New Urban Pathway to Transform Downtown Columbus: The Capital Line Unveiled

In a joint effort, the City of Columbus, Edwards Companies, and the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC) have unveiled plans for the Capital Line, a visionary urban pathway slated to weave through the heart of Columbus. Designed exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, this ambitious project aims to seamlessly connect neighborhoods, attractions, and job centers within Downtown Columbus while catalyzing economic growth along its route.

Propelled by community input and championed in the 2022 Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan, the Capital Line will span approximately two miles, offering a direct conduit to some of the city’s most vibrant destinations. Starting from the Gay Street District, traversing the Broad Street Bridge to The Peninsula, and extending to Belle Street via the Rich Street Bridge, the route promises to interlink key points of interest in the cityscape.

Along the journey, cyclists and pedestrians will encounter iconic Columbus landmarks such as the Current sculpture, the Scioto Mile riverfront, the National Veterans Memorial & Museum, Columbus Commons, the Ohio Statehouse, The Peninsula, Dorrian Green, and COSI. Additionally, ongoing and forthcoming developments along the Capital Line, including Preston Centre, Preston Park, Madison White-Haines Building, 195 E. Broad, The Continental Centre, and The Peninsula, are poised to enrich the vibrancy of this urban corridor.

To enhance the pedestrian experience, the Capital Line will feature public art installations, street furniture, lighting, and landscaping, ensuring a visually engaging journey for all who traverse it.

“This collaborative endeavor underscores the power of public-private partnership in driving positive change,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “The Capital Line not only responds directly to resident feedback but also champions equity and community pride, providing a safe and accessible mode of transportation through Downtown Columbus, while seamlessly connecting with transit options.”

Scheduled for implementation over the coming years, the project will capitalize on existing rights-of-way. The initial phase, commencing at Gay Street – Downtown’s bustling residential hub – will undergo design development over the next year, with construction slated to commence in 2025. A design team, to be selected this spring, will draw inspiration from conceptual renderings, with community engagement forming an integral part of the design process.

Jeff Edwards, CEO of Edwards Companies, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, remarking, “The Capital Line presents an exceptional opportunity for our city, not only as a developer but also as a Downtown resident. By seamlessly connecting Gay Street’s vibrancy with other key Downtown areas, this initiative will elevate Columbus’ existing assets while catalyzing the development of new ones along the pathway, including a curated selection of art and experiences that celebrate our city’s rich history. The Capital Line is poised to become a destination in its own right.”

Similar projects in other cities have demonstrated the transformative potential of urban pathways. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail, for instance, spurred over $1 billion in economic impact.

“The Capital Line exemplifies the Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan in action, reflecting our ambition to cultivate a connected, people-first urban environment. This transformative project underscores our commitment to ensuring that Downtown is a vibrant and inclusive destination for all,” said Amy Taylor, President of CDDC.