discovery - Downtown Columbus

2014
ANNUAL
REPORT
DISCOVERY
SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
My daily commute epitomizes the qualities of the Discovery District. It is a five-minute walk from
my residence on Franklin Avenue to my work at State Auto Insurance.
My home sits on a brick street with all the charm of German Village, but it’s located in the
Town Franklin Historic District, home of the Kelton House and other pre-Civil War buildings.
Walking to work along Franklin Avenue takes me past brick cottages and beautiful gardens to
Washington Avenue where I can stroll through Topiary Park.
The park is surrounded by the nationally acclaimed Columbus Metropolitan Library, Cristo Rey High School and
an amazing historic home with a room made entirely of Rookwood pottery. As I walk north on Washington, I
pass CCAD housing, which reminds me of the young talent that also calls Downtown home. Then, I pass the
Columbus Museum of Art, which has been recognized as one of the best museums in the nation.
In this five-minute walk to work, I casually come across more art, culture and knowledge than many people
encounter the entire year. Living and working in Discovery District makes this all possible.
Best regards,
Stan Harris
Board Chairman, Discovery Special Improvement District
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CHAIRMAN
Stan Harris
Resident
VICE CHAIRMAN
Matt Miller
Grant Medical Center
TRUSTEES
Terri Botsko
Capital University Law School
John Nestor
Columbus State Community College
John Wilkerson
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP
Rod Bouc
Columbus Museum of Art
Vince Papsidero
City of Columbus
SECRETARY
EvelynLevino
Franklin University
Gregg Dodd
Columbus Metropolitan
Library
Nancy Recchie
Resident
EX OFFICIO
Harlan Schottenstein
Discovery District Civic
Association
TREASURER
Jeff Fisher
Columbus College of Art & Design
Tasha Intriere
The Seneca
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
Matthew Loving
Loving Realty
2
Win Logan
State Auto Insurance Companies
Stephanie Rodgers
Junior League of Columbus
Robert Sharrah
Resident, Terraces on
Grant
Randy Walker
Commerical One Realtors
2014 ANNUAL REPORT | Discovery Special Improvement District
ABOUT US
STAFF
Discovery SID began operating in 2007.
Property owners assess themselves to provide
much-needed services within the Discovery
District. Services do not replace what the
city does. Instead, SID assessments expand
and hone-in on initiatives that complement
this unique downtown neighborhood where
culture, art and academia converge. Through
public-private partnerships, Discovery SID
leverages additional support from corporate
and philanthropic communities to benefit this
Downtown gem.
Cleve Ricksecker
Executive Director
Marc Conte
Deputy Director of Research, Planning & Facilities
Discovery SID goes above and beyond what
any one company could do. Together, this
group of invested property owners – more
than 250 property owners in 284 acres – helps
this community reach its potential. Discovery
SID property owners determine the priorities,
which focus on safety initiatives and socialservice outreach. Beautification programs,
right-of-way enhancements and area
promotions round out the plan for services.
Lisa Defendiefer
Deputy Director of Operations & Advocacy
Shannon Fergus
Project Assistant
Kathryn Hille
Executive Assistant
DISCOVERY SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
VISION STATEMENT
The Discovery District is a vibrant and distinct urban
enclave defined by its educational institutions,
residential density, retail services, regional
destination and arts, culture and knowledge.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Discovery Special Improvement District helps
property owners create and maintain a safe,
vibrant, diverse, distinctive and walkable mixed-use
neighborhood.
On March 1 of every year, Discovery SID releases a
full, audited financial report, which can be found on
DowntownColumbus.com.
PHOTO CREDITS: Melissa Fast, Keith Hollingsworth, Friends of Topiary Park, Experience Columbus, Columbus State
Community College, Capital University, Columbus College of
Art and Design, Cristo Rey High School
Josh Vidmar
Planning & Research Intern
“
The words ‘thank you’ don’t
seem nearly BIG enough for
the job your team does on
our behalf!”
– KATHARINE MOORE, THE JEFFERSON
CENTER FOR LEARNING & THE ARTS
3
&
ENGAGED
ENFORCEMENT
PROACTIVE
Discovery SID employs safety ambassadors, special-duty police officers and a homeless outreach specialist.
Together they focus on a holistic approach to crime prevention. But it doesn’t stop there. Through a public-private
partnership, the SID connects Downtown private security officers with the Columbus Division of Police in real-time
with an 800MHz radio system and a security website. The National Homeland Security Association recognized
the program at its national conference in Philadelphia this year as the best of the best. See for yourself by visiting
DowntownColumbus.com/AWARD.
Safety Ambassadors
•Provided nearly 11,000 hours of supplemental safety services
•Provided nearly 200 safety escorts
•Addressed nearly 200 quality of life issues (open container, panhandling, trespassing, etc.)
•Attended more than 30 hours of specialized security training
•Removed nearly 70 graffiti tags
•Along with Capital Crossroads SID ambassadors, assisted more than 4,000 visitors
Special Duty Police Officers
•Patrolled the SID for more than 4,500 hours
•Provided additional support in hotspots where drug activity, trespassing and intimidating behavior occurred
•Teamed up with Discovery SID safety ambassadors more than 380 times to address issues
•Made an average of five arrests per month
•Issued an average of eight citations per month to those engaging in criminal activity
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2014 ANNUAL REPORT | Discovery Special Improvement District
COLLABORATION
•Led quarterly meetings for security and safety professionals to share information
regarding criminal activity
•Launched a new, web-based software program that allows security partners and
special-duty officers to view and share pertinent information and images with one
another within seconds
•Advocated with the City Attorney’s Office for appropriate sentencing of “repeat
offenders”
•Conducted real-time radio drills and training for security professionals for emergency
preparedness and other high profile crimes
•Led monthly neighborhood meetings with security professionals from Faith Mission,
Columbus State Community College, School Employees Retirement System of Ohio,
St. Patrick’s Church, CCAD and State Auto to address safety concerns
COMPASSION
•Helped secure housing for an average of six homeless men and women per month
•Collaborated with Maryhaven, Columbus Division of Police, Faith Mission, HandsOn
Central Ohio and security and public safety officials to address the influx of criminal
trespassing by area homeless.
•Partnered with Maryhaven and Healthcare for the Homeless to provide homeless
outreach assistance at the Main Library. An average of 14 individuals were assisted
per month.
*REPORTING PERIOD: JANUARY-OCTOBER
“
The Discovery Special Improvement District has been
successful in making this part of downtown a more vibrant,
interconnected and safer area by providing targeted services
such as added security, consistent signage and exciting
programming. Our forthcoming Main Library renovation is
one of many examples of the investments being made in the
SID to further enhance the Discovery District experience for
visitors and residents alike.”
–PATRICK LOSINSKI, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY
5
&
ENERGIZED
INVESTED
PROMOTIONS & COMMUNITY BUILDING
•Produced Topiary Park Summer Movie Series
•Promoted Discovery District events in e-newsletters (Right Now Downtown and Downtown News Network)
•Activated the neighborhood with Discovery Beach sand volleyball court targeted to area residents, students
and employees
•Strengthened the Discovery District identity through DowntownColumbus.com
•Sponsored PBJ & Jazz Concert Series
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS HELP MAKE OUR DISTRICT THRIVE,
AND OUR COMMUNITY IS COMMITTED.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $$
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $$
$247 Million
NEW INVESTMENT
77%
INVESTMENT
COMES FROM THE
PRIVATE SECTOR
IN THE DISCOVERY SID
OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS
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2014 ANNUAL REPORT | Discovery Special Improvement District
AWARDS
Each year, Discovery Special Improvement District recognizes community members who make a significant
difference in Downtown in the following categories: Outstanding Service, Outstanding Aesthetic Contribution, and
Outstanding Achievement. In addition, the Ambassador of the Year receives accolades.
OUTSTANDING SERVICE
A service in either the public or private sector that makes a significant
contribution to downtown.
AWARD WINNER: DENNY GRIFFITH
During Denny Griffith’s presidency at CCAD, he oversaw new
construction or renovation of more than 275,000-square feet of
academic, residential, and student life facilities, and the installation
of the college’s iconic ten-story “ART” sculpture. Denny continues to
serve the community and arts through his board involvement with
the Columbus Partnership, Experience Columbus, and the National
Association of Schools of Art & Design. In addition, Denny maintains a
vigorous commitment to his work as an artist.
OUTSTANDING AESTHETIC CONTRIBUTION
A project completed in the past year that adds to the beauty, street life, energy,
brightness, colorfulness and attractiveness of downtown.
AWARD WINNERS: THE CITY OF COLUMBUS, OHIO
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND MID-OHIO
REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
The City of Columbus, Ohio Department of Transportation and Mid-Ohio Regional
Planning Commission built not only a bridge that connects the Discovery District
and the King-Lincoln District, but they also collaborated with local artists Kojo
Kamau and Larry Winston Collins to create a beautiful and engaging Cultural Wall,
which helps restore a neighborhood to its original splendor.
7
AWARDS
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
An accomplishment within the past year by a property owner,
city division, tenant or civic organization that deserves special
recognition.
AWARD WINNER: CRISTO REY HIGH SCHOOL
Cristo Rey High School opened its doors in the Discovery District
in the fall of 2014 in the former Ohio School for the Deaf. This
stunning renovated space houses a program for students from
economically challenged families. Students at Cristo Rey engage
in a rigorous college-prep curriculum and a Professional Work
Study Program as they prepare for a lifetime of success. The school
achieves a 100 percent college-acceptance rate.
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
AWARD WINNER: HENOCK TEQUABO
For the second year in a row, Henock Tequabo has been selected as
the Ambassador of the Year for the Discovery SID. Henock is a strategic
thinker, which results in very effective safety patrols in the neighborhood.
Henock always exudes professionalism, enthusiasm and productivity both
inside and outside of the office.
IN MEMORIAM:
CHARLES WICKERT
MOTORISTS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
DISCOVERY SID BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 2006 – 2014; CHAIRMAN, 2006-2008
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2014 ANNUAL REPORT | Discovery Special Improvement District
“
I greatly appreciate
knowing about the
SID, as it will make
me feel safer to be
downtown in the
evenings. Columbus
has become a
tremendous place to
be, and the fact that
the safety issues are
being identified and
taken care of as best
as they can makes
me feel even better
about our town.”
– ANONYMOUS
9 9
YOU HELP US MAKE
DOWNTOWN GREAT
Property owners in the Discovery Special Improvement District assess themselves to fund SID services in order
to improve the perception of safety and promote the image of this vibrant downtown neighborhood. We
extend our thanks to each and every property owner and to our voluntary contributors:
PROPERTY
OWNERS
Class I
OhioHealth
CCAD
Class II
Franklin University
The Motorists Insurance Group
State Auto Insurance
Class III
Columbus Museum of Art
Capital Law School
CBC Companies
City of Columbus
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Daimler Group
NCR
New Horizons Housing
199 South Fifth
Marcus Anderson
Robert Maher
Boehringer-Ingelheim Roxane, Inc
Wesley Rhiel
Monica Lee
James Gibson
Miller Van Order Interior Design
Jeffrey Perry
Marjan Nedelkoski
James Denos
Chris King
Liban Warsame
Aashish Desai
Ohio Chamber of Commerce
Town Street Capital Partners
Marc Michalsky
William Deville
Ohio Republican Party
Brenda Redman
Stan Harris and Alisha Dunakay
Corbin Mackenzie
JDS
Infinity Management
Benjamin Gibson
Chris Andersen
Catholic Foundation of Ohio
Charles Eitel
Creative Spot
MASAMA Inc.
Catherine Hill
Bruce Murray
Jonathan Ganobcik
Matthew Kelly
Woodyard Funeral Home
Paul Leithart
T&K Properties
James Hartman
Auld Crafters
Beery & Spurlock Co., L.P.A.
R. Lee Shepherd
Joseph Henderson
Putnam Hill
Benjamin Babeaux
Alan Cabral
Terena Stevens
NCK I LLC
William R. Roth & Associates
Linda Olson and John Habela
Leslie Olszak
Security Risk Management
Consultants, Inc.
Nadezda Kotevski
Mark A Shell
Dirk Orr
Fred Maloof
Craig Dornan
Stacey Connaughton
Kathy Keller
Carson Hampton
Jeff Hamm
Hammond, Sewards & Williams
Philip and Barbara Puhala
Kathleen Hooper
Artz, Dewhirst, & Wheeler
David Dantonio
Kevin Donley
Edwards Co.
Randy Miller
Raymond Smith
ESS Management Company
Dennis and Jonna Brandon
Mark Belletini
Jeff Hall
Sofya Akhmametyeva
Michael Burton
Alan Daurora
Irene Tsen
Donatos
Ang Inc.
Concor Company
245 E Gay Street LLC
Lee & Debbie Rosenfeld
Continental Message Solution, Inc.
Seneca Apartments
Hoag Inc.
Jeff Bernath
Nazereth Towers
Cristo Rey Columbus High
School
Richard Wolverton C Jr
Terraces on Grant
Josh Joseph
TWB Holdings LLC
Susan Thompson
Patrick L Russell
Central Parking
Juanita Furuta
Scott Hoshor
David Glammar
Nancy Recchie and Jeff Darbee
James Dotson
David Cooper
Fischer Parking Inc.
Matthew White and Robert
Larson
Cole Weber
Jennifer Heckler
George Barnett
Joseph and Lindsay Shanahan
Lance A. Adams
Robin Kumin
PECA Properties LLC
Langdon Bell
Nathan Caplin
Jacqueline Graham
Stardust Properties
Russel & Clegg
Seyed Akbar Mansouri
Marcella Brooks
Downtown Technology Center
Stephen Ladd
Craig Paynter
Daniel Massey
Rylee LTD
Brad Colegate and James
Mitchell
Thomas Schnell
Jennifer McNally
Matthew Kirby
Staci M Dehaven
Kevin Galloway
Josh Evilsizor
Seth Schwed
Allison Russell
Ryan Harrison
Aaron Chilton
Roland Smith
Derek Foust
Richard Derlis
Kevin M. Mahlum
Payam Yazdani
April Brooks
Molly Moore
Law Offices of Susan Lantz
Marvin Gifford
Susan Zake
Martin Shell
Jeff Hyslip
Carlile Patchen & Murphy
ECHW LLC
The Jefferson Center
McDonalds Corp.
The Belmont Apartments
Germain Cadillac
NJ Loving Realty
Salesian Boys & Girls Club
Ohio Democratic Party
Class IV
Randy Walker
583 E. Broad St. Partners LLC
Ryan Brothers Trust
John Chapan
Anchor Companies
Community Housing Network
10
Columbus Junior League
Kramer Properties
YBJ Incorporated
Nancy Debelius
DeCapua Enterprises
State St. Law Investments
Stephen Southard
Henley Special Accountants
545 East Town Street LLC
Billy Borden
Kentucky Data Link
Janet Pell
Mitchell Hurd and Sharon Reiss
Jo Kaiser
Marvin and Sandra Swanson
Daniel Hilson
Bret Andry
Columbus Medical Association
Foundation
Andy Henn
Bill Foley
Jonathon M. Prouty and Amanda L. Prouty
Schoedinger Funeral Home
Lee & Lynn Properties
Robert Sharrah
Jacques Kechichian
Brittany Perkins
Parking Company of America
Goodwood Partners
Laura Bowman
Bob Franklin
Berger Properties of Ohio
Peggy Volpe
Cathryn Geppert
Catherine Downing
Amy Cafferty
Evan Sarosi
Ohio AFL-CIO
Scott Hockenberry
David & Elizabeth Savage
Andrea Manning
Robert Pemberton
Homestead America
TJQ Realty
Loretta Mason
Sally Wilson
Mike Brandt
363 E. Town St. LLC
Bradley Wrightsel
Michael J. Glueckert
Greg Smith
Gloria Noel
Roman J Claprood Company
Blue & Co. LLC
Tibor Nadasdy
Bill Betcher
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Klean-A-Kar Inc.
Melissa Centers
Treva Lindsey
Harrogate Associates
Mike Llaneza
Michael Ross
Jason Sypsa
2014 ANNUAL REPORT | Discovery Special Improvement District
Nicholas Leach
*Each class collectively contributes
25 percent of the total assessments
Special thanks to our generous partners:
®
Discovery Special Improvement District | 23 N. Fourth St. | Columbus, OH 43215 | Ph: (614) 645-5133 | DowntownColumbus.com