The Short North

The Short North transformed from an area once regarded as a blight and embarrassment to Columbus into a celebrated destination known for one-of-a-kind shops, eclectic art, historic homes, and diverse lifestyles. Centered on a thriving milelong stretch of High Street beneath 17 signature arches, the district took its name from police directional dispatches relative to Downtown Columbus. More than 30 years ago, High Street was lined with boarded up buildings, but during revitalization in the 1980s business owners and developers embraced the area's colorful history and officially adopted the Short North name. Artists, business owners, developers, residents, a vibrant gay community, and other visionaries poured energy into the neighborhood, and in 1986 the area received an All American City designation for its public private revitalization partnership. In 1993, Arts District was officially added to the name, and today art defines the area through galleries, monthly exhibitions, the first-Saturday Gallery Hop, displays in shops and businesses, murals on buildings, and sculptures in urban pocket parks.

Columbus, Ohio · United States