Is Columbus the Next Little Big Town?

I cannot believe it has been one year to the day since I have posted a blog. Not sure what sparked me to post today other than I’ve been thinking I should get back at it once in a while. So I look at my last blog and my previous post was November 12, 2010. Not sure about you guys but I have been really into the whole 11-11-11 thing so this must be another sign of some sort. Seriously every time I looked at the clock in the last year it read 11:11. Dude that has to mean something.



So is Columbus the next little big town? I’ve always thought it could be. I always thought it should have been a long time ago. You know the town where everything is hopping and people want to be there. The town that creative people flock to in throngs to be part of the culture. Is Columbus next?



I’m thinking it was 1999 when we opened our shop in downtown Columbus in the former First National Bank building. There was some synergy then for a few years. Some new business’s opened and things started to move but for some reason it just didn’t last. Timing wasn’t right.



Something is changing. One thing I’ve learned in the last 12 years or so about this downtown redevelopment thing is it’s not about buildings. It’s not about City Hall. It’s not about the “downtown fix-it group” and maybe it’s not even about money. It’s about people and synergy. The most successful downtowns happen organically. It can’t be forced and getting the right mix of entrepreneurs that all kind of "get it" is the key. There is something happening here that I have never seen in the years we’ve been doing this.



There are different people looking at downtown. It’s a different generation and they want to live and work here. I have run into some of the most creative and energetic people recently showing apartments and storefronts and that has been fun. We have seen more interest in opening business’s downtown than maybe ever. These people appreciate the buildings and the character of downtown Columbus.



In the last few weeks I have met with just about every type of person you can imagine about downtown Columbus. From artists to merchants to big developers all seeing the same potential in this little downtown. It’s interesting and exciting and a few have taken the leap.



Watch for the grand opening of Hydro Street Brewery very soon. It is at 152 W. James Street and the whole town seems to be a buzz about the new hang out. Aaron and Sandye Adams have been working very hard to get the new place into shape and HSB will be a great addition to downtown. This is not the only one. I’m crossing paths with numerous people looking to set up shop in Columbus. In the tough economy downtown Columbus just might be the next little big town.

So stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted. Want to set up shop here? Call me! There should be a couple of really fun announcements in the next few weeks.

Have a great Weekend!

Ciao!
T