With recent developments in Columbia Tusculum's Columbia Square and Eastern Avenue corridor, this east side neighborhood has seen its business district change dramatically in the last five years.
One of the largest developments,
Columbia Square, opened in 2010 with corporate tenants like Keller Williams and
IPSOS Marketing, which relocated their regional offices from West Chester and Mason to be a part of this vibrant community. But the neighborhood also embraces local entrepreneurial favorites like
Green Dog Café,
Greener Stock, and
Anytime Fitness.
Green Dog Café serves high quality, organic foods at an affordable price, while Greener Stock sells eco-friendly, natural building products for homes and businesses. One of the latest additions, Anytime Fitness, serves as a walkable neighborhood fitness center, open 24-hours, that serves residents.
With the influx of new tenants in the Square, development has also boomed in the old business district along Eastern Avenue as well. Local salon and fitness center,
BeneFit, rehabbed one of the neighborhood's historical buildings while
Del Apgar, a florist in Hyde Park, recently opened a new space on Eastern Avenue.
"I think the retail businesses are focusing on the needs of what we want as a neighborhood. Without having planned it in advance, businesses are focused on being more health-related," Matt Ackermann, President of Columbia Tusculum's Community Council and owner of Tusculum Pizza, said.
According to Community Council VP, Arlene Golembiewski, the neighborhood supports local "destination businesses." Instead of having traditional drive-by franchises that don't contribute to the community or add character, the destination businesses add to the streetscape, and provide stability to the community which has attracted an influx of new residents.
"It's people who enjoy an urban lifestyle and being close to all of the amenities that the city offers," Golembiewski said.
Writer: Lisa Ensminger
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