THE
ARENA DISTRICT: CONNECTIVITY IS KEY TO
COLUMBUS’ DOWNTOWN
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
NRI
wanted to build an urban village, a neighborhood that blended in with
surrounding areas and featured architecture that harkened back to charming,
turn of the century materials. Master planning became crucial.
“It
became apparent that the arena could become a catalyst for development and
growth in the surrounding area,” said NRI President and C.O.O. Brian J. Ellis.
To
create a development that would be compact, sustainable and connected to other
parts of downtown Columbus, NRI hired Myers Schmalenberger MSI, a
Columbus-based planning firm (now known as MKSK) with urban design expertise.
MSI,
which has drawn plans for several central Ohio cities as well as resorts and
parks around the world, worked with the legendary Sasaki and Associates to
develop the Arena District master plan.
MSI
(now MKSK) Principal Keith Myers is a huge fan of old-fashioned city
neighborhoods where people can work, shop, live and play without getting behind
the wheel.
He
worked to bring urban density, a grid pattern and a healthy mix of uses to the
Arena District.
Case Study continues tomorrow -- June 18
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