Short North Neighborhood

by Nick Taggart

The Short North neighborhood can trace its origin to the arrival of the railroad to Columbus in 1850. With the location of Union Station on the city's then northern edge, development spread north on High Street. Factories and industry sprouted up within walking distance of the new neighborhoods consisting of foreign immigrants and migrants from the South. A decline in the middle of the 20th century led to a concerted effort at redevelopment. As urban homesteaders moved in and reclaimed deteriorating property, brave developers added their touch and supplied inexpensive space for art galleries and shops. What was once run-down and dangerous became cool and cutting edge. This all led to the Short North's current reputation as a fun and attractive area of the city to live and visit.

128 pages, Paperback

Published March 9, 2020

Reviews

[Sophiebearsmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical reference along with the pictures of this area of Columbus, Ohio, during the 1940s through today. I worked at Battelle Columbus offices in the 1980s and spent several lunch hours driving around this area. I recall telling my friends that it was such a shame that the beautiful homes and buildings were not being cared for and were crumbling down or being knocked down due to development/being condemned. I did not venture into this part of town after dark as it had quite an unsafe reputation. I clearly remember driving past buildings during the early afternoon hours and seeing men and women obviously intoxicated or passed out on the neglected front lawns. Seriously, it was that bad. It was not a good part of the city and was experiencing a quick decline.

Fast forward 30+ years and imagine my horror when I learned my daughter had rented an apartment in this area, now being referred to as the Short North. She laughed at my protests and said that the area is hip and trendy with renovated homes and apartments. I couldn’t believe it when I visited her home and found the whole area to be crowded with young adults out enjoying wonderful restaurants established in renovated buildings, trendy pubs and bars, vintage stores and cozy coffee shops on every street. My daughter laughs at my stories of the area in the 1980s and loves the Short North so much that she hopes to purchase a small renovated home or condo in the area. It was good to see that this area of Columbus has been saved and is being brought back to life.

I enjoyed seeing the pictures of the buildings and homes when they were first built, then remembered what I saw in the 1980s when looking at the pictures of homes and buildings during their decline/demolition. I wish the author had shared more pictures of the Short North today with its wonderful completed home renovations, trendy restaurants and fun vintage and artsy shops. I didn’t care to see all the pictures of the Doo Dah Parade (an annual 4th of July event).

I enjoyed this book because it was personal to me, but it is also a great example of how a declining part of a large city can be brought back to life for future generations to enjoy.

[Maddie L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never get tired of reading books about Columbus!🥰