Construction of a 13-story high-rise apartment tower commenced in November 1976, as part of an extensive urban renewal initiative named Mt. Vernon Plaza, situated on Columbus’ Near East Side. This ambitious project spanned 26 acres and included 226 residential units, 150 townhouses, and a 30-store shopping center.
The development was strategically located between Atcheson Street to the north, North 20th Street to the east, Mt. Vernon Avenue to the south, and Monroe Avenue to the west. A notable feature of Mt. Vernon Plaza was its amphitheater, which boasted benches and a sculpture. On September 23, 1978, President Jimmy Carter visited to dedicate the project, attracting thousands of locals eager to hear from the President and celebrate the culmination of years of planning and labor.
The groundwork for this urban renewal effort began in 1970, when the Columbus Department of Development applied for planning grants to explore the expansion of an area previously revitalized through the Bolivar Arms Urban Renewal Project. Community feedback gathered through surveys underscored the necessity for a shopping center and enhanced low-income housing, leading to the city’s decision to work with the Neighborhood Development Corporation.
To initiate the redevelopment, the city utilized eminent domain to acquire land, resulting in the relocation of around 200 residents and several business owners along Mt. Vernon Ave.
Despite a sizable investment of $13 million, the project faced numerous delays and challenges, prompting skepticism about its completion. However, during the dedication, the finished high-rise displayed a hopeful banner proclaiming “Out of the Past a Brilliant New Future,” symbolizing the community’s aspirations for revitalization and growth. Sadly, the plaza ultimately did not fulfill the lofty expectations set during its inception, leaving behind a legacy of unfulfilled potential.
While it’s clear that Mt. Vernon Plaza faced struggles, it also represents a pivotal moment in urban development history in Columbus, demonstrating the community’s commitment to revitalization. Future endeavors in urban planning can learn valuable lessons from this project’s history to better achieve residents’ hopes for sustainable growth and improvement.
The story of Mt. Vernon Plaza reminds us that urban renewal, while often fraught with challenges, also has the potential to inspire future generations to strive for meaningful change in their communities.