Posted on April 28, 2011 by Melanie Houston

In 2010, Discovery Special Improvement District (SID) staff members Cleve Ricksecker and Melanie Houston began a neighborhood visioning project in the Discovery District. The project was initiated as a way to designate approximately $200,000 to $300,000 in "seed" funds that were set aside to leverage improvements to the public realm.

From June through October of 2010, SID staff interviewed more than 60 people representing 31 property owners in the Discovery District. Below is a brief summary of what community leaders see as the major strengths of the district:  

Institutions

People consistently stated that the Discovery District's greatest strengths are its institutions, including educational and cultural institutions.

Large employers

Respondents noted the importance of corporations, such as Grant Hospital and Motorists and State Auto Insurance Companies, as large employers and contributors to the SID.

Arts and learning

Interviewees identified "learning" and "the arts" as a major strength. This makes sense given that the district contains the Columbus College of Art & Design, the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Columbus Museum of Art, and has hosted the Columbus Arts Festival in recent years.

Cultural amenities         

Aside from the Art Museum and Library, interviewees cited the other smaller cultural amenities including the Jefferson Learning Center, the Thurber House, and BalletMet as assets.

Topiary Park

Topiary park-with its expansive green space and well-tended topiary figures - received multiple mentions as a gem in the district.

Historic elements

Historic elements of the district were also mentioned numerous times, including homes on Franklin Avenue and homes and business offices on historic Town Street.

Clean and safe neighborhood

Other strengths mentioned included a clean and safe neighborhood, with certain areas feeling very livable and walkable.

Eclectic mix of people and entities

Finally, interview respondents noted that they enjoy the eclectic mix of people and entities within the district, the presence of the Columbus Arts Festival and the attention it brings to the district, and the large population of students and young people.