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The Short North
The Short North
Neighborhoods of Columbus, Ohio
	The trademark arches of the Short North
	Coordinates: 39°58′47″N 83°00′17″W / 39.97972°N 83.00471°W
ZIP Code	43215, 43201
Area code	614

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The Short North is a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, United States, centered on the main strip of High Street immediately north of downtown and extending until just south of the Ohio State University campus area. It is an easy walk from the convention center or Nationwide Arena district to the north. The Short North is often crowded on weekends, particularly during the monthly "Gallery Hop" and other local and downtown events.

The Short North is heavily populated with art galleries, specialty shops, pubs, nightclubs, and coffee houses. Most of its tightly packed brick buildings date back to the early twentieth century. Traditional storefronts border the sidewalks on High Street and the sidewalls are often painted with murals. Old apartment buildings and rowhouses, along with some newer condominium developments can be found in the surrounding blocks. The city installed seventeen lighted metal archways extending across High Street throughout the Short North, which are reminiscent of the previous arches that were once present in the area during the early 1900s.^{[citation needed]}

The area is also known to be a gay and lesbian friendly neighborhood. Many gay nightclubs and bars are located in the area and is the location of the annual Columbus gay pride parade.

Etymology

In 1888 the neighborhood was known as "Arch City" due to the early street car arches that lined High Street. These arches were used to operate the early street cars that began in Columbus and ran north and south along High Street and Neil Avenue to connect the downtown area with the university. The area later became known as the "Short North". This name traces its roots back to the term police used for the area during a period of decline. The neighborhood fell just short of the central business district's north end both physically and economically.

History

In the 1800's The Short North was the district between downtown Columbus and The Ohio State University. The Short North acted as a central hub for the city due to the train station located within the district. Travelers from across the globe could come to Columbus via this rail. A reputation for diversity and an artistic,^[1] Bohemian atmosphere has marked the Short North, with land prices and local rents rising steadily since its early beginnings as a squatter’s neighborhood in the 1980s. Prior to this gentrification,^[1] the neighborhood suffered prolonged decay in part with street-level crime and gang violence that came about due to the outward shift to suburban life during the 1960s and 1970s.

During the 1980s the neighborhood began to redevelop as more galleries began to open with success. As Maria Gallowy owner of pm gallery, the oldest gallery in the Short North, once stated, "It was one of those neighborhoods that artists love to move into because the possibilities are there."^[1] In 1984 two Short North area galleries —the now defunct Art Reach and the still thriving pm gallery— began opening new exhibits on the first Saturday of every month to cross-promote their businesses.^[1] This loose coordination later evolved into the Gallery Hop which is still held on the first Saturday of every month. Today, Gallery Hop features most businesses keeping their doors open late into the night, jam-packed streets, and sidewalks populated with street musicians and performers.

Structure and Landmarks

With the Short North being as historic as it is, the buildings are very historic as well. Because of the decline in the 1950's the buildings began to be rundown and boarded up, until the 1980's. By then the buildings were being fixed up and sold/rented out to many people for commercial uses. Today some of the buildings are still being fixed up and becoming more commercial space and some even residential.

The arches that line High Street are what make the Short North famous. They were first wooden arches and put in place in 1888 because of the electric streecar.^{[citation needed]} By the 1950's those arches decayed and fell down. The entire Short North was also in decay because of the rise of suburbs and highways. By the 1980's and 90's there was a revival, which created the rebirth of the famous arches. They are now lighted and made of metal to help light up High Street; they are an alternative to street lights.

At the South end of the Short North is what is known as The Cap. It is the end of the Short North leading into downtown Columbus; you know you've reached it because of Columbus' downtown skyline is visible and the arches cease. The landmark or famous structure in The Cap is the replica of Danial H. Burnham's Union Station. This was put in place because of the devastating loss of the actual Union Station by, what is now, Nationwide.

These are all landmarks, but The Short North itself is also a landmark within Columbus. It is a large meeting space for many people wanting to have a night out or a weekend of shopping. Many people visiting Columbus come to explore The Short North during their stay. High Street runs straight through the Short North and is the destination of thousands of visitors per year. Although this neighborhood has several historic landmarks, it continues to be a landmark within the city as people flock to this district in search of shopping, entertainment, and dining experiences.

Entertainment

Dining

The Short North is home to a variety of dining opportunities, number forty-eight in all, including gourmet restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is frequented by Short North visitors for homemade ice cream. Hyde Park is also a popular restaurant located in The Short North on The Cap.^[2]

Art

Art Galleries line High Street and are filled with works of art from both local and national artists. The district first started with the pm gallery but is now home to seventeen galleries ranging in a variety of art including oil paintings, cartoons, and sculptures.^[3]

Shopping

The district is also home to several boutiques and shops. Most of these shops are locally owned and market themselves as vendors of local, non-chain gifts and clothing amongst other novelties.

Nightlife

Home to many bars the Short North is a popular spot for Nightlife. On the first Saturday of every month, the district hosts Gallery Hop. Galleries open new exhibits and the streets crowd with visitors. Food, drinks, and street performers can be found all along High Street during Gallery Hop making it a popular event in Columbus.^[4]

Events

Doo Dah Parade

Since 1983, the Short North has also hosted the annual Doo Dah Parade,^[5] a parody of typical Fourth of July parades that includes politically slanted paraders and floats as well as absurdities such as the "Marching Fidels," a band of Fidel Castro lookalikes. The parade starts in neighboring Victorian Village, at Goodale Park, and winds north to finish coming south down High Street.

High Ball Halloween

The Short North also hosts HighBall Halloween, Masquerade on High, a fashion show and street parade that closes down High Street. In 2011, in its 4th year, HighBall Halloween gained notoriety as it accepted its first Expy award. HighBall Halloween is popular amongst fashion and the performing and visual arts enthusiasts but still provides an atmosphere enjoyable to everyone. Venders from around the city provide different foods and beverages for the event. The theme varies every year and it continues to increase in size and popularity.^[6]

Stonewall Columbus Pride Parade

The annual Stonewall Columbus Pride Parade occurs in June every year and runs through the Short North district. This parade celebrate community gay and lesbian pride as it runs down High Street, arguably the busiest street in the district, before it ends with a festival in neighboring Victorian Village at Goodale Park.^[7]

Transportation

The Short North received a walk score of 40, meaning that it is not extremely walkable. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) runs a number 2 bus headed both North and South along High Street in the Short North District. Although this bus runs through the Short North, riders are often forced to transfer buses to get to their destination if they are not going somewhere located along High Street.^[8] The Short North received a 30 Transit Score. The highest ranked score is the district's bike score of 46 which coincides with the implementation of COGO Bikeshare which allows users to rent bikes for unlimited thirty minute trips on a daily, monthly, or annual basis.^[9]^[10]