Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan Columbus, Ohio
Services Provided
Downtown Planning / Engagement / Small Area Planning / Corridor Planning and Design
People Involved
Andrew Overbeck, Chris Hermann, Sarah Lilly, Whitney Baxter, Tyler Clark, Bridget Maloney
Typology
Downtown Plan
Project Timeline
2021-2022
Collaborators
Downtown Columbus, Inc.
Planning for change today that will create a thriving downtown for the future.
The Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan provides a critical inflection point to take stock and create a bold vision to shape the next chapter of development and build Downtown back better than before with intentionality and community context.
Despite ongoing uncertainty in the office market, Downtown Columbus continues to add residential population. In fact, Downtown has seen some of the fastest growth in the region over the last 10 years, with two of the six fastest census tracts in Central Ohio being Downtown. From its nadir in 2000, Downtown has grown from 3,500 residents to more than 11,000 today. With the number of residential projects currently under construction and in the development pipeline, Downtown is projected to surpass 15,000 residents by 2025.
Given strong regional growth projections and the emerging popularity of Downtown as an urban residential district, there is now an opportunity for Downtown to redefine its role in the community. With the ability to accept levels of density that are not possible in other districts and neighborhoods and its status as a job and transportation hub, Downtown can include opportunities for everyone to participate in its growth and vitality.
Central Ohio community members from across the region had a direct and meaningful role in shaping the development of the Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan. Through three Community Workshops, 120 stakeholder interviews, and online surveys and activities, the ideas in this plan represent the voices of 2,000+ community members. The planning process engaged the broader Central Ohio community with the support from Downtown leaders, the business community, institutional partners, government partners, and many more.
“The Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan provides a bold, actionable vision for transforming Downtown into a complete and connected urban neighborhood. Guided by thousands of community voices, the plan establishes clear goals for welcoming 40,000 new residents, supporting 120,000 workers, and attracting 10 million annual visitors by 2040. Its vision is rooted in creating a Downtown where housing, employment, entertainment, public spaces, and everyday needs are all within a 15-minute walk, and where coordinated public and private investment can expand opportunity, strengthen vitality, and ensure that everyone can participate in Columbus’ continued growth.”
- Andrew Overbeck, AICP, Principal, Planner, Practice Leader, MKSK
To learn more about the Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan, visit: downtowncolumbus.com
