COLUMBUS, Ohio — Construction in the Franklinton community is hard to miss. From the Gravity Apartments to another new apartment building near Mount Carmel, new projects are popping up throughout the neighborhood.
“One of the things we always talked about from east Franklinton and the arts district and that whole movement is wanting that momentum and good vibe to move west down the corridor,” said Trent Smith, executive director of the Franklinton Board of Trade.
Smith said his organization and others have been working to improve the area and attract new businesses.
“It’s all about clean and safe. If we can make it a safer neighborhood, if we can make it feel safer, be safer, look cleaner, feel more inviting then we can attract more businesses,” said Smith.
Smith said it is also about helping current businesses thrive like Tommy’s Diner and One Line Coffee. The coffee shop opened its doors in Franklinton in 2020. It’s the third location for the businesses, but an intentional addition.
“The growth in this area is a big factor in why this location was chosen,” said Dylan Dawson, manager of One Line Coffee in Franklinton.
He said business has had its ups and downs since the pandemic, but it’s only been getting better each year.
“Venture your way to Franklinton to see what the neighborhood is about and what we have to offer,” said Dawson.
The character of Franklinton is something you won’t find in other areas of town. Smith said the uniqueness will also help draw more business.
“The neighborhood is gritty, the one word that comes up is gritty,” said Smith. “The tenacity of the neighborhood and the unwillingness to give up on the future of the neighborhood is really strong,” he added.
The city of Columbus is currently considering new zoning. Smith said if that new zoning happens, it will be easier for more development to come to the area.
“I think in five years we are going to see the density we have been asking for a long time. The Link US is happening, the zoning that allows for that stuff to take place,” said Smith.