CASE STUDY
THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS RIVERFRONT 1998-2020 PHOTOS CREDIT, UNLESS NOTED: RANDALL L. SCHIEBER
2017 URBAN LAND INSTITUTE COLUMBUS AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD 2017 INTERNATIONAL DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION PINNACLE AWARD FOR PUBLIC SPACE 2016 AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION NATIONAL PLANNING EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR IMPLEMENTATION 2016 INTERNATIONAL DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION MERIT AWARD IN PLANNING
INTRODUCTION 5TH AVENUE DAM
Across two decades of continual planning and implementation, the Downtown Columbus Riverfront has been completely transformed. Improvements include five new downtown parks, the removal of two low-head dams, a restored riverfront ecosystem, two new bridges, and revitalized neighborhoods and new urban districts.
Ecosystem
Over the past 20 years, the City of Columbus, the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC) and the private sector have worked together to facilitate the investment of $283.4 million in civic infrastructure and $134.1 million in parks along the Scioto River. This infusion of capital has led to the return of millions of visitors to the riverfront annually, and has triggered nearly $1.78 billion in additional private investment in the neighborhoods and urban districts that surround the Scioto River.
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2001
Columbus Riverfront Vision Plan NORTH BANK PARK
GENOA PARK SCIOTO PENINSULA PARK MAIN STREET DAM
200 5 2002
Whittier Peninsula Master Plan
Downtown Business Plan
SCIOTO GREENWAY
Planning
The Columbus Riverfront Vision Plan provided a framework for redeveloping the river corridor, envisioning almost 600 acres of connected open space along the river corridor. The plan’s recommendations were designed to guide development along the riverfront for at least 20 years. As a continuous river corridor, the plan sought to link together residential neighborhoods, institutional campuses and the civic heart of downtown.
Handbook for Private Dev. & Public Imp.
SCIOTO MILE
The handbook for Private Development and Public Improvements in the Riverfront Corridor provided design and development suggestions to be used by individuals and organizations seeking to develop within the boundaries of the Vision Plan.
This plan was guided by five action strategies, one of which was to create a riverfront park and promenade. This set in motion the design and implementation of the Scioto Mile.
In 2003 the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, Franklin County Metro Parks and the Columbus Chapter of Audubon Ohio entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop an urban nature center and park on a portion of the Whittier Peninsula.
SCIOTO AUDUBON METRO PARK
1998-2017 COLUMBUS RIVERFRONT TIMELINE
1999 Genoa Park
This 2 acre park was designed to serve as a gateway to COSI, the Center of Science and Industry. This project was an early success for the Riverfront Vision Plan. The park’s main feature, the riverfront amphitheater, provides a place for a variety of events and concerts throughout the year.
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2005
North Bank Park
This premier urban park was the first to be planned using the principles outlined by the Columbus Riverfront Vision Plan. This 12 acre, fully handicapped-accessible site and is a destination for downtown workers, residents and visitors and is a gateway for many motorists and bikeway users.
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Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Covering 120 acres of the Whittier Peninsula, the Scioto Audubon Metro Park transformed a blighted industrial brownfield into an active urban green space. Today the park provides a place for recreational activities such as hiking, running, biking, rock climbing, boating, and bird watching.
INTRODUCTION
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Wet Weather Management Plan
2012
2013
The 5th Avenue dam, that once provided cooling-water to the OSU power plant, was removed in August 2012. The ecological restoration project included construction of shoreline wetlands, riffles and scour pools. The exposed muddy banks were planted with flood tolerant grasses, sedges, shrubs and trees.
The downtown portion of the Scioto River used to be an overly wide, slow-moving pool of sediment-laden water, due to the Main Street dam. Removing the dam allowed the water course to be narrowed and 33 acres of new green space to be added along its edges, connecting downtown to the river and the Scioto Peninsula.
5th Avenue Dam Removal
The Wet Weather Management plan is a comprehensive capital improvement plan for Columbus’ sewers system that addresses the city’s combined sewer overflows and basement backup problems. The plan’s goal is to reduce pollution in the city’s waterways, and by doing so make Columbus a healthier place to live.
2010
Downtown Strategic Plan The Plan created a vision for the future that built on previous planning efforts. The planning team conducted an interactive public process, hosting town hall meetings and gaining input from more than 1,000 comments. 10 Principles, 12 Ideas and 8 Strategies emerged to guide the revitalization of Downtown for the next 10 years. This plan called for the removal of the Main Street dam and the naturalization of the river corridor.
Main Street Dam Removal
2012
Main Street Dam Removal Feasibility
The Feasibility Study, funded by the CDDC and the City, explored the environmental, engineering, and land planning challenges associated with removal of the dam. The study provided a solution that showed how a naturalized river corridor would enable downtown to truly embrace the Scioto River.
Scioto Mile
20 10
2017
Removing the Main Street dam allowed the water course to be narrowed and water level lowered, creating new green space and enabling downtown residents, visitors, and employees to better connect with the river.
An idea emerged from the 2010 Downtown Strategic Plan to continue the development of the Scioto Peninsula and help to catalyze redevelopment of the west side of the River. The new Dorrian Green creates a dynamic entry to the Center of Science and Industry with a 6.5-acre park over a 630-car, single-level, underground parking garage.
Scioto Greenways
Dorrian Green
2012
Main Street Bridge
Rich Street Bridge The Scioto Mile was designed to be a signature urban park, a unique regional attraction, and a public open space that is the heart of civic events for Columbus and Central Ohio. The park transformed the urban core of Downtown Columbus and led to a resurgence in downtown activity and investment by offering a vibrant public destination.
The final design is a simple yet elegant architectural centerpiece along the downtown riverfront that connects parks (Genoa Park), cultural institutions (Center of Science & Industry) and neighborhoods (East Franklinton) to the west with entertainment/ civic spaces (Scioto Mile) and the downtown municipal campus to the east.
The Transformation of the Downtown Columbus Riverfront 1998-2018
Bridges
One of several phased enhancements for the downtown riverfront, the Main Street Bridge created automobile, pedestrian and bikeway circulation/linkages between the east and west banks of the Scioto River. The bridge features a separate, 18-foot-wide deck for pedestrians and bicycles, offering dramatic views of the riverfront and downtown skyline.
2015
Riverfront Parks
2011
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INTRODUCTION
RIVERFRONT PLANNING The 1998 Riverfront Vision Plan accomplished what other plans over the past 100 years have struggled to achieve – a connected, active, and healthy river system that is a community asset. The Plan, led by Sasaki and MSI Design (now MKSK), clearly established the need for a revitalized riverfront that would contribute to the image of Columbus by connecting neighborhoods and becoming a regional destination. No longer overlooked and underutilized, planners envisioned a riverfront that would be a restored ecological corridor and a catalyst for community reinvestment.
The Vision Plan laid out clear objectives: that the riverfront should contribute to the overall image of Columbus; that it should be both a destination and a connective civic corridor; that it should foster new development; that it should enable community interaction; and that it should improve the riparian environment. This plan was followed by the 2001 Handbook for Private Development and Public Improvements in the Riverfront Corridor that provided design and development suggestions to be used by individuals and organizations seeking to develop within the boundaries of the Vision Plan. The development guidelines were led by Kinzelman Kline (now MKSK). In the subsequent 17 years, these objectives have been met or exceeded by the plans, projects and investments that have been implemented.
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CATALYTIC PROJECTS
1. G ENOA PARK 1999
Designed by Kinzelman Kline (now MKSK), Genoa Park was developed at a cost of $5 million by the Columbus Recreation & Parks Department. Opened in concert with the Center for Science and Industry (COSI), this park has been an anchor of the west side of the Scioto River since 1999. The park’s amphitheater and riverfront promenade immediately became a prominent civic space for the City of Columbus, hosting downtown events and festivals as well as serving as the visual and functional forecourt to COSI.
PHOTO CREDIT: BRAD FEINKNOPF
The Transformation of the Downtown Columbus Riverfront 1998-2018
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CATALYTIC PROJECTS PHOTO CREDIT: BRAD FEINKNOPF
PHOTO CREDIT: BRAD FEINKNOPF
2. N ORTH BANK PARK 2005
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CATALYTIC PROJECTS Designed by MSI (now MKSK), this 12-acre, $15 million park opened on the east bank of the Scioto River in 2005. Adjacent to the mixed use redevelopment in the Arena District, North Bank Park is the gateway into downtown from the Scioto-Olentangy Greenway trails. This park set the stage for the continued riverfront transformation of Downtown Columbus. Located on the site of the old pump house for the Ohio Penitentiary, North Bank Park represented an opportunity to honor the unique history of the area. The design of the park reclaimed the original stone from the Ohio Penitentiary that once stood north of the site and used it to build the linear walls that define spaces throughout the park. Previously hidden from downtown by an earthen berm, this section of the riverfront was underutilized and difficult to access. By removing this berm, a new park was made possible, opening up views to the Scioto River and allowing for new park space, multi-use trails, a boat dock and an event pavilion. The park is now home to the Jazz and Rib Festival and other community events. The pavilion is one of the most popular rental venues in the city, generating revenue for the Columbus Recreation & Parks Department. A large patio area and an amphitheater lawn face the river providing views of the water and the downtown skyline. North Bank Park has also drawn the energy of the Arena District to the Scioto River, spurring reinvestment in the surrounding area, including a new 20-story, 109unit, luxury condominium tower.
The Transformation of the Downtown Columbus Riverfront 1998-2018
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CATALYTIC PROJECTS
3. S CIOTO AUDUBON METRO PARK 2009
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CATALYTIC PROJECTS
The City of Columbus partnered with Metro Parks and Ohio Audubon to build the Scioto Audubon Metro Park, replacing a brownfield with a 120-acre park that is now designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. Designed by Kinzelman Kline (now MKSK), it features restored wetlands, the LEED-Gold Grange Insurance Audubon Center, and one of the nation’s largest outdoor climbing walls. The park offers many different ways for visitors to enjoy the space including an aviary habitat observation deck, land lab wetland environs, restorative native plantings and prairie, an observation tower, and miles of trails. Recreation opportunities include volleyball, athletic fields, an obstacle course, play equipment, picnic facilities, a dog park, boat ramps, and fishing piers. Everything designed within the park is a lesson in sustainable development and conservation through the use of innovative green technologies, including the Audubon Center’s green roof, permeable parking lot, and rain gardens. Walking trails, wetland boardwalks, and bike paths connect to the regional bikeway system, adjacent neighborhoods, and to downtown.
The Transformation of the Downtown Columbus Riverfront 1998-2018
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CATALYTIC PROJECTS
4. S CIOTO MILE 2011
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CATALYTIC PROJECTS Following the 2002 Downtown Business Plan, the City of Columbus charged the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC) with the implementation of the Scioto Mile. Designed by MSI (now MKSK), this $42 million park project reinvigorated the downtown reach of the Scioto Riverfront, providing the critical linkage between North Bank Park and the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. Civic Center Drive, once a 4-lane, one-way arterial out of downtown was converted into a 2-lane, 2-way complete street and pedestrian promenade. Stretching along the riverfront from Broad Street to Main Street, the Scioto Mile reconnects downtown to the Scioto River through an integrated system of parks, boulevards, bikeways and pedestrian paths.
PHOTO CREDIT: NICK FANCHER
Bicentennial Park is the focal point of the Scioto Mile and has become both a downtown destination and the gathering place for the Columbus community. The 15,000-square-foot fountain, an amphitheater and event lawn, along with the Milestone 229 restaurant, have made the park a civic magnet. Home to the Columbus Arts Festival and other annual festivals and events, the Scioto Mile draws more than 1.4 million visitors annually.
The Transformation of the Downtown Columbus Riverfront 1998-2018
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STRATEGIC PLANNING
MAIN STREET DAM REMOVAL FEASIBILITY STUDY 2011
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STRATEGIC PLANNING Following the completion of the 2010 Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan, the City of Columbus and the CDDC seized upon this incredible momentum, and moved into the implementation phase. In 2011, Stantec and MKSK conducted a Feasibility Study to determine project impacts, design implications, environmental benefits, a construction budget and a funding strategy. The study found that the removal of the Main Street dam and restoration of a more natural river channel was feasible and would create 33 acres of new parkland, meet floodplain requirements, and restore the Scioto River habitat. Detailed design and engineering began in 2012.
The Transformation of the Downtown Columbus Riverfront 1998-2018
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STRATEGIC PLANNING
5. S CIOTO GREENWAYS 2010-2015
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12 IDEAS
STRATEGIC PLANNING
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TRANSFORM THE SCIOTO-OLENTANGY GREENWAY CORRIDOR
Although we have successful riverfront parks, we have not yet taken the steps necessary to clean our rivers, repair environmental damage, or make them usable for recreation.
By removing the Main Street low-head dam, which is not needed for flood protection or utilities, 45 new acres of green space would be created in Downtown Columbus. With the planned removal of the 5th Avenue low-head dam, this creates a stronger greenway connection to Ohio State University. Removal of additional low-head dams above 5th Avenue would realize a 16.5 mile recreational and environmentally restored river corridor linking two Metro Parks and connecting neighborhoods to Downtown Columbus. Makes the City’s $2.5 billion Wet Weather Management Plan Investment apparent by restoring use and access to the river corridors.
EXISTING
PROPOSED www.downtowncolumbus.com/plan
In 2009, with the Scioto Mile and other improvements under way, the CDDC embarked on a community planning process to determine new catalytic projects for Downtown Columbus. Led by MSI (now MKSK), the 2010 Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan developed 12 new ideas for downtown, but one idea rose to the top–the removal of the Main Street dam to create a free-flowing, naturalized Scioto River channel downtown. Dam removal would allow for improved water access and recreation in addition to myriad environmental benefits. This became the most popular idea in the plan and immediately gained broad community support.
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The Transformation of the Downtown Columbus Riverfront 1998-2018
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CATALYTIC PROJECTS
SCIOTO GREENWAYS IMPLEMENTATION 2013-2015
The $35.5 million Scioto Greenways project started in November 2013, with the removal of the Main Street dam. Removing the dam allowed for the implementation of a natural channel design that restored river habitat. The river restoration included the creation of pools, riffles, and other characteristics of natural flow regimes that improved sediment transport and oxygenation, and lowered water temperatures needed for healthy fish and mussel habitat. In addition, the removal of riprap, concrete revetments, and invasive species at the river’s edge and the use of native bank species created a stronger riparian habitat. After the Main Street dam was notched, water levels dropped, exposing the river bank and the underwater habitat. As part of the project, more than 4,000 freshwater mussels were rescued and relocated to appropriate habitat. Work on the restored river channel and river banks continued throughout 2014, with park spaces, plazas, trails and native tree, shrub and grass planting taking place in 2015. The Scioto Greenways opened to the public in November 2015. With 1.5 miles of new multi-use trails, five new boat access points, and new vantage points from which to enjoy the Scioto River and downtown skyline, the Scioto Greenways is already proving popular with residents and visitors alike. 16
CATALYTIC PROJECTS NOVEMBER 2013
JULY 2014
AUGUST 2018
The Transformation of the Downtown Columbus Riverfront 1998-2018
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CATALYTIC PROJECTS
PHOTO CREDIT: INFINITE IMPACT
6. DORRIAN GREEN 2017
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CATALYTIC PROJECTS The 2010 Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan emphasized the opportunity of building upon existing cultural and educational institutions located on the Scioto Peninsula, in an effort to revitalize the East Franklinton neighborhood. In 2012, the CDDC led the process to create a strategic land use plan for the Peninsula. This master plan was presented to the public in August 2013. Representing almost 100 stakeholder meetings and more than 450 public comments, the plan included concepts for a new veterans memorial and museum, development of over 1,000 residential units, and a complementary park and retail space. The new Dorrian Green opened to the public in November 2017. The new park adds an additional 6.5 acres of green space to the western side of the River and new entry to the Center for Science and Industry (COSI) science museum, provides a singlelevel underground parking structure, and anchors surrounding cultural destinations including the redeveloped National Veterans Memorial and Museum and future mixed-use development planned for the neighborhood.
2012 SCIOTO PENINSULA MASTER PLAN
NOV 2017
AUG 2015
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PHOTOS CREDIT: INFINITE IMPACT
The Transformation of the Downtown Columbus Riverfront 1998-2018
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RIVERFRONT TRANSFORMATION Year: 1999 Size: 2 acres Cost: $5 million Partners: City of Columbus
GENOA PARK
BEFORE
AFTER
Year: 2005 Size: 12 acres Cost: $15 million
NORTH BANK PARK
Partners: City of Columbus, State of Ohio, Land Donated by AEP BEFORE
AFTER
Year: 2009 Size: 120 acres Cost: $30 million
SCIOTO AUDUBON METRO PARK
Partners: City of Columbus, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, Grange Insurance, Audubon Ohio, Clean Ohio Fund BEFORE
AFTER
Year: 2011 Size: 11 acres Cost: $42 million
SCIOTO MILE/BICENTENNIAL PARK
Partners: City of Columbus, State of Ohio, Franklin County, AEP, Private Donors BEFORE
AFTER
Year: 2015 Size: 33 acres Cost: $35.5 million
SCIOTO GREENWAYS
BEFORE
DORRIAN GREEN
PHOTO CREDIT: INFINITE IMPACT
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AFTER
PHOTO CREDIT: INFINITE IMPACT
BEFORE
AFTER
Partners: City of Columbus, MORPC, ODOT, Ohio EPA, US EPA, CDDC, Franklin County, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, Columbus Foundation, Battelle Memorial Institute Year: 2017 Size: 6.5 acres Cost: $34 million Partners: CDDC, City of Columbus
RIVERFRONT TRANSFORMATION BY THE NUMBERS The city and the CDDC have led public and private sector investments in parks totaling $134.1 million. These 185 acres of new or renovated parkland have substantial environmental benefits through the restoration of 78% of the Scioto River’s riparian edge and the planting of over 1,400 trees. Riverfront access has also been improved, with five new boat launches, 1.5 miles of new multi-use paths and 4 miles of new walking paths.
26x
33 ACRES
EQ UI VA L ENT TO 26 FOOTBALL FIELDS
OF PARK LAND WAS CREATED BY REMOVING THE MAIN STREET DAM
5
NEW BOAT LAUNCHES
NORTH BANK PARK PARK PATHS CONNECT TO
3 TRAILS SCIOTO MILE
185 ACRES
GENOA PARK
O F N E W A N D R E N O V AT E D
TOTAL PARKLAND
DORRIAN GREEN
BICENTENNIAL PARK
153
2 DO C K S A N D 3 L AN DI N G S
PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE WATER
78%
2 LOCAL AND 3 REGIONAL
S O L A R PA N E L S
ON MILESTONE 229 RESTAURANT SOLAR POWER PRODUCTION 90A
SCIOTO GREEN WAYS INCREASE IN LINEAR FOOTAGE OF RIPARIAN EDGE
P L A N T E D W I T H N AT I V E V E G E TAT I O N
1.5
4+
MILES OF NEW WALKING PATHS
EQUIVALENT TO 1.5 TIMES THE L E N G T H O F C E N T R A L PA R K
MILES OF NEW BICYCLE PATHS
CONNECTING THE OLENTANGY TRAIL TO DOWNTOWN
1
1400+ NP ELWA NT RTEEEDS
st
URBAN AUDUBON CEN T ER I N OHI O AND 1 st URBAN METRO PARK IN CENTRAL OHIO D E S I G N AT E D B Y A U D U B O N A S AN IMPORTANT BIRD AREA
ABSORBING 7 TONS OF CO2 PER YEAR
EQUIVALENT TO THE EMISSION OF 90 000 C A R S D R I V I N G F R O M N O R T H B A N K PA R K TO SCIOTO AUDUBON METRO PARK
SCIOTO AUDUBON METRO PARK = 2000 000 CARS
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RIVERFRONT TRANSFORMATION
RiverSouth
RIVERSOUTH
Scioto Peninsula Park & Garage
Scioto Peninsula Master Plan
Scioto Mile
iot Sc o
Arena District - Office + Entertainment
Arena District - Residential 22
ARENA DISTRICT
r ve Ri
North Bank Park
RIVERFRONT TRANSFORMATION Scioto Audubon Metro Park
REDEVELOPMENT & IMPROVEMENTS ARENA DISTRICT • 2.25 million square foot mixed use neighborhood • 1,000+ residential units built • 500 residential units under construction • 3,600 jobs
EAST FRANKLINTON CREATIVE COMMUNITY DISTRICT
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
RICH STREET PERSPECTIVE - LOOKING EAST October 3, 2014
EAST FRANKLINTON
SCIOTO PENINSULA
East Franklinton
RIVERSOUTH • The Lazarus Building, a 700,000 square foot, LEED Gold Certified office renovation • Streetscape improvements, one-way to twoway street conversions, green infrastructure • 1,100 residential units • Millenial Tower (planned): 100 residential units, 180,000 square feet of office space, and 40,000 square feet of retail space SCIOTO PENINSULA • Center of Science and Industry • Broad Street streetscape improvements, pedestrian crossings, bicycle lanes • National Veterans Memorial and Museum (under construction) • Scioto Peninsula Park and garage • Scioto Peninsula Master Plan, $500 million mixed use development (in design) EAST FRANKLINTON • Warehouses that have been converted to artist studios and incubator space • Three new bars and restaurants • 500+ residential units under construction
$283.4 Million CIVIC INFRASTRUCTURE Scioto Greenways
$381.6 Million PARKS & MUSEUMS $1.78 Billion
PRIVATE INVESTMENT
The Transformation of the Downtown Columbus Riverfront 1998-2018
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RIVERFRONT TRANSFORMATION
DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS RIVERFRONT
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RIVERFRONT TRANSFORMATION CITY OF COLUMBUS
MAYOR ANDREW GINTHER
“It’s exciting to see the environmental improvements and to be able to navigate from The Ohio State University, through downtown and all the way to the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. Our plan is now being realized.”
COLUMBUS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
GUY WORLEY, PRESIDENT/CEO
“In year’s past, the Scioto Riverfront in Downtown Columbus was an underutilized asset—home only to empty parking lots, abandoned buildings and a quick access route for exiting the city after the workday ended. Today, serving as an anchor to a new civic corridor, the riverfront has become a vibrant neighborhood complete with residential and office space, restaurants and recreation.”
CITY OF COLUMBUS
MICHAEL COLEMAN, FORMER MAYOR
“I had the honor of being the Mayor of Columbus for 16 years. During that time, I am proud to say we worked with key public and private sector partners to bring the focus and attention to the riverfront that it deserves. The groundwork was laid through extensive public engagement and careful planning. Most importantly, those plans led to action. The river is being restored, low-head dams have been removed, much-needed park space has been created, and investments have been made in public art and infrastructure. This has played a key role in attracting over $1 billion in private development in the form of offices, residences, and entertainment venues—with much more to come.”
CLEVE RICKSECKER, PREVIOUSLY DIRECTOR OF THE FORMER RIVERFRONT COMMONS CORPORATION
“Riverfront development has honored public input. It has restored the ecological health of the rivers, brought people downtown, caused economic development in nearby neighborhoods, and created active and popular recreational options. The Columbus Riverfront is a unique response to a specific place. As a result, public response to riverfront improvements has surpassed our highest expectations.”
The Transformation of the Downtown Columbus Riverfront 1998-2018
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RIVERFRONT TRANSFORMATION
The Transformation of the Downtown Columbus Riverfront 1998-2018
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WWW.COLUMBUS.GOV
WWW.COLUMBUSDDC.COM
WWW.MKSKSTUDIOS.COM
WWW.SCIOTOMILE.COM WWW.SCIOTOGREENWAYS.COM
PHOTOS CREDIT, UNLESS NOTED: RANDALL L. SCHIEBER