Columbus, IN Downtown Activation Strategy

JLP+D worked with the Columbus Area Visitors Center and Landmark Columbus Foundation to develop an activation strategy for the city’s downtown core area. Downtown Columbus has benefited from a significant level of investment, development, and planning prior to the study. And yet, to further unlock the value of existing investment and achieve the vision for a more successful downtown, Columbus needs to attract more people to visit and spend time during the day and at night. JLP+D interviewed and conducted focus group sessions with stakeholders from government agencies, private owners and businesses, major employers, and residents. Consensus among the local community and leadership pointed to the necessity for a more holistic approach to activation, one that attends to both the hardware (public space, real estate, infrastructure) and the software (programming, governance, management) that shape the downtown experience.

The JLP+D study identified barriers and opportunities for greater activation and provided recommendations to leverage Columbus’ many existing assets - from arts and culture to the riverfront, provide diversified attractions, encourage people to explore more places, and produce a more vibrant environment and resilient economy. The report included 36 recommendations, all with case studies, to illustrate short-term, medium-term, and long-term opportunities.