Construction of a 13-story apartment building commenced in November 1976 as part of the larger Mt. Vernon Plaza urban renewal project. This development, located on Columbus’ Near East Side, included 226 apartment units, 150 townhouses, and a shopping center spread across 26 acres.
Mt. Vernon Plaza was bordered by Atcheson Street to the north, North 20th Street to the east, Mt. Vernon Avenue to the south, and Monroe Avenue to the west. The area also featured an amphitheater equipped with benches and a sculpture, which served as the gathering point when President Jimmy Carter came to dedicate the plaza on September 23, 1978. The event attracted thousands who came to witness the celebration of the project’s completion and hear from the President.
The planning phase for Mt. Vernon Plaza began in 1970, when the Columbus Department of Development pursued a grant to explore the plaza as an extension of an existing urban renewal initiative. Through various surveys and consultations with local residents, the department identified a pressing need for a shopping center and improved housing for low-income families.
The Neighborhood Development Corporation was chosen to spearhead the project, with funding secured from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. However, the redevelopment required significant changes to the area, including the relocation of approximately 200 residents and several business owners, necessitated by the use of eminent domain.
Despite a $13 million budget, the project faced numerous delays, leading some to question its viability. During the dedication ceremony, the completed apartment building was adorned with a large banner displaying the message: “Out of the Past a Brilliant New Future.” This slogan encapsulated the aspirations of many for the revitalization it was intended to bring to the community.
Unfortunately, over the years, Mt. Vernon Plaza has struggled to realize its initial promise, with many of the hopes attached to the project remaining unfulfilled.
In reflecting on past urban renewal efforts, this story exemplifies both the challenges and aspirations associated with community development. It serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing investment in housing and local economies, and the potential for future revitalization endeavors to thrive in spite of historical setbacks. The journey of Mt. Vernon Plaza might inspire new opportunities for collaboration and progress in similar communities looking toward renewal.