Reception
Saturday | June 23 | 6 to 8pm
Celebrating its 30th year, the Neighborhood Design Center embraces underserved neighborhoods, advocating design as a right, not a privilege. Inspired by the talents of students from The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, and Columbus College of Art and Design, projects in this exhibition range from signs to storefronts, gardens, streetscapes, and whole communities. The ultimate goal of the Design Center is to identify new possibilities for the City of Columbus and central Ohio. In this exhibition, renderings, models, before-and-after panoramas and more envision ideas for how to revitalize key areas downtown.
As a 501(c)3 non-profit, the Design Center observes existing conditions and visualizes potentials, with the purpose of improvement, advancement, and optimism. The outcomes are potentially unexpected, but aimed to approach a problem from angles unseen or viewpoints that are new in architecture, planning, landscape architecture, and graphic design.
Featured Project Categories:
Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR)
Whether it is a business looking to create improved conditions for its operation, a commercial corridor striving to become revitalized, or a neighborhood in search of an enhanced identity, the ultimate goal of the Design Center is to assist in the process however necessary.
At the core of NDC's work are visualization studies and retail façade designs in the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) corridors of urban Columbus, including the Short North, Main and Long Streets, Parsons, Cleveland and Mt. Vernon Avenues, and West Broad Street in Franklinton and the Hilltop.
Mile on High
Funds were designated by the City of Columbus for the inventory of first floor retail and select design concepts. Encompassing the area within Spruce, Mound, Front and Fourth Streets, information was recorded on occupancy, façade/signage conditions, and square footage/street frontage. Upon completion, a report was provided to Capital Crossroads to share with potential property and business owners.
Design inspirations were developed for existing businesses’ storefronts including J.GUMBO’S and new retail opportunities along Wall Street. In the following year, a branding initiative was led by the NDC to create banners along Gay Street.
United Way
The NDC aims to improve neighborhoods by increasing engagement and sense of community identity, while recognizing specific and immediate physical changes in the public realm that advance quality of life in King-Lincoln/Bronzeville, Near Southside, and Weinland Park.
Columbus Art Walks
Teaming with Columbus’ Public Health Department, the Neighborhood Design Center created pocket-sized maps for the Discovery District, Statehouse, Arena District, and six additional neighborhoods. The ultimate goal is to encourage city residents and visitors to walk more, be healthier, and have a greater appreciation of Columbus’ arts and architecture. Highlights include public art destinations with photographic teasers, safe walking routes, and a directory for a cell phone tour. Learn more about Art Walks and download your own.