10 TV: Downtown Columbus’ City Center Mall will be torn down and replaced by a park surrounded by residential, retail and office space. Mayor Michael Coleman’s spokesperson, Dan Williamson, told Preston the city asked for $15 to $16 million in federal stimulus funds to cover the demolition cost.
Capitol South Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation told Hunt the requested $15 to $20 million would be enough for demolition of the mall, site development and park creation. The city asked for the money as part of a $32-million funding request for the River South project. The decision to begin tearing down the 20-year-old mall this summer was made last year, Williamson said.
Capitol South owns the mall and planned to keep the underground parking and parking structure across the street from the mall. The new area was to be called Columbus Commons—8.9 acres of green space, eventually surrounded by apartments, condos, office buildings and retail space.
The most retail space in the new project is 30,000 square feet, while there will be 40,000 square feet of restaurant space. Williamson said mall demolition would take longer without the use of explosives. Rather than retrofit the buildings at considerable cost, the decision was made to “wipe the slate clean,” Williamson said.
Capitol South and the city used input from several popular blogs and area publications in which residents sounded off about what they wanted to see. The overwhelming sense: People wanted a space where they could “Live, Work, and Play.”
Two well-known companies, one known worldwide and the other nationwide (CB Richard Ellis and Georgetown Company), looked at the site and told Capitol South that City Center would be a difficult space to redevelop without demolition, according to Capital South. The mall’s size and layout would have made it cost-prohibitive.
Columbus’ shoppers would not support mall revitalization, according to the consulting firms. Making the mall over into an office building would have cost $250 per square foot at minimum; new builds are $140 to $180 per square foot. To make it retail, the city and developers needed people who would live Downtown.
Each retailer needs a certain number of “rooftops” Downtown before developers would consider putting in stores. Since Columbus, didn’t have the needed numbers, the mixed-use space of Columbus Commons would provide some of that, the consultants said.
Without federal stimulus money, Capitol South also has a secondary plan in case federal monies don’t come through. If Wednesday’s announcement were to signal the beginning of the project, the goal was to have it complete by fall 2010. Demolition of the interior of the mall would begin in May and the exterior’s demolition would begin in June or July, according to developers.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
You Have Questions... I Have Answers
Since Gossip Cbus began, I’ve been swamped with e-mail (thanks for the love)… While I’ve tried to give individual responses to several, I also know that some of the questions are questions others may have and thus, answering them publicly would be better… Therefore, from time to time, I will answer questions where everyone can see them…
Q: I loved the Easton Evaluation series. Is something similar planned for Polaris?
A: While Easton and Polaris have many of the same stores, there are enough differences that a matching version of the Easton Evaluation series at Polaris would be impossible. With that said, we are planning trips to both malls (and maybe even Tuttle Crossing) in the future…
Q: Will Gossip CBUS ever twitter from two events on the same night?
A: Technically, we already have… We posted updates from the NBC4 Toy Drive ands the Christian Audigier Fashion Celebration… We will likely have live updates from multiple locations, on the same night, in the future… However, we will likely never twitter from multiple locations simultaneously…
Q: Is Gossip CBUS available on my cell phone?
A: Unless your phone is from the mid-1990’s, you should be able to. In our initial weeks, we were not available on all carriers. However, that problem (to my knowledge) has been corrected. If you can’t receive us through your phone, please contact us…
Q: I loved the Easton Evaluation series. Is something similar planned for Polaris?
A: While Easton and Polaris have many of the same stores, there are enough differences that a matching version of the Easton Evaluation series at Polaris would be impossible. With that said, we are planning trips to both malls (and maybe even Tuttle Crossing) in the future…
Q: Will Gossip CBUS ever twitter from two events on the same night?
A: Technically, we already have… We posted updates from the NBC4 Toy Drive ands the Christian Audigier Fashion Celebration… We will likely have live updates from multiple locations, on the same night, in the future… However, we will likely never twitter from multiple locations simultaneously…
Q: Is Gossip CBUS available on my cell phone?
A: Unless your phone is from the mid-1990’s, you should be able to. In our initial weeks, we were not available on all carriers. However, that problem (to my knowledge) has been corrected. If you can’t receive us through your phone, please contact us…
Quick Read
The Dispatch’s coverage of City Center’s conclusion was outstanding. The lead story was informative and very well written and the timeline (sidebar, A6) was also excellent. The lone flaw in the montage was Maria Rose’s secondary story on the demise of the twenty-year-old mall… It started poignant and ended pathetic…
Tim May’s column on Ohio State’s recruiting class was, as the impending recruits are supposed to be, stellar… The section’s recount of the basketball Buckeyes overtime victory versus Purdue was also impressive. Equally impressive (and interesting), Tracy Turner’s feature on the top ten things central Ohioans complained about to the Better Business Bureau (Business section)…
Robert Vitale’s column about the city considering an income tax increase, should have ran on the front page… Simone Sebastian’s column on proposed changes by Franklin County schools was solid… And Kevin Coughlin’s gubernatorial announcement… It ran on B3, indicating exactly how much of a factor the Dispatch believes he will be…
Tim May’s column on Ohio State’s recruiting class was, as the impending recruits are supposed to be, stellar… The section’s recount of the basketball Buckeyes overtime victory versus Purdue was also impressive. Equally impressive (and interesting), Tracy Turner’s feature on the top ten things central Ohioans complained about to the Better Business Bureau (Business section)…
Robert Vitale’s column about the city considering an income tax increase, should have ran on the front page… Simone Sebastian’s column on proposed changes by Franklin County schools was solid… And Kevin Coughlin’s gubernatorial announcement… It ran on B3, indicating exactly how much of a factor the Dispatch believes he will be…
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
BREAKING: Dewine “Not Finished”
Mike Dewine will seek statewide office in 2010, according to a source familiar with the situation. Currently, Dewine is considering Attorney General, Governor, or Senator.
“Mike Dewine is not finished in Ohio elected politics,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Governor, Senator, statewide, he runs. He wins. Mark my words. You will see him announce something this spring.”
On January 13, Rob Portman announced his Senate campaign. John Kasich has not announced a Gubernatorial campaign, although an announcement is expected. Both Portman and Kasich are non-factors in Dewine’s decision, according to our source.
“You don’t think about who you’re running against or you can’t win,” said our source. “John was a great congressman. Rob was a great congressman. Both are dedicated public servants and the state would be lucky to have them serve in any capacity and both will be tough to beat. But, their announcements wont affect Mike, as I’m sure his announcement wont effect them.”
After commencing his career in the State Senate, Dewine served as Ohio’s 7th district Congressman from 1983-1991. He then served as Lieutenant Governor from 1991-1994. Elected Ohio’s 58th Senator, he served until 2007. Ironically, his junior senator for much of this tenure was George Voinovich, Ohio’s former Governor and his former running mate.
“Mike Dewine is not finished in Ohio elected politics,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Governor, Senator, statewide, he runs. He wins. Mark my words. You will see him announce something this spring.”
On January 13, Rob Portman announced his Senate campaign. John Kasich has not announced a Gubernatorial campaign, although an announcement is expected. Both Portman and Kasich are non-factors in Dewine’s decision, according to our source.
“You don’t think about who you’re running against or you can’t win,” said our source. “John was a great congressman. Rob was a great congressman. Both are dedicated public servants and the state would be lucky to have them serve in any capacity and both will be tough to beat. But, their announcements wont affect Mike, as I’m sure his announcement wont effect them.”
After commencing his career in the State Senate, Dewine served as Ohio’s 7th district Congressman from 1983-1991. He then served as Lieutenant Governor from 1991-1994. Elected Ohio’s 58th Senator, he served until 2007. Ironically, his junior senator for much of this tenure was George Voinovich, Ohio’s former Governor and his former running mate.
McFadden’s Owns Valentine’s Weekend
For Valentine’s Week, McFadden’s major event announcements… (These will rerun twice, separately in the coming days… still, you may want to mark you calendar)…
Girl’s Night Out (February 12): Local vendor prizes. Women’s specials include exclusive menu, $3 Barcardi Mixers, ½ price appetizers.
The Dating Game (February 13): Auction winners will receive date and $50 prize.
Black Out Bash (February 14): Sexiest black dress scores an Andrew’s Jewelers gift. $6 Black and White Martini. $5 Black Ice Drinks. $4 Black Out Shots.
Girl’s Night Out (February 12): Local vendor prizes. Women’s specials include exclusive menu, $3 Barcardi Mixers, ½ price appetizers.
The Dating Game (February 13): Auction winners will receive date and $50 prize.
Black Out Bash (February 14): Sexiest black dress scores an Andrew’s Jewelers gift. $6 Black and White Martini. $5 Black Ice Drinks. $4 Black Out Shots.
It’s What We Call the News
10 TV: Columbus-based Huntington Bancshares Inc. announced Tuesday that it would eliminate about 500 jobs throughout the company by March 1. The cuts amount to about 4 percent of the bank's employees. The cuts run across the board, and will include tellers, managers and administrators…A Huntington spokesperson said that the cost-cutting measures would not impact projects already under way, like Huntington Park, the Columbus Clippers' new ballpark…
Cut costs… Check. Put people out of work… Check. Forfeit naming a stadium after our failing business? Heaven forbid…
10 TV: Police were searching for several armed men who stole a car from a south side gas station early Tuesday. Investigators said a man was inside the Marathon gas station, located at 1509 Lockbourne Road near Frebis Avenue, at about 3 a.m… When the man walked out to his Ford Escort, police said two men approached him with a gun and stole the car. Two other men were waiting in a van and drove away with the Escort… Officers spotted the van on Whittier Street. The men were able to elude police, but the van was recovered… The carjacking victim was not injured.
This victim should take heart… Cars are replaceable. Lives are not…
Cut costs… Check. Put people out of work… Check. Forfeit naming a stadium after our failing business? Heaven forbid…
10 TV: Police were searching for several armed men who stole a car from a south side gas station early Tuesday. Investigators said a man was inside the Marathon gas station, located at 1509 Lockbourne Road near Frebis Avenue, at about 3 a.m… When the man walked out to his Ford Escort, police said two men approached him with a gun and stole the car. Two other men were waiting in a van and drove away with the Escort… Officers spotted the van on Whittier Street. The men were able to elude police, but the van was recovered… The carjacking victim was not injured.
This victim should take heart… Cars are replaceable. Lives are not…
CYP Breakfast Buzz
On Tuesday, I attended the Columbus Young Professionals monthly networking breakfast. The event was both informative and unique. Particularly impressive was the speaker… Lewis Howes of Sportsnetworker.com.
Quick Read
“State of Pain” was what a lead story is supposed to be… It featured excellent graphics… Mark Niquette’s story on state impact was informative and Jim Siegel’s story on city impact was outstanding. Robert Vitale’s secondary story, detailing the city’s ongoing budget battle, concluded a stellar front page…
The Metro section was equally stellar… Mike Pramik’s column on Ohio State sports’ budget battle was exquisite (whatever the paper pays him, they should double it… He’s their best)… Kathy Lynn Gray’s feature Ohio State’s manatee release program was poignant… I’ve never seen a manatee and I almost cried…
The Metro section was equally stellar… Mike Pramik’s column on Ohio State sports’ budget battle was exquisite (whatever the paper pays him, they should double it… He’s their best)… Kathy Lynn Gray’s feature Ohio State’s manatee release program was poignant… I’ve never seen a manatee and I almost cried…
Monday, February 2, 2009
Lodge Bar Love
For Valentine’s Week, Lodge Bar major event announcements… (These will rerun twice, separately in the coming days… still, you may want to mark you calendar)…
Date Auction (February 13): Auction winners will receive date with an employee and $50 restaurant gift card. All proceeds will benefit Make A Wish. $3 you call it drinks. $2 martinis. $1.50 pitchers (32 ounces). $1 wells. $3 Appetizers. ½ Price Pizzas.
Red Hot Valentine’s Day (February 14): Song trivia. $4 Red Hot Shots. $3 Martinis.
Date Auction (February 13): Auction winners will receive date with an employee and $50 restaurant gift card. All proceeds will benefit Make A Wish. $3 you call it drinks. $2 martinis. $1.50 pitchers (32 ounces). $1 wells. $3 Appetizers. ½ Price Pizzas.
Red Hot Valentine’s Day (February 14): Song trivia. $4 Red Hot Shots. $3 Martinis.It’s What We Call the News
WSYX 6: Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and City Council are hammering out the last $7 million to trim from an already thin budget in Columbus. This city has already gone through some drastic cuts in preparation for this upcoming budget - a budget that had to be trimmed about $100-million. So far, around 400 city employees were told they're position is vanishing. That includes more than 25 police recruits. More than a dozen centers, mostly rec centers, are closing in the next few weeks as the parks department funding was slashed. The city is also no longer funding the Sister Cities program at the visitors center. They've also pulled the plug on the Summer Strike Force.
Only $7 Million to cut? Maybe Mayor Coleman should issue a mandatory layoff for left-handed redheads…
10 TV: A Downtown hotel was placed under partial lockdown Monday morning as police searched for a gunman. No gunman was found… Police were called to the hotel around 5:30 a.m. on report of a gunman on the fifth floor. The hotel's elevators were disabled as police searched the hotel's fifth and sixth floors. After roughly 45 minutes of searching, police were unable to find a gunman and cleared the scene. Anxious guests were finally able to leave their floors and check out.
10 TV: Five north side schools were placed under lockdown Monday morning after student reported seeing another student with a gun inside a high school. Brookhaven High School and nearby Maize Road Elementary School were placed under lockdown at about 10 a.m. Three Catholic schools -- St. Francis DeSales High School, St. James The Less and St. Matthias - were also placed under lockdown as a precaution… The lockdowns occurred after a student who rides a COTA bus told administrators that he saw another student with a gun walk inside Brookhaven High School. The student who allegedly had the gun was later apprehended at a garage near the high school.... No weapon was found, but police did confirm that a magazine was recovered during a search of the area. All school lockdowns were lifted shortly before 11 a.m.
If anyone wonders why we spend so much time on crime, the above examples should show you… It’s everywhere…
10 TV: A clipper system will push through the region Tuesday, bringing with it the chance for some snow showers. Little accumulation is expected… After an early morning low of 23, Tuesday's high will reach only 27 degrees… mostly cloudy on Wednesday, with a few leftover snow flurries. It will be colder, with highs only reaching 20 degrees. Temperatures will rise dramatically by the end of the week, with temperatures on Saturday in the 40s and Sunday in the 50s. The warmer weather, however, may be accompanied by rain showers.
Snow, snow, go away…
Only $7 Million to cut? Maybe Mayor Coleman should issue a mandatory layoff for left-handed redheads…
10 TV: A Downtown hotel was placed under partial lockdown Monday morning as police searched for a gunman. No gunman was found… Police were called to the hotel around 5:30 a.m. on report of a gunman on the fifth floor. The hotel's elevators were disabled as police searched the hotel's fifth and sixth floors. After roughly 45 minutes of searching, police were unable to find a gunman and cleared the scene. Anxious guests were finally able to leave their floors and check out.
10 TV: Five north side schools were placed under lockdown Monday morning after student reported seeing another student with a gun inside a high school. Brookhaven High School and nearby Maize Road Elementary School were placed under lockdown at about 10 a.m. Three Catholic schools -- St. Francis DeSales High School, St. James The Less and St. Matthias - were also placed under lockdown as a precaution… The lockdowns occurred after a student who rides a COTA bus told administrators that he saw another student with a gun walk inside Brookhaven High School. The student who allegedly had the gun was later apprehended at a garage near the high school.... No weapon was found, but police did confirm that a magazine was recovered during a search of the area. All school lockdowns were lifted shortly before 11 a.m.
If anyone wonders why we spend so much time on crime, the above examples should show you… It’s everywhere…
10 TV: A clipper system will push through the region Tuesday, bringing with it the chance for some snow showers. Little accumulation is expected… After an early morning low of 23, Tuesday's high will reach only 27 degrees… mostly cloudy on Wednesday, with a few leftover snow flurries. It will be colder, with highs only reaching 20 degrees. Temperatures will rise dramatically by the end of the week, with temperatures on Saturday in the 40s and Sunday in the 50s. The warmer weather, however, may be accompanied by rain showers.
Snow, snow, go away…
Quick Read
John Futty’s piece on gunfire reports (34 a day in this city) had potential… Unfortunately, he seemed to focus more on the celebratory instances as opposed to the gunshots that are actually killing people (which do you think is more important?)… Thankfully, sports offset his blunder with exquisite Super Bowl coverage.
Barbara Carmen’s feature on rescue groups adopting dogs (metro front) was heartwarming… Metro’s other front page notable, on psychiatric patient services, was also solid…
Jeffrey Sheban’s profile of John Urbano, an Abercrombie and Fitch production specialist turned documentary filmmaker was insightful and very well written… Not well written, the Business section’s lead, which read like a Blackberry press release…
Barbara Carmen’s feature on rescue groups adopting dogs (metro front) was heartwarming… Metro’s other front page notable, on psychiatric patient services, was also solid…
Jeffrey Sheban’s profile of John Urbano, an Abercrombie and Fitch production specialist turned documentary filmmaker was insightful and very well written… Not well written, the Business section’s lead, which read like a Blackberry press release…
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Number Thirty-Four
10 TV: Columbus police are hoping someone may have seen something more that can help them find who fired a gun from a vehicle and hit a teenager standing with others at the corner of Cleveland and 16th. The shot struck Lazell Collins, 18, of Columbus. Police responded to a call of shots fired at that intersection but no one was there when they arrived. It seems friends had taken the wounded Collins to a fire station a block away. From there, he was taken to OSU Main to be treated for a serious gunshot wound to the abdomen. Police are asking if anyone knows anything about this incident to call Crimestoppers at 645-TIPS, or the Columbus Assault Squad, 645-4141.
Quick Read
The Dispatch continued their outstanding State of the State ramification coverage, today addressing the swap of the graduation exam, in favor of the ACT… Unfortunately, the front page’s lead, on the impact of non-profit service cuts, was miserable… The feature was mostly without the human element and the few anecdotes that there were, were buried on A8… How many times do I hate to say this… If the writers want us to believe people are affected… make us understand why…
While I normally bash Bob Hunter (because he deserves it), his column on the Arizona Cardinals almost moving to Columbus, instead of Arizona, was fascinating… Tim May and Ken Gordon’s breakdown of the Buckeyes recruiting class was also notable and informative…
Steve Watenberg’s piece on bankruptcies increasing (Business front), should have received front-page consideration…. And Joe Blundo’s piece about President Obama’s impact on the Super Bowl was ridiculous…. This message is for every reporter in America… Obama is a politician… STOP working him into your sports columns…
While I normally bash Bob Hunter (because he deserves it), his column on the Arizona Cardinals almost moving to Columbus, instead of Arizona, was fascinating… Tim May and Ken Gordon’s breakdown of the Buckeyes recruiting class was also notable and informative…
Steve Watenberg’s piece on bankruptcies increasing (Business front), should have received front-page consideration…. And Joe Blundo’s piece about President Obama’s impact on the Super Bowl was ridiculous…. This message is for every reporter in America… Obama is a politician… STOP working him into your sports columns…
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