There’s something I’ve always liked about Parsons Avenue. When the street is damp and the lights reflect off of the pavement and one squints just a little, it can look just like a street scape out of the 1930’s.
There’s a few more things are not so pleasant. Decay. Abandonment. Blight. Litter. The Greater Parsons Avenue Vision Plan addresses the challenges as well as the benefits of the Avenue. Most surprising was that crime in the area is not nearly as high as most folks might think. (Interesting is the fact that blighted areas give the impression of crime, and is often a reason for it).
Another statement in the Vision Plan notes that high-school kids do not feel connected to the area because there is little, if anything for them to do along Parsons Avenue. Employment options are limited for them, as well, in their own neighborhood.
The Plan calls for the Whittier intersection to become a primary focal point, as well as the creation of an additional focal point further south, near the site of the former Schottenstein’s. While the Plan has been in place for over a year, there’s been little progress, save for some demolition at Jenkins and the new Pizza Hut on Stewart.
Parsons Avenue is a vital part of the neighborhood and its future success is in direct correlation to the stability of it’s adjacent neighborhoods. The question is, how do we help it along? Making sure we choose Parsons Avenue merchants, of course, is a must, but how do we add enough value to the Avenue so that those used-car lots get purchased for more productive use?
Franklinton and King-Lincoln are getting a lot of attention these days. This attention seems to be coming from the arts community. I’ve wondered if those areas might be attracting this attention because of their sky-line views. Each of those areas have direct line-of-sight-views into downtown. Factor in growth over the next 10 years, and a sky-line view from West Broad Street becomes quite an investment. The same holds true for East Long Street.
Since we know that success is a “people” issue and not just a “policy” issue, how do we assist in the stability of Parsons Avenue?
9 responses so far ↓
Bob Leighty // 3 November, 2007 at 2:26 pm
City Council members and the Mayor’s office need to hear that people want to see Parsons Avenue improve. Because we’ve been vocal in the past, in the last couple years we’ve finally gotten more attention and resources for planning here, and now we have to further flesh out and implement those plans. Such ongoing support from South Columbus residents is critical… spread the word, talk to City Council and the Mayor. Send them letters. Send them emails. Call them.
Meanwhile, some good things are happening on and around Parsons, they are just not real visible yet. The City finally has obtained ownership over the property at Schottensteins and in the surrounding blocks shown in the vision plan, that just happened this Fall. Now Columbus’ nonprofit development arm Urban Growth is putting together their more specific development plan, and I think we’ll be seeing that in a couple months. It takes a while to put something like this together, but it’s coming. What specific retailers/services would people like to see there? This is a good time for that discussion. This blog is a good place to generate ideas.
Also, some things are coming together in the north, check out the South Side Plan Amendment draft for some recommendations http://merionvillage.org/bannerads/southsideplan.html?91,31. Having an artist living/work space in nearby Barrett Middle School could be a wonderful thing, and it could really help develop new art gallery space on Parsons, only a block to the east. There are many buildings on the Avenue that could be fixed up and serve well as gallery space. And, there are many great old and very affordable homes east of Parsons and in much of South Columbus, great places for local artists to live.
Finally, there is also going to be a traffic study done for the Avenue, funding has been set aside and it is being planned now, and that will be very helpful. Parsons needs to be more pedestrian friendly, and innovative parking solutions are needed for businesses on Parsons, and this study should help us achieve those important things.
Again, let City leaders know that you think that Parsons Avenue development is important. Spread the word!
Jeff // 3 November, 2007 at 8:23 pm
One of the many advantages to Parsons Avenue is that old will mix with new. Vacant lots can be used for new-build. Existing older structures allow for lower rents, thus affording emerging artists and businesses the opportunity to have street-front galleries and shops. This mix is vital for sustainability.
Personally, I’d like to see a minimum height of 2 or 3 story for new construction. Street level shops and space above for living quarters. Affordable units, be they apartments or condos, can be accomplished with a “bare bones” sets of stylized loft spaces. Easy to configure and easily adaptable after purchase, they’ll offer greater opportunity for flexibility. The “urban frontier” is attractive to many first-time buyers and Parsons Avenue should actively seek them.
Considering the wealth of great gardens and yards in the neighboring Villages, I’d imagine a garden shop could manage a good business along Parsons Avenue. A used book store would invite guests to linger. Time enough for a coffee, perhaps. The proposed new library can be a good anchor for any corner.
Columbusite // 4 November, 2007 at 3:11 pm
People here still don’t get it after decades of solid evidence. Parking lots kill urban areas, just look at our downtown vs just about any other downtown in this country and abroad. Unless this is going to be a generic, run down strip mall area they have no place.
The Greater Parsons Avenue Vision Plan | The Walker Evans Effect // 6 November, 2007 at 6:15 am
[...] parking lots hidden around back could easily be turned into parking garages when the need arrives. Parsons Avenue November 3rd, 2007 There’s something I’ve always liked about Parsons Avenue. When the street [...]
Dustin // 6 November, 2007 at 9:54 am
I definately like the idea of the farmers market, I think it would be a great place to mingle with neighbors while picking up fresh produce. Im not sure where I stand on the parking lot issue. I agree that it should be off the streetfront, but Id also hate to see so much space alloted for a lot. But then again, parking in the area can be tricky, and if anyone from outside the neighborhood comes in to shop, explore etc.. there needs to be space to accomadate them
farrisbulen // 7 November, 2007 at 7:22 pm
This would be an awesome plan if implemented. The farmers market and additional office space would be very positive for this area.
I’ve always wondered why development and capital improvements along Parsons mainly centered around the western side of the street. Much can be done to improve the eastern stretch of homes and businesses along Parsons.
dustin d // 19 June, 2008 at 9:42 am
Parsons ave needs coffee shops, art galleries, live music venue, boutique clothing shops, etc. it’s cheap space, great for those things.
Clean up whittier and parsons intersection.
It will happen eventually.
Get rid of liquer drive-thrus and anything else that invites all the scum.
Regina // 22 July, 2008 at 12:18 am
I wouuld love to see parsons Ave. come alive again with nice little shops, where people can just sit and enjoy them selfs.
Regina // 22 July, 2008 at 12:21 am
something really needs to be done with parsons Ave. please consider putting in shops where people can enjoy them selfs again.
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