Discovery District (Columbus, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Discovery District
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Neighborhoods of Columbus, Ohio
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Columbus State Community College in the Discovery District
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| ZIP Code |
43215
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| Area code(s) | 614 |
The Discovery District is a special area in downtown Columbus, Ohio. It's known for its many schools and art places. Here you'll find Columbus State Community College, Columbus College of Art and Design, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
This area is called a cultural district because it has so many places for learning and creativity. The name "Discovery District" suggests that there are many new things to learn and explore here. It's a unique spot where culture, art, and education all come together.
Contents
History of the Discovery District
The Discovery District was officially created in 2007. It's a special kind of area called a Special Improvement District (SID). This means that property owners in the district agree to pay a small extra tax. This money helps keep the area clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.
The SID uses this money for important services. They hire safety ambassadors to help people and keep an eye on things. They also have a specialist who helps people experiencing homelessness. The district also pays to remove graffiti and promotes the area to attract visitors. Before it became an SID, this part of Columbus was seen as less safe. City leaders wanted to make it better, especially since many students attend colleges here.
Two private groups, the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC) and Capitol South, helped create the Discovery District. These groups have worked on other similar projects in Columbus. The CDDC started in 2002 to improve downtown. Capitol South began earlier, in 1974, to redevelop the area south of Capitol Square.
Some buildings in the Discovery District are very old and important landmarks. They were there long before the district got its name. These include the Kelton House, the First Congregational Church, and the Broad Street United Methodist Church.
Keeping the District Safe
The main goals of the Discovery Special Improvement District are to prevent crime and keep things orderly. About 80% of the money collected from the district goes towards these safety efforts.
Safety Programs
To make the district safer, several programs have been put in place.
- Safety Ambassadors: Security guards from the main institutions in the district work together. They form a network to communicate easily and help each other. They meet regularly to ensure their communication is strong.
- Specialty Police Force: A special police team focuses only on crime within the Discovery District. This team helps ensure quick responses to any safety concerns.
- Outreach Program: This program helps people experiencing homelessness in the area. It connects them with job opportunities and support centers.
Before the SID was created, there were more issues like panhandling and car theft. Now, because of the increased security, there is much less crime. These safety improvements were so successful that the SID received a Homeland Security Award in 2014. The remaining 20% of the district's money is used for marketing and fun seasonal events.
Geography of the Discovery District
Boundaries
The Discovery District has slightly different borders depending on the map. Generally, it's bordered by I-670 to the north. To the east, it's Jefferson Avenue and Lester Drive. The southern border zig-zags until it reaches I-70. To the west, it's South Grant Avenue.
Buildings and Landmarks
This district is home to many important cultural and educational places.
- Columbus Metropolitan Library: The main branch of this highly-rated library is in the Discovery District. It's a great place for learning and reading.
- Columbus Museum of Art: This museum has a large collection of American and European art. It also features many modern and photography exhibits.
The district also has several schools:
- Columbus College of Art and Design: This is a top-ranked art school.
- Columbus State Community College: Many students start here and then transfer to bigger universities. These include The Ohio State University, Otterbein University, or Ohio Dominican University.
- Franklin University and Capital University Law School are also located here.
The Kelton House is a historic mansion in the district. It has been turned into a museum. It teaches visitors about life in Columbus in the 1800s. It also shares stories about the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom.
The area also has several churches, like The First Congregational Church and Broad Street United Methodist Church.
Where People Live
Most people living in the Discovery District live in apartment buildings. This is because it's an urban area with many students. Many apartments are designed for students. There are more than ten multi-story apartment buildings.
A lot of land in the district is also used for parking lots. These lots serve the many apartment buildings and the colleges and museums in the area.
Parks
The Discovery District has two parks: the Topiary Park and Thurber Park.
- Topiary Park: Also known as The Old Deaf School Park, this park is unique. It uses topiaries (plants shaped into figures) to recreate a famous painting. The painting is A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat. The park is seven acres and has 67 topiary figures, over 220 trees, and a pond.
- Thurber Park: This is a smaller, oval-shaped grassy area. It's across from the Thurber House, where writer James Thurber once lived. The park has a gazebo, walkways, and trees.
Dining and Shops
Dining Options
The Discovery District has many different restaurants. These dining spots help keep the area lively after business hours. Before these restaurants, the district would become very quiet once the library and art museum closed. Now, people can stay and enjoy a meal.
Fun Events and Entertainment
The Discovery District hosts many fun activities and events throughout the year.
Columbus Art Walks
The district is part of the annual Columbus Art Walks. These are self-guided tours that let you explore downtown Columbus. The Discovery District Art Walk takes you through the "Creative Campus." You can see hidden murals, artistic surprises in parks, and historic buildings. It's a great way to discover the art and history of the area.
Seasonal Events
The district also holds special events during the winter holidays. One popular event is the Holiday Trolley Hop. This tour takes visitors around the district by trolley in the evening. Stops include activities, crafts, tours, and shopping. Past stops have included Topiary Park, Kelton House, and the Columbus Museum of Art.
Summer Movies and Sports
The Topiary Theater Summer Movie Series is another popular event. The district works with the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Gateway Film Center. They show movies based on books in Topiary Park.
In the summer, the Discovery District creates sand volleyball courts. This area is called "Discovery Beach." It's located at 100 N. Grant Avenue and is free for anyone who wants to play volleyball. The YMCA also hosts volleyball leagues here during the spring and summer.
