In a major article, the venerable New York Times took the opportunity recently to review and praise the development of Columbus’ Arena District.

Born of some major preservation-related controversy, including the unfortunate -- and many believe unnecessary -- loss of the Ohio State Penitentiary, the district nevertheless has moved forward through a combination of renovation and substantial new construction.  The area has unquestionably brought a renewal of activity to the north part of Downtown Columbus.  This, in turn, turn has buttressed the Short North’s eclectic collection of merchants, galleries and restaurants housed in period buildings extending along North High Street.

As the article points out, the future of the central sector of Downtown is much less certain.  The new mixed-use Lazarus renovation has enjoyed initial success, however the ill-fated City Center Mall still defies redevelopment.

Click here for the article.

Photo: New York Times