It is difficult to reflect upon last year in light of the many challenges.
A global pandemic, the needless deaths of minority citizens, and polarizing social upheaval tested the limits of the University District’s businesses, residents, and institutions. Despite the adversity, there is still a need to recognize the good - coming together of community, forging new partnerships, and finding compassion amongst neighbors. Below are efforts from 2020 that should be celebrated. Many thanks to the partners who made these projects happen.
Ellen Moore Griffin, President
University District Organization
University Community Business Association
Scott Solomon, President
University District SID
PUBLIC ART PROJECTS
Storefront Plywood Art Intervention
10 murals
$5,000 to local artists
Support in conjunction with the University Community Business Association
Linking Together
2 artworks installed on chainlink fences
2 University District resident artists
Old North Columbus & Weinland Park
With support from Columbus Recreation & Parks Department & The Columbus Foundation
Outside the Box
1 artpiece supporting a local artist
Intersection of N. High Street & W. Northwood Avenue
With support from the University District SID
Total investment in public art projects and local artists by the University District Organization
Support University District Art Projects
$5,000 investment in education and outreach
200+ information door hanger bags distributed
Yard sign and social media campaign
With grant support from City of Columbus Complete Count Committee
GIVING & SUPPORT
Home Repair Collaboration
10 Weinland Park homeowners in need
$4,000 total - $400 to each family
Made possible by UDO’s Jan Looman Fund, The Ohio State University Extension - Weinland Park & Modcon Living
Gifts of Kindness
$22,889 in supporting grant dollars
17 individuals helped
With support from OSU Extension - Weinland Park & The Columbus Foundation
Super Savers Club
$4,600 in matching grants
6 Super Savers who opened up a new savings account and saved at least $600
With support from OSU Extension - Weinland Park
University District Marketing
New Visit Webpages
60+ “originals” and locally-owned businesses
6 neighborhood museums and cultural institutions
universitydistrict.org/visit
COVID-19 Safety
100+ cloth masks donated to local businesses/employees
$15,000 in COVID-19 advisory signs donated to local business owners
In collaboration with The Ohio State University, the University Area Commission & resident sewers
653 graffiti tags removed
1,525 handbills and stickers taken down
119 city service requests submitted
139 individuals in need provided with outreach
1,824 public assists
4,007 property security checks
600+ masks distributed to the public
Special Improvement District Renewal
Renewed and increased funding for public space cleaning and security patrols
