Columbus Convention Center Expansion and Streetscape Columbus, Ohio

Services Provided

Urban Design
Documentation
Construction Administration

People Involved

Brian Kinzelman
Matt Manda
Jeff Bryan

Pedestrian-oriented streetscape design defines a ‘creative’ arts and education district

The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (FCCFA) underwent an expansion of the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Downtown Columbus. MKSK provided the Landscape Architectural site development as part of multidisciplinary teams for the project. The Expansion Project is composed of two parts. Part 1 is the Convention Center North Expansion which includes the redevelopment of the streetscape along Goodale Boulevard. Part 2 is the High Street East Side Improvements, Arnold Plaza redevelopment, Connector Improvements (Ohio Center Way) and Greenwall, bounded by High Street and the north edge of the Hyatt Regency hotel site on the south. The project utilized and further advanced the preliminary design that has occurred as part of the City of Columbus Short North Streetscape Redevelopment project.

The design goal for the facility expansion and enhancement included respecting and expressing the unique architectural character of the building with a focus on pedestrian vitality, retail exposure, and public art display. A series of new pedestrian ‘zones’ along Goodale Boulevard and High Street include arrival plazas, entry courts, pocket gardens, as well as improvements to the service court and entry/drop-off zone for the Convention Center.

The project, a collaboration among the design teams, FCCFA staff, food service operators, public artist, lighting and signage designers, city officials, and the Downtown Commission has resulted in a more navigable, pedestrian-friendly, and vibrant Downtown Convention Center Campus.