• Spring is in the Air! It's the Perfect Time to Head to Uptown Columbus!
• Columbus BID Hosts Spring Garage Sale
• New and Improved Businesses in Uptown
• 2006 Ambassador of the Year : Mitch Davis

Spring is in the Air! It’s The Perfect Time to Head to UPTOWN COLUMBUS!

New businesses are popping up, outdoor cafes are donning the sidewalks, and spring fashions are arriving.   As you welcome the warm weather of spring, spend some time downtown, browse through one of our five art galleries and numerous unique gift and specialty shops, dine at one of the many outdoor cafes and restaurants, and stroll down to the Riverwalk or take a segway tour through our beautiful Historic District.

With spring approaching, it’s time to renew ourselves: our mind, body and soul.  Take Yoga, Pilates or a dance class at the Rankin Arts Center to get in shape for your summer vacation.  Attend a play, concert or art show at one of our many cultural venues.  Learn something new by taking an art or music class, learn how to make jewelry or take professional quality photos.  All this and more is available in Uptown Columbus.  

To kick off the multitude of activities that will take place downtown this season, The Columbus Business Improvement District will be hosting the semi-annual Spring Garage Sale/ Flea Market Saturday April 14, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the RiverCenter Parking Garage.  This sale of the season typically includes over 60 vendors selling items such as house wares, baked goods, arts and crafts, books, sports equipment and much more. 

On April 15^th Lily Tomlin performs her comical routine on the RiverCenter Bill Heard Stage.  Starting in May, Uptown Columbus Inc., once again hosts “Market Days on Broadway”, with farm fresh fruits, grains, vegetables, herbs and more.  Every Saturday morning through the end of the growing season you can enjoy music streaming through the tree-lined streets, while selecting a variety of locally grown goods and homemade products, or learn new recipes and cooking tips from some of the area’s most talented chefs.

While strolling through the Uptown area, check out one of our new specialty markets or the new spring inventory at one of our unique shops. Enjoy fresh baked breads, homemade fudge, freshly roasted Bavarian nuts, and some of the best ice cream in town while finding that unique gift item that can only be found in Uptown Columbus.

The month of May also brings “Moonlight and Magnolias” to the Springer Opera House Mainstage.  This hysterical recount of the writing of the movie script for Gone with the Wind will show at 7:30pm, on May 3-5, 10-12, and 17-19 and also on May 13 at 2:30pm.  “Jesus Christ Superstar”, the first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber will be showing at the RiverCenter on May 14-15.  This is only a sampling of what’s available in Uptown Columbus.  To find out more, check out the community calendar at columbusgacalendar.com or browse through the Columbus BID website at www.columbusbid.com.

Columbus BID Hosts Spring Garage Sale

The Columbus Business Improvement District is hosting the Spring Garage Sale/Flea Market Saturday, April 14, from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the RiverCenter Parking Garage.   This is the sale of the season as over 60 vendors come together to sell everything from handmade to secondhand items. Vendors from Galleria Riverside will set up right next to the garage, Brother Rosenberg from the newly opened General Store will sell his tasty treats, Cheryl Wilson, of the City Market will show off her organic baked goods and Kevin Welch of Fountain City Coffee will serve their specialty roasts.  Uptown merchants are encouraged to set up on the sidewalk for a “show and sell”. 

If you’re looking to catch a bargain and find everything from clothing, antiques, books, sports equipment, jewelry, arts and crafts, candles, bath and body products and much more, visit the RiverCenter parking garage on April 14th, located in the 900 block of Broadway.  After your search for unique treasures comes to an end, stop and have lunch in one of our many fine eateries located in Uptown Columbus. You are sure to find something at every turn, so don’t miss the Sale of the Season in Uptown Columbus.  

If you have any questions, please call Kelly Smith at (706) 322-9078 or e-mail at ksmith@columbusbid.com. 

New and Improved Businesses in Uptown

Balsam Home

Balsam Home, owned and operated by Lauren Averett and Mary Ann Howard, showcases a chic combination of classic style and modern trends in home furnishings and accessories.  They carry sofas, chairs, beds, tables, lamps, accent pieces, antiques and reproductions.  Hallmark your home with custom upholstery and slipcovers.   Complete your room with colorful, cotton and wool rugs in any size from Dash & Albert. Accentuate with striking antique botanicals.  They are the only store in town that sells the luxurious line of Bella Notte linens from California, available in a luscious palate of colors and textures compatible with every décor and lifestyle.  They are located at 111 12^th Street in Uptown Columbus. 

Brother’s General Store

                                                                                                                                                     As you stroll down Broadway in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the newly revitalized area, cars pass by; people scurry down the street to lunch and business, step out of the modern day city and enter Brother’s General Store where you will enjoy traditional country charm of Uptown Columbus’s General Store.  If your nostalgic for slower pace of the past, real old fashioned treats and sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch with an ice cream cone, Brother’s has 35 flavors of delicious ice cream, milkshakes & malts, kettle corn, fresh glazed nuts, 20 different kinds of homemade fudge and 100s of your favorite candies.  The store also carries unique gifts and collectibles.  So go by and visit Brother’s General Store where you’ll “enter as strangers, and leave as friends of Brother’s”. 

City Market

 Cheryl Wilson began operating a bakery out of the City Market at 1031 Broadway in December 2006, offering a variety of fresh breads, muffins, cookies and cakes.  All of the baked goods are made from scratch, using natural and organic ingredients.  Wilson believes that quality ingredients make for better taste--organic flour and grain, extra virgin olive oil, fresh organic fruit, and pure butter are part of her secret.  Sandwiches on homemade bread, Jumbo Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Cranberry & Orange Muffins and Kalamata Olive Bread are a few customer favorites.  "There's a great energy happening downtown right now," says Wilson.  "I'm really excited to be a part of the neighborhood."  The bakery makes custom cakes and platters to order--call 706-494-1031.

Galleria Riverside

 The art, antique and collectible marketplace, Galleria Riverside is under new ownership.  In February, Susan Mitchell and Patti Hasting assumed possession with their vision of taking what was already a wonderful collage of offerings and making it even better by adding new vendors, increasing merchandise and a marketing plan that will let people know what The Galleria and the Uptown area have to offer.  The new additions include branch boutiques of stores such as That’s Our Baby, Blueberry Hill, Fortson’s Best Nursery and That’s our Logo.  They also now offer monogramming, personalized printing, gift certificates and a nine month baby planning service.  You can find everything from Teddy Bears to antique treasures and something for every price range.  To find out more about their products and services, visit the Galleria on the corner of Broadway and Ninth Street or go to www.galleriariverside.com. 

Gibbs Subs

Broadway’s famous sub shop; formerly know as Larry’s Giant Subs, has changed its name to Gibb’s Subs.  Family owned and operated, the newly named Gibb’s Subs serves world class subs, sandwiches, salads, wraps and deserts.  You’ll enjoy their specialty hot subs and signature sauces in a lively, family friendly environment.  Located at 1101 Broadway, in the historic HL Green building, Gibb’s Subs serves up the freshest ingredients with friendly service.  Open 10:30am to 9:00pm Monday thru Friday and 10:30 to 5:00 on Saturday, Gibb’s Subs is a classic touch to the inviting atmosphere of historic Uptown Columbus. 

Gorilla Guitars

 Owned by Glen Giles and Tim Crabb, A new addition to the eclectic Uptown music scene is Gorilla Guitars, located at 1038 Broadway.  They are a guitar specialty shop, selling guitars for all levels, tastes and price ranges.  They are a Fender USA custom shop dealer, and carry sought after orange amplifiers, Larrivee and Walden Acoustics and Washburn Acoustics and Electric.  They feature a new guitar everyday at an extra low sale price that you have to come into the store to see.  The store also boasts “the player’s lounge”, a place right in the front window for people to come and play.  They also offer repair and maintenance services as well as private lessons.  They sell used guitars on consignment and make trades.  They proudly boast about their new location in the heart of the music and art scene.  

Market on Broadway

 Courtesy of Columbus State University, there is a new “Market on Broadway”.  It is a contemporary market that offers shopping and restaurant-style dining. “We are excited to offer a full-service Market that can be enjoyed by CSU and the entire community," said Erich Geiger, District Manager, CSU Dining Services.   The Market on Broadway is a modern, full-scale market that captures the charm of the historic downtown area.  It features a deli offering Boar’s Head meats and cheeses where customers can request made-to-order sandwiches and purchase sliced deli meats and cheeses; daily-made packaged deli sandwiches and wraps; salads; seasonal fruits and desserts; a large frozen food section; household products and basic necessities.  In addition to traditional shopping, the Market offers several dining options for breakfast and lunch, such as Southern fried pork chops, two side dishes and homemade rolls.  Customers can dine inside the market or at outdoor tables.  There is also a relaxing, lounge area on the upper level. 

Imbis Restaurant

 The Imbis Restaurant’s theme of “offering something a little different, but a whole lot of good” accurately describes the pleasure you will encounter at their new location, 1032 Broadway.  With Mediterranean flair, the menu offers gyros, salads, sandwiches, burgers, falafels, daily specials and much more.  For desert you can choose from 8 flavors of ice cream, have a signature shake or create your own shake, enjoy a real fruit smoothie or authentic, New York style Italian ice.  Their breakfast menu includes pancakes and sausage, sausage and egg on Texas toast and their signature Imbis potatoes, sautéed with bacon, onion and herbs, and fried eggs. 

The Sandwich Shanty

 A fixture in the Uptown area, The Sandwich Shanty, now occupies an enticing new location at 1208 First Avenue.  They continue to serve their superb specialty sandwiches, salads and sides, all created with flair and the freshest ingredients.  You can create your own sandwich, toasted or grilled, choosing from a variety of different breads, meats and cheeses. The Cuban is a house favorite, and the delicious homemade chicken salad and banana pudding are a must try.

Uptown Business Services

 Uptown Business Services, a full service business center, provides its customers with a convenient place to conduct business by offering quality service at competitive prices.  They specialize in packing and shipping, office products, computer/internet access, document servicing, and numerous other products and services to support your business.  Owner, Jerome Homes, says they want to become “your one stop, full service business center convenient store”.  Uptown Business Services is a member of the Associated Mail and Parcel Centers (AMPC), as well as licensed members of the Neighborhood Postal Centers (NPC).  “Our team strives to provide an atmosphere of warmth, friendliness, fun, professionalism and a quality of service that is second to none”, stated Holmes. 

2006 Ambassador of the Year: Mitch Davis

The Columbus BID board of directors recently honored Mitch Davis by naming him the Ambassador of the Year for 2006.  Jerry Newman, chairman of the board, presented Mitch with a plaque and a savings bond to thank him for his outstanding service to the community. 

Mitch began his career as a BID Ambassador in August 2005.  From the beginning he has excelled in every aspect of his position and continues to go above and beyond the call of duty.  Self discipline, attention to detail, and can-do attitude are all used to describe Mitch by his supervisors and co-workers.  “He has an excellent understanding of the concept of being an ambassador, he is truly an asset to the company”, stated operations director Nate Zellner.   

When asked what makes him such a wonderful ambassador and employee, Mitch said that he truly enjoys getting up and coming to work everyday.  “Getting to be outside, patrolling, meeting people, helping people in any way that you can, and being part of a really great team makes my job enjoyable”, Davis stated.  Mitch’s wife Sheila also serves as a great source of support and encouragement, not only for him, but for the rest of the organization by attending all company functions and sending her delicious homemade treats to the office. 

The Ambassador Force or “Purple People” provide foot and bicycle patrol to the Central Business District seven days a week.  These ambassadors deter panhandling, report crime and provide detailed information about the area. They are there to provide customer service, assistance to anyone in need and to create a hospitable environment for all to enjoy.  In the year 2006 alone, the Columbus BID ambassadors provided 1200 people with directions, helped nearly 200 people with car trouble, assisted 529 out of town visitors, and reported 1477 maintenance issues in the area to the city or responsible agency.      

The Year 2007 marks year seven for the Columbus Business Improvement District and the “Purple People”.  Since the beginning of operations in January of 2000, the BID has received numerous awards from community and state organizations, and many glowing comments from visitors, citizens and property owners for the outstanding job the “purple people” continue to do. 

Archived Articles:

November 2006