Each year Capital Crossroads and Discovery SIDs recognize the Downtown Champions who make a significant difference in downtown in the following categories:
AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
Capital Crossroads SID
Schiff Capital Group Renovation of the Atlas Building
In 1977, the Atlas Building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Schiff Capital Group recognized the significance of the historic building in 2011 when it purchased the property. Taking special care to preserve its architectural beauty, the renovation includes ground-floor retail, and the residential units have been so well received there’s a waiting list for the apartments.
Discovery SID
Columbus Museum of Art
The Art Matters campaign didn’t just change the footprint of the Columbus Museum of Art. The mission-centered architecture inspires, connects and reflects Columbus’ vibrant cultural community. The final phase of this three-part master plan added 50,000 square feet of gallery, program and event space, which will benefit the community for years.
AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Capital Crossroads and Discovery SIDs
Alan McKnight, Retired Director City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department
As Columbus Recreation and Parks Director, Alan was deeply involved with Scioto Mile development of the Promenade, Bicentennial Park, Topiary Park and CMA’s West Garden. Before becoming Director, Alan oversaw all capital improvement projects as the head of the Planning and Design section. If you’ve enjoyed a downtown park within the last 30 years, thank Alan.
Capital Crossroads SID
The Greater Columbus Arts Council
The Greater Columbus Arts Council not only advances art and culture throughout the city and region, The Council ensures that art remains accessible to everyone. The Council collaborates with local performers in the street performer program. Public art initiatives such as the Finding Time and Bold Booths projects further exemplify The Council’s commitment to creating a vibrant and energetic Downtown, and who can forget the Arts Festival?
Discovery SID
Jefferson Center for Learning and the Arts
This year marks the 40-year anniversary for the Jefferson Center for Learning and the Arts. In the process of revitalizing a historic area of Downtown, its leaders envisioned a place which created an affordable and sustainable place for nonprofit organizations to grow and to thrive.
UNSUNG HERO
Capital Crossroads and Discovery SIDs
Ray Browning Street Maintenance Manager, City of Columbus
Ray Browning works behind the scenes, managing street sweeping and snow removal, but he and his team do so much more. He collaborates with the SID and goes above and beyond expectations. When asked to schedule street sweeping to allow overnight parking by downtown residents, he completely redesigned the system to accommodate residents. Ray and his team personally purchase, plant and water flowers on the High Street viaduct next to the Hyatt Regency each summer. Ray Browning is a true public servant.
AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING AESTHETIC CONTRIBUTION
Capital Crossroads SID
Nationwide Boulevard
Partners for Improvements
City of Columbus, MKSK
A public-private partnership transformed Nationwide Boulevard from an auto-centric thruway to a beautiful, pedestrian-oriented entryway to the most-visited destinations in downtown.
Discovery SID
Friends of Topiary Park, Motorists and Columbus Parks and Recreation for Topiary Park Holiday Lights
The Downtown gem of Topiary Park continues to provide a spectacular place to showcase what the Discovery District offers. Special events like the holiday lighting, PBJ and Jazz and the Summer Movie Series bring enjoyment to the entire Columbus community.
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
Capital Crossroads SID
Philip Wilson
Philip Wilson celebrates four years of perfect attendance at Capital Crossroads where he provides soft-spoken leadership with the entire crew. He brings a positive attitude to his job every single day as he works on a wide variety of special projects putting his mechanical expertise to use.
Discovery SID
Ryan Jefferson
Ryan Jefferson thinks on his feet, and he stretches well beyond his comfort zone to excel in areas such as manning the hospitality information tent. He is a quick learner and exceeds expectations. Ryan’s quiet and confident personality benefits the Discovery District community.
IN MEMORIAM
Capital Crossroads and Discovery SIDs honor the work and legacy of Bill Lewis and Stephanie Fibelkorn.