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the short north arts district |
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The section of High
Street just north of downtown and south of
the Ohio State University Campus makes up
the Short North, where a stroll through the
area reveals art galleries, antique shops,
restaurants (from quaint to formal), small
bookstores, eclectic specialty stores,
coffee houses and neighborhood pubs. |
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Since it was established
in the early 20th century, this
historic urban neighborhood has experienced
many changes. Old and new blend well
together with many of the
buildings-including apartments and row
houses-still maintaining their traditional
20th century facades, while newer
condominium and renovated developments are
incorporated in the surrounding blocks. |
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Even though the Short
North was a thriving area in the 1920s, it
eventually fell by the wayside as many
residents relocated to the suburbs. It soon
became a neglected commercial strip with
dilapidated housing. The name Short North
originally came from the shorthand term used
by Columbus Police who were called to the
area often during the 60s and 70s. It
remained this way until the mid 70s, when
urban homesteaders decided to rejuvenate and
redevelop the area by purchasing and
renovating cheap housing. |
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Greater Columbus
Convention Center |
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By the 1980s the area was
on the upswing soon becoming what it is
today, a trendy, sometimes expensive,
neighborhood with bohemian flair and a
diverse population. The gay community
comprises a substantial portion of the
population, with local businesses that,
while they don’t necessarily cater expressly
to gay community, sport the gay pride flag. |
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Dubbed the SoHo of the Midwest by the
Short North
Business Association, the Short North is popular
with young urban-dwellers. Trailblazing art galleries
rub shoulders with hip restaurants, bars and boutiques
that spring up regularly. |
Large, colorful murals portraying
everything from a reproduction of Van Gogh’s Café
Terrace at Night and an interesting take on Grant
Wood’s American Gothic, by Steve Galgas, to a
mural by early 20th century artist and
Columbus native, George Bellows who was known for his
portrayal of urban America, adorn the buildings. |
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With revitalization came
the growth of tradition. Every first
Saturday of the month, the Short North hosts
the popular Gallery Hop. Throngs of visitors
and residents line the sidewalks to hear
street musicians, check out new exhibits and
explore the many shops that stay open late
to accommodate the crowds. |
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Since 1984, the Short
North has hosted the annual
Doo Dah Parade, a popular farcical and
flamboyant parade that parodies typical
Fourth of July parades.
Politically-slanted paraders and floats wind
their way through the streets, starting in
Victorian Village, at Goodale Park, moving
north and ending south down High Street. |
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Since 1876, the
North Market has been
Columbus' best (and often only) public
market. In its Short North home since
1995, the North Market now houses over 25
merchants and sees over 1 million visitors
each year. |
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To learn even
more about the Short North, |
visit
www.Think-Urban.com |
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Or just come down and experience the it for yourself! |
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