Just as quickly as the world shut down in March 2020, things are now reopening far and wide. That includes Downtown, which is ready to welcome everyone back to the heart of Columbus. 

The Capital Crossroads and Discovery SIDs, Experience Columbus, Columbus Downtown Development Corporation, and the City of Columbus want to make sure everyone knows that the welcome mat has been rolled out. 

On July 15, the Welcome Back Downtown campaign launched at a special event led by Mayor Andrew Ginther. The message is simple: Downtown is open and ready for fun, for business, for living, and for visiting. And, the campaign is critical to local businesses that were impacted by the pandemic. 

“Downtown is open!” said Marc Conte, acting executive director of Downtown Columbus Special Improvement Districts. “The center of this great city is alive, vibrant, and full of hidden surprises. This area is humming again. We want people to come back to the center of the city to dine, play, explore and rediscover the charms of Downtown Columbus.”

Whether you work here, live here, or just swing through on a Saturday night, you will find a vibrant community that is open, accessible, and full of fun. Downtown is open to everyone, from art lovers to foodies, theatergoers to fitness buffs, families, and friends. 

Supporters can engage with social media, receive a weekly e-newsletter with business features and specials, and watch the bi-monthly “It’s Been a Minute” video series. You can access The Welcome Back Downtown campaign hub online here. 

The SID's Downtown Now e-newsletter will also continue to highlight restaurants, retail and cultural experiences that have reopened (or some that have opened for the first time). You will find all the fun experiences that have always made Downtown full of energy and excitement.

Businesses and property managers downtown can find a variety of materials available to help you reconnect with your customers, employees, residents, and guests. You can find digital assets available to use here. Or, contact Michelle Chippas at MLChippas@sidservices.com.