ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Thursday, June 8, 2006

Harley E. Rouda

Picture yourself strolling down tree-lined sidewalks with the city skyline surrounding you. People are everywhere -- walking from quaint boutiques and chic restaurants to modern art galleries and trendy bars. The vibrancy of urban living is all around.

While this description fits upscale and up-tempo cities like New York, San Francisco and Chicago, it also depicts the urban renewal of downtown Columbus.

Columbus, as Ohio's capital city and the nation's 15th largest city, also offers unparalleled exposure to cultural events and institutions. Whether city residents wander through the Short North during the monthly Gallery Hop, visit vendors along the river during the annual Columbus Arts Festival or catch a concert at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, Palace Theatre or Newport Music Hall, cultural opportunities in Columbus appear to be limitless.

Thanks to our city's downtown development initiatives, opportunities for downtown living abound as well.

As a place where people can work, play and live, Columbus continues to mature into a "24-hour city." Part of this transformation is happening through the expansion of downtown living options, which you can explore during the Columbus Landmarks' 7th annual City Hop tour. The event is set for Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and begins at Galbreath Pavilion, 55 E. State St.

Experience Columbus' cutting-edge downtown residences first-hand, as this year's City Hop tour features 17 stops, including, but not limited to: