Sign Up for Franklin County Emergency Notifications
Sign up for the Franklin County Emergency Notification System.
Organize An Active Shooter Training
Gather employees regularly to discuss a plan of action. Columbus Police offers free active shooter training classes known as CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events).
In the Unlikely Event of an Active Shooter RUN
Evacuate the premises if the shooter is inside. Leave personal belongings behind and flee to the nearest exit.
HIDE
Find a room with few windows and shut off lights. Lock door and block with objects.
FIGHT
Improvise weapons from common objects such as chairs or fire extinguishers.
If Police are Entering: Keep hands visible and empty. Evacuate the premises in the direction they are coming from. Follow any instructions given.
If an Active Shooter Incident Occurs Nearby: Lock down premises and shelter in place until the all clear has been given. Follow any instructions provided by police and frequently check the Franklin County Emergency Notifications.
Useful
References
911
Police Non-Emergency (614) 645-4545
Police (614) 292-2121 CRASE Training (614) 645-4800 CRASE Training Website https://www.columbus.gov/police-CRASE/ Franklin County Emergency Notification System https://alertfranklincounty.org/ OSU Active Shooter Guidelines https://dps.osu.edu/active-aggressor Homeland Security Active Shooter Guidelines https://www.ready.gov/active-shooter OSHA Active Shooter Safety Manual https://www.safetymanualosha.com/active-shooter-preparednes/ 2231 N. High St., Room 200 Columbus, OH 43201 sid@universitydistrict.org 614-395-1600
OSU Safety Programs
Email: stuck.9@osu.edu
In addition to their safety alerts, OSU also provides additional programs to help ensure the safety of students. Promoting these services is one way that businesses can help to ensure that their student patrons remain safe. Contact Tracy Stuck for more information on how you can partner with OSU to help promote these programs.
Lyft Ride Smart
Lyft Ride Smart offers students discounted rides, inside the universitydesignated service area, from 9 PM to 7 AM. Each month, 10,000 discounted rides will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis with the average cost expected to be $1 to $2. This can help to provide students an inexpensive and safe means of travelling around the University District at night. Visit ttm.osu. edu/ride-smart for more information.
Rave Guardian App
The Rave Guardian App allows students to select friends or family members as “virtual guardians”. When students are making trips, they can enable these virtual guardians to follow them using GPS tracking until they arrive at their destination. When a timer of estimated travel time runs out, these guardians are prompted to follow-up with the student to make sure they are okay. This can help to keep students safe as they travel late at night. Visit dps.osu.edu/raveguardian for more information.
Personal Safety Devices
OSU offers students complimentary personal safety alarms that, when triggered, emit a loud noise. These devices are easy to carry and can clip onto a belt, backpack or keys. When activated, the alarm sound is at least 100 decibels and can be heard up to 225 feet away. Visit offcampus.osu.edu/resources/safety for more information.
Safety Videos
OSU has produced various instructional videos that inform students of how they can improve their own safety. A playlist of these videos can be found at youtube. com/playlist?list=PLolm05QR-7dUmYrmBCHvnsiUlUxvGqB7d
pArking Parking
Permits
In many parts of the University District, on-street parking requires permits specific to those areas. These permits are only available to residents of homes and employees of businesses in these areas and require proof of residency or employment to be purchased. Businesses are allowed up to ten annual employee permits per address. These permits are valid Monday through Saturday.
Parking permits are entirely virtual, meaning that the permit is linked directly to the license plate number intead of using a physical tag. These permits can be applied for online and managed through an online portal. The application system, the portal, and detailed instructions can all be found at columbus.gov/publicservice/parking/ UNIVERSITY-DISTRICT-PARKING-PLAN/ under the “Parking Permits” tab. A map of the District’s permit zones can be found on the next page.
Other Parking Options
During certain hours, individuals can pay to park in permit zones without a permit using the ParkColumbus app. Signs are posted in those areas detailing when this can be done. In addition to parking in permit zones, metered parking, off-street parking, and small amounts of free on-street parking also exist.
Additionally, OSU offers visitor parking in a number of parking garages located throughout their campus. Visit osu.campusparc.com/find-parking/academic-visitorparking/ for more information on locations and rates for these garages.
Street Sweeping
Most major streets in the University District receive street sweeping service on a monthly basis from April 1st through November 1st. Northern and eastern sides of streets are cleaned on the second Thursday of each month while southern and western sides are cleaned on the second Friday of each month. There is no on-street parking on days when sweeping is scheduled.
A street sweeping map for the University District can be found on page 14. For further information on the city’s street sweeping program, visit columbus.gov/publicservice/ streets/Street-Sweeping/.
PERMIT ZONE MAP
Permit Zones
pErMits
Permit Information
Permits are required in the University District for certain public activities and uses. Below is information on some of the more common permits that local businesses might encounter.
Signs and Banners
2015 University District Plan: columbus.gov/universitydistrictplan/
University Impact District Review Board
Phone: (614) 441-8174
Email: UIDRB@columbus.gov
Website: columbus.gov/planning/uidrb
Permits for signs and banners are issued by the Department of Building and Zoning Services and are governed by Chapter 3375 in the City Code of Ordinances. While some signs can be displayed without any outside approval, other signs may require a permit from the City’s Graphics Commission. This typically includes larger signs, illuminated signs, or signs that extend into the public right of way.
The 2015 University District Plan contains a variety of recommendations for signage shapes and forms. Some locations in the district are under the authority of the University Impact District Review Board, which must issue a Certificate of Approval for any sign that requires a permit before that permit can be issued.
Building Changes
University Area Commission
Phone: (614) 441-8174
Email: commissioners@universityarea.org
Website: universityarea.org
University Impact District Review Board
Email: UIDRB@columbus.gov
Website: columbus.gov/planning/uidrb/
Department of Building and Zoning Services
Phone: (614) 645-7433
Website: columbus.gov/bzs
Permitting for building changes is outlined in Chapter 4113 of the City Code of Ordinances. It defines which types of construction, installation, changes, and repairs require what type of permit. While basic maintenance and upkeep is typically allowed, projects such as remodeling, additions, and electrical or ventilation changes often require permits.
Exterior building changes should also be brought before the University Area Commission if a variance is required and the University Impact District Review Board, as appropriate, before permits will be issued. Contact Building and Zoning Services for a review of requirements.
New Use and Change of Use
Board of Zoning Adjustment
Phone: (614) 645-4522
Email: zoninginfo@columbus.gov
Website: columbus.gov/bzs/zoning/Board-of-Zoning-Adjustment/
Development Commission
Phone: (614) 645-4522
Email: zoninginfo@columbus.gov
Website: columbus.gov/bzs/zoning/Development-Commission/
University Area Commission
Phone: (614) 441-8174
Email: commissioners@universityarea.org
Website: universityarea.org
University Impact District Review Board
Email: UIDRB@columbus.gov
Website: columbus.gov/planning/uidrb
Approved and prohibited uses are outlined in Title 33 of the City Code of Ordinances and are largely determined by the parcel’s zoning. Applications for variances are generally ruled on by the Board of Zoning Adjustment, which meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 4:30 PM in the Michael B. Coleman Government Center at 111 N. Front Street. Rezoning requests are reviewed by the Development Commission, which typically meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM. Proposals must also be brought before the University Area Commission and the University Impact District Review Board when appropriate.
thE ohio stAtE univErsity
Defining the District
Website: osu.edu
The Ohio State University (OSU) is by far the most defining feature of the University District and the primary driver of activity in the area. With over sixty thousand students at the Columbus campus, in addition to tens of thousands of educators and staff, proximity to OSU serves as one of the top draws for both residents and businesses alike.
OSU Academic Calendar
As OSU drives much of the activity in the area, being mindful of its academic calendar is vital. Many local businesses set their calendars accordingly, allowing them to work with rather than against the natural rhythms of the university. You can view the academic calendar at registrar.osu.edu/staff/bigcal.asp.
Resources
In addition to its educational mission, OSU offers various resources that can be quite useful to the surrounding business community.
Buck-I-Frenzy
Looking to spread the word about your business quickly? Get a booth at BuckI-Frenzy! Just prior to the beginning of the Autumn semester, OSU hosts this festival, which over twenty thousand students attend each year. Businesses of all sizes come to hand out fliers, promote services, give away samples, and showcase what they have to offer to students. Due to COVID, this event has been paused for 2021, but will return again in August of 2022. Visit frenzy.osu. edu to learn more.
Resources (Continued)
Buck-ID
Buck-IDs are identification cards issued to all OSU students, faculty, and staff. They are also an alternative form of payment. Students can load funds to their Buck-ID accounts, allowing them to use their Buck-ID as if it were a debit card. With over $20 million deposited into Buck-ID accounts each year, accepting Buck-IDs as a payment method helps local businesses make themselves more accessible to students. Visit buckid.osu.edu/information-for-merchants to learn more.
Campus Partners
Website: campuspartners.org
Campus Partners is a non-profit organization affiliated with the university. They are tasked with managing community redevelopment in the areas surrounding campus and work quite frequently with the local business community. They are responsible for the Gateway and the 15+ High Projects.
Students at Buck-I-Frenzy.
orgAnizAtions
Community Organizations
There are various community organizations that businesses may encounter in the University District. What follows are some of the most prominent ones, the roles they play in the neighborhood, and how to contact them. A full list of civic associations, block watches and interest groups can be found on the UDO website: universitydistrict.org/community-organizations-index
University Area Commission
Phone: (614) 441-8174
Email: commissioners@universityarea.org
Website: universityarea.org
The University Area Commission (UAC) is an elected body that advocates for the concerns of the district’s residents and provides advice to Columbus City Council on a variety of issues. The commission’s subcommittees: 1) zoning, 2) planning, 3) community relations, and 4) governance meet in Room 100 of the Northwood High Building located at 2231 N. High Street. Check UAC’s website (listed below) for the latest meeting schedules.
University Community Association
Facebook: facebook.com/UniversityCommunityAssociation/?ref=page_internal
The University Community Association (UCA) is the oldest civic organization in the University District and one of the oldest in Columbus. Over the past thirty years, the UCA has sponsored many projects in the district, ranging from street light improvements to recreational amenities. UCA sponsors a quarterly breakfast where neighbors can socialize and learn about the latest initiatives in the area. It also hosts an annual ice cream social in August, where it delivers an “Oscar Award” to a local individual who has done significant work to improve the University District.
University Community Business Association
Phone: 614.610.4546 x200
Email: info@universitydistrict.org
Website: universitydistrict.org
The University Community Business Association (UCBA) was founded in 1984. It exists to facilitate peer to peer business connections, market the University District, and provide a source of education for business owners through regular business forums. UCBA also acts as an advocate for local business needs and an intermediary between the City of Columbus and OSU.
Lunch & Learns
The UCBA hosts quarterly luncheons that allow for local business owners and residents to network, learn more about what is happening in the community, and anticipate related impacts on the business community.
Newsletter
Signing up for UCBA’s free newsletter allows you to keep on top of UCBA events, new business openings, construction updates, and more.
Business Grand Opening
UCBA offers assistance in organizing business events. Contact UCBA for details.
Social Media Promotion
UCBA offers regular promotion of local businesses through its blog and social media platforms. Grand openings, special events, and business anniversaries are excellent opportunities for promotion. Promotional series have also been used to highlight local businesses. One example is a “Summer Staff Picks” campaign which highlighted local restaurants by featuring favorite dishes recommended by restaurant employees throughout the summer. Contact UCBA for details on featuring your business.
University Impact District Review Board
Phone: (614) 441-8174
Email: UIDRB@columbus.gov
Website: columbus.gov/planning/uidrb/
Portions of the University District, mostly along High Street, are located within the University Impact District. The University Impact District Review Board (UIDRB) is charged with maintaining the design guidelines set forth in the University District Plan for all properties within this district. New development, exterior changes to existing buildings, site plan modifications, and signs are reviewed and approved by the UIDRB. The UIDRB meets on the fourth Thursday of each month in room 204 of the Michael B. Coleman Government Center located at 111 N. Front Street.
Weinland Park Community Civic Association
Website: weinlandpark.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/weinlandpark/
Weinland Park Email: officers@weinlandparkcivic.org
Weinland Park Contact Page: weinlandparkcivic.org/contact
The Weinland Park Community Civic Association (WPCCA) serves as an advocate for the residents and businesses of Weinland Park. It also provides coordination and support for initiatives and events within the neighborhood. WPCCA includes five committees: 1) festival planning, 2) housing, 3) steering, 4) youth development, and 5) mobility; and meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at the Schoenbaum Family Center located at 175 E. 7th Avenue.
good nEighbor tips
Be A Good Neighbor
There are a number of things that you can do to be a good neighbor and help create a positive environment in the University District.
Noise
City ordinance 2329.11 limits the average hourly sound level at the boundary of any commercially zoned property. More stringent rules exist from 10 PM until 7 AM.
When designing the interior of your business, be mindful of how speakers are placed and how/if soundproofing should be used. This is especially important if your business has residential units attached to it.
In outdoor spaces such as patios, please keep volumes no higher than they need to be and keep crowd noise under control.
Trash
Make sure that all garbage and recycling is disposed of in the proper receptacles. Some items, such as furniture, electronics and appliances should be disposed of separately. Furniture, specifically, can be picked up by 311. Please keep all receptacles and the areas around them clean in order to prevent foul odors and/or rodent problems.
If patrons of your business are littering, consider placing trash cans in the problem areas or providing reusable alternatives to what is being littered. Cigarette butts are litter and can sometimes catch garbage on fire if they are thrown into normal trash cans. If there are smokers outside of your business, please install a fire-safe cigarette butt receptacle.
Trash can fires can be started by discarded cigarette butts.
Sidewalks
Clear and well-maintained sidewalks are a part of making your business inviting and accessible to all. In the winter, it is normally the responsibility of the business owner to keep the sidewalks abutting their property free of snow and ice. Maintenance and repair of sidewalks is also the duty of the owner. However, Stewards provide snow clearance and sidewalk maintenance throughout the Special Improvement District.
Handbills & Stickers
Handbills and stickers can be a great way to promote sales and events, but be careful. Handbills should only be posted near the business and taken down after events. It is illegal to post handbills or stickers on light posts, utility poles, or other objects in the public right-of-way. Flyers and hand-outs often become litter and stickers become a nuisance when people vandalize signs and benches with them. This reflects poorly on your business and the community. One of the SID’s most common maintenance tasks is handbill and sticker removal.
Handbills can become a nuisance when used improperly or not taken down.
Demographics
populAtion EstiMAtEs thE
district
Population data from 2019 American Community Survey.
In addition to off-campus students, OSU estimates that approximately 14,000 students live on-campus and that approximately 30,000 commute to campus from outside of the University District.
The University District is a diverse community, featuring a blend of ages, races, income levels, and more. The following tables display some basic demographic statistics from the University District. MAlEs
& FEMAlEs In thE
Biological sex data from 2019 American Community Survey.
rAcE distribution In thE univErsity district
Race data from 2019 American Community Survey.
AgE distribution In thE
univErsity district
Age data from 2019 American Community Survey.
housEhold IncoME distribution
In thE univErsity district
$10,000 - $14,999
$15,000 - $24,999
$25,000 - $34,999
$35,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 - $149,999
$150,000 - $199,999
$200,000+
Median Annual Income $36,103
Mean Annual Income $48,497
Household income data from 2019 American Community Survey.
history
A Rich Heritage
Originally, the area now known as the University District was not a part of the City of Columbus. In 1842, the City of North Columbus emerged from expansive farmlands and forest. Even before The Ohio State University was established, North Columbus thrived as a transportation node for stagecoaches traveling between Columbus and Sandusky. In 1871, the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College (which would later become The Ohio State University) was established, and North Columbus was annexed into the larger city.
Prestigious neighborhoods quickly emerged south and east of the University as Columbus businessmen and Ohio State University professors constructed residences. Streetcar lines stretching northward led to the development of attached row houses along the eastern edge of the University District and provided housing for young families. The University and businesses surrounding it prospered greatly throughout the early 20th Century.
By the 1950’s, the University District was overflowing with returning soldiers and their families. To accommodate this influx, zoning was altered to permit rooming houses and higher density development, which resulted in significant changes to the neighborhood. The impact these zoning changes had on the neighborhood is still being grappled with today.
Home to a wealth of ingenuity, the University District continues to evolve and claim its place as a force of social and economic influence in both Columbus and Central Ohio.
Typical University District street. Circa 1920s.
culturE
Football Culture
Located next to a Big Ten University, the University District embodies a strong football culture. During home games, droves of people from across the district and beyond will sport their scarlet and gray to fill the streets, bars, and restaurants. Even for away games, a sizable number of fans still pack into local establishments to watch the game amongst other fans. Whether home or away, game days in the University District are a sight to behold and an experience to be tried at least once. Business owners and employees are no exception—everyone is welcome to join in on the festivities and belong as a Buckeye.
Arts Culture
The University District has a very active arts scene, featuring many performance and cultural venues. Two of the most notable of these are the Wexner Center for the Arts, located on The Ohio State University campus, and the Newport Music Hall, which is the longest continuously running rock club in the country. Outside of these staples, the University District is home to various local venues offering live music, theatre, spoken word, comedy, and visual arts, sometimes in the form of galleries and sometimes displayed proudly on the walls of supportive businesses. Visit universitydistrict.org/culture-entertainment for a complete list of local venues.
Ohio State fans gather at local bar on game day.
contAct InForMAtion & rEsourcEs
Contact Information
#
» 311 Call Center: (614) 645-3111
B
» Board of Zoning Adjustment Phone: (614) 645-4522
» Board of Zoning Adjustment Email: zoninginfo@columbus.gov
» Buck-I-Frenzy Email: buckifrenzy@osu.edu
» Buck-I-Frenzy Phone: (614) 292-5944
» Buck-ID Email: buckidcardservices@osu.edu
» Buck-ID Phone: 614-292-0400
C
» Campus Partners Phone: (614) 688-3186
» City Council Contact Info: columbus.gov/council/members
» City Council Phone: (614) 645-7380
» City Hall Address: 90 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
» Columbus Police Department General Phone: (614) 645-4760
» Columbus Police Department Non-Emergency: (614) 645-4545
» Community Crime Patrol Phone: (614) 291-4262
» Community Crime Patrol Email: ellen@communitycrimepatrol.org
» COVID-19 Hotline: (614) 645-1519
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» Department of Building and Zoning Services Address: 111 N Front St, Columbus, OH 43215
» Department of Building and Zoning Services Phone: (614) 645-7433
» Development Commission Phone: (614) 645-4522
» Development Commission Email: zoninginfo@columbus.gov
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» Mayor ’s Phone: (614) 645-7671
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» Ohio State University General Phone: (614) 292-OHIO
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» Recycling Phone: (614) 645-3111
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» Short North Ambassadors Hotline: (614) 636-5100
» Short North SID Email: info@shortnorth.org
» Small Business Concierge Phone: (614) 645-1984
» Small Business Concierge Email: HAGolatt@columbus.gov
» Stewards Hotline: (614) 395-1600 [Call or Text]
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» Tracy Stuck (Assistant Vice President for Office of Student Life): stuck.9@osu.edu
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» UCBA Email: info@universitydistrict.com
» UCBA Phone: (614) 610-4546
» UDSID Email: sid@universitydistrict.org
» UDSID Inquiries: (614) 610-4546
» UIDRB Email: UIDRB@columbus.gov
» University Area Commission Email: commissioners@universityarea.org
» University District Organization Email: info@universitydistrict.org
» University District Organization Phone: (614) 610-4546
» University District Organization Clinician Phone: (614) 610-4546 x400
» WPCCA Contact Form: weinlandparkcivic.org/contact
» WPCCA Email: officers@weinlandparkcivic.org
Online Resources
» 2015 University District Plan: columbus.gov/universitydistrictplan
» 311 Website: 311.columbus.gov
» Arnold Sports Festival Website: arnoldsportsfestival.com
» Board of Zoning Adjustment Website: columbus.gov/bzs/zoning/Board-ofZoning-Adjustment
» Buck-ID Merchant Info: buckid.osu.edu/information-for-merchants/sampleagreement
» Buck-I-Frenzy: frenzy.osu.edu
» Campus Partners Website: campuspartners.org
» City Council Website: columbus.gov/council
» City of Columbus Code of Ordinances: library.municode.com/oh/columbus/ codes/code_of_ordinances
» Collection Schedule: 311.columbus.gov/AddrLookupnew.aspx
» Columbus Coalition for the Homeless Resource Card: columbushomeless. org/?page_id=43
» Columbus COVID-19 Portal: columbus.gov/publichealth/Coronavirus-Portal
» Columbus COVID-19 Resources: columbus.gov/covid19resources
» Columbus Half-Marathon Website: capitalcityhalfmarathon.com
» Columbus Marathon Website: columbusmarathon.com
» Columbus Police Department Website: columbus.gov/police
» Columbus Public Health COVID-19 Website: covid-19-response-columbus. hub.arcgis.com/#Resources
» Columbus Streets: columbus.gov/publicservice/streets
» Community Crime Patrol Website: communitycrimepatrol.org D
» Department of Building and Zoning Services Website: columbus.gov/bzs
» Development Commission Website: columbus.gov/bzs/zoning/ Development-Commission
» Lyft Ride Smart: ttm.osu.edu/ride-smart
» Make Change Campaign: universitydistrict.org/change
» Maps and Guides: columbus.gov/planning/uarb/resources
» Mayor ’s Website: columbus.gov/mayor/Office-of-the-Mayor O
» OSU Safety Device Information: offcampus.osu.edu/resources/safety
» OSU Safety Videos: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLolm05QR7dUmYrmBCHvnsiUlUxvGqB7d
» Ohio State Fair Website: ohiostatefair.com
» OSU Academic Calendar: registrar.osu.edu/staff/bigcal.asp
» OSU Athletics Website: ohiostatebuckeyes.com
» Parking Website: columbus.gov/publicservice/parking
» Quarterhorse Congress Website: quarterhorsecongress.com
» Rave Guardian App: dps.osu.edu/rave-guardian
» Recycling Website: columbus.gov/publicservice/RecyColumbus
» Sign-Up for Safety Alerts: alertfranklincounty.org
» SWACO: swaco.org
» UCBA Newsletter Sign-Up: universitydistrict.org/ucba
» UIDRB Website: columbus.gov/planning/uidrb
» University Area Commission Facebook: facebook.com/ UniversityAreaCommission
» University Area Commission Website: universityarea.org
» University Community Association Facebook: facebook.com/ UniversityCommunityAssociation
» University District Calendar: universitydistrict.org/calendar
» University District Neighborhoods Map: universitydistrict.org/ neighborhoods-index
» University District Organization Website: universitydistrict.org/udo
» University District Plan: columbus.gov/universitydistrictplan
» University District Special Improvement District Website: universitydistrict. org/udsid
» WPCCA Meetings and Events: weinlandparkcivic.org/calendar
» WPCCA Website: weinlandparkcivic.org