Next Short North? Columbus OH

[Austin Steed]

I am a Realtor in the Greater Columbus area. I have a question for all of those in Columbus. Simple and short. What area in Columbus do you think will be the next "Short North"?

We all know that Columbus is building and building. If you look south on High st in the University District you can literally see 4 cranes building. 

The areas that I think have a good chance of turning include:

Milo Grogan

West Franklinton south of W Broad

Olde Towne east

University District 

Near Parsons Ave( Nationwide wants this to turn I'm sure)

I was just reading Columbus underground and saw that there are multiple things going up in W Franklinton. 

What are your guys thoughts? 

Please feel free to share what you think will "turn" and what you think will not. 

[Amanda Roderick]

This is one of my favorite conversations! And one that I consider to be a "million dollar question"...

I agree with your insights, except the University District. Yes, definitely, there are a number of developers improving that area significantly, but in regards to it being "The Next Short North", I don't think it ever will be since by nature that district caters to transient college kids. 

I agree that all the areas you mentioned are going to continue to improve. If I had to pick one area right now that will change the most in the near future, I would pick Franklinton for a number of reasons. I think Kaufman's Gravity project under construction on W. Broad is going to spur a lot of change that neighborhood, and if this Scioto Peninsula project moves forward as planned, it will be a game-changer for downtown west of the Scioto River. Plus the fact that the Short North became what it is today due to a significant numbers of artists that moved into the area and turned it around from the sketchy district it once was, which is exactly what is happening in Franklinton with the Idea Foundry and 400 W. Rich. 

With that said, there's a revitalization ceremony in Milo Grogan today and significant development happening in that neighborhood, as well as a lot going on in the Parsons Ave area. You're right, Children's Hospital has a vested interest in improving that neighborhood and their construction alone is changing the landscape around that part of the city. New apartments are going up southwest of the intersection of Parsons & Livingston that look like they'll be ready by spring or early summer next year, behind the new(ish) building that has Crest Parsons, the Fitness Loft & Local Matters, etc. There's also the East Public development that I'm hoping will come to fruition just south of there along Parsons. 

Regarding Old Towne, improvements seem to be slowly chugging along though not quite as quickly as some other areas. I used to live in the area and it has changed a LOT since then, but I think the fact that a lot of the houses are huge and many with significant deferred maintenance is a deterrent for many. I hope to see them all restored to their former glory as some are, because they are truly beautiful homes!

So much more happening all around the city - it's a pretty exciting time to be in Columbus and watching all the changes happening! Obviously this is all just my thoughts -- would love to hear other's opinions! Thanks for starting the conversation @Austin Steed!