The Short North facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Short North
Neighborhood
Country	United States
State	Ohio
County	Franklin
City	Columbus
ZIP Code	43215, 43201
Area code(s)	614/380

The Short North is a lively neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio. It's located just north of downtown, along High Street. You can easily walk there from the convention center. The area is known for its unique shops, art galleries, and fun events. It's a busy place, especially during its monthly "Gallery Hop."

People describe the Short North as "colorful," "offbeat," and "trendy." Many of its brick buildings are quite old, from the early 1900s. They have traditional storefronts and often feature bright murals on their sides. The city even put up 17 lighted metal arches across High Street. These arches look like the ones that were there a long time ago.

History of the Short North

The Short North area in 1980

This area was once called the "near north side." In the 1980s, police and taxi drivers started calling it the "Short North." At that time, the area was not doing very well. It was "just short" of the main downtown area, both physically and economically. In 1981, the Short North Tavern opened, and it was the first business to use this new name.

The Short North became known for its diverse and artistic vibe. Artists loved moving there because the rents were low and there was a lot of potential. Before artists moved in, the neighborhood had faced tough times. Many people had moved out to the suburbs in the 1960s and 1970s.

How the Gallery Hop Started

The 1980s saw the neighborhood begin to grow again as art galleries started to open. Maria Gallowy, who owned one of the oldest galleries, said artists loved the area. In 1984, two galleries, Art Reach and PM gallery, started a new idea. They would open new art shows on the first Saturday of every month. This helped them promote their businesses and build a stronger community.

This idea grew into the "Gallery Hop," which is still held on the first Saturday of every month. During the Gallery Hop, most businesses stay open late. The streets are full of people, and you can see street musicians and other performers.

The Doo Dah Parade

Since 1983, the Short North has also hosted the annual Doo Dah Parade. This parade is a funny take on typical Fourth of July parades. It includes funny floats and groups, like the "Marching Fidels," who are a band of Fidel Castro lookalikes. The parade starts in nearby Victorian Village and ends on High Street.

New Buildings and Growth

The Short North has seen a lot of new construction and growth since the early 2000s. Many small lots have been turned into taller buildings, some as high as ten stories. These new buildings often have a mix of homes, shops, and offices. For example, a building finished in 2019 now holds the US office for a company called Klarna. It also has restaurants and a hotel.

Some building companies have been active in the area for many years. They continue to propose new projects, like a fifteen-story apartment building. Other groups, like Stonewall Columbus, are also helping to redevelop the Short North.

A study in 2024 found that the Short North is a very valuable area. It brings in about $3.8 billion USD in revenue each year. The neighborhood itself is valued at over $954 million USD. It also generates more than $10 million in tax money each year.

Images for kids

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  High Street

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  The iconic arches of the Short North

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  The Short North is also known for its murals, including Trains and Union Station, now hidden from view

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  The Short North's Doo Dah Parade, 2005

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  A restaurant in the Short North

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  A Short North bar