Below is a summary of several projects that are in various stages of completion. Click on the images below to be directed to that project’s page.

1821 Trail

The 1821 Trail was announced as the seminal project for the Columbus Area Bicentennial in 2021. The “1821” Trail extension was constructed along First Street from the Haw Creek Trail, which ends at Lafayette Street, to Water Street. This trail extension includes architectural and art elements encompassing the 2021 Bicentennial theme of “Common Ground.” The 1821 Trail is a key addition to the Columbus Park Foundation trail system and connects our 26 miles of trail extending throughout the city. The Riverfront project will later complete the final piece from Water Street to Mill Race Park.

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Court Services Center

The 2019 Comprehensive Plan, Envision Columbus, focused on downtown development and identified some catalytic projects for downtown Columbus, with one being the development of a new downtown Hotel Conference Center. At that time, the future location for the Hotel Conference Center had been identified as the surface parking located between 2nd and 3rd Streets and Franklin Street and Lafayette Avenue. The lot has traditionally been used by Bartholomew County and the Probation Department for their employee parking. The Redevelopment Commission acquired the referenced parking lot with the intent of developing the future Hotel Conference Center there. The acquisition agreement included building a new Court Services Center in exchange for ownership of this referenced property. This project is complete and fully operational.

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Multi-Family Housing and Urban Grocer

The Envision Columbus Comprehensive Plan included recommendations for multi-family housing in the downtown area as well as an urban grocer. By increasing opportunities for housing within the downtown core, this project will promote downtown living and shift perceptions on the quality and character of current downtown housing. An urban grocer has the capacity to increase the vibrancy and support additional residential and retail development in the area. Both of these elements provide an opportunity for sought after urban living close to the cultural amenities, established parks and downtown assets that so many in our community are seeking. The multi-family housing development, named The Taylor, is now fully developed and leasing units.

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Railroad Project

Due to an increased need by their customers, CSX is investing $100 million to make improvements to the railroad line between Louisville, Kentucky and Indianapolis, Indiana. These improvements include a solid, welded track and improved crossings to allow for more trains, heavier trains and faster train speeds along this corridor, except through Columbus. With increased traffic, the previous intersection would have been unsuitable and would have increased delays in transit of people and goods and services along the State Road 46 corridor. By constructing the overpass, this issue has been resolved, allowing for citizens to enjoy timely travel and commerce to continue as scheduled.

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State Street Trail Connection

The State Street Connection Project serves as an initiative to encourage economic growth and development within East Columbus by reconnecting it with Downtown Columbus. This project not only creates a safe multi-modal trail link between East Columbus and Downtown, but it enhances the corridor with special unexpected features, which are the hallmark of this community.

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State Street Corridor Project

The Indiana Avenue green space, one of two newly completed spaces as part of the State Street Bridge and Corridor Project, features a handsomely patterned and pedestrian friendly landscaped brick way, crushed pavement, and puzzle benches. In addition, engraved bricks adopted by community members in order to celebrate the revitalization of State Street, have been installed as part of the brick way.

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Jackson Street Garage Pedestrian Tunnel

The Jackson Street Parking Garage offers public parking in downtown Columbus. In 2016, as part of the City’s celebration of Indiana’s Bicentennial, a mural design project was commissioned to “brighten the corridor inside the city garage at the entrance to Friendship Way.” “Kaleidoscopic View” by Cristina Tuttle was selected as the Bicentennial Design. Cristina’s design conveys the values of Columbus, highlights historic landmarks, and complements the design and nature of Mill Race Park.