Short Vine in Corryville, once a hot spot for electic night spots, gets a a new bar and restaurant that replaces a former drug hot spot.
Dive Bar owner Joe Pedro, a Columbus native and business owner of two bars near Ohio State University, said choosing the site for the Dive Bar came down to the old real estate maxim: Location, location, location.
"We like the proximity to the college campus and to the hospitals," he said. "There is a lot of people around the area who are good for our services. We also immediately fell in love with the history and character that Short Vine has to offer."
Although in recent years this stretch of Short Vine has been known more for drug activity than business opportunities, Pedro said the past serves as a model for what the street could again become.
"The drug activity is a concern that we are aware of, but we are making an effort to get involved right away with the community and other business members to take hold of the street for the community and push out those elements that no one really cares for," he explained. "Over the past eight months we've seen more businesses coming through as well as more involvement with the community business association and city officials that have made changes that everyone has longed for and wants for the area."
Construction of the bar took six months and involved completely gutting and renovating the whole space, leaving exposed brick throughout. Pedro also installed wood floors and new counter tops. The impetus for the work? Pedro's, and his partners', desire for the personality - and affordable cost - of an older building.
Beth Robinson, President and CEO of
The Uptown Consortium, is extremely supportive and thrilled about the new local hangout.
"We've made great strides in the past couple of years on Short Vine with continuous police control and increased activity of businesses and residents on Short Vine," she explained. "The bad image is starting to fade into the past as we start to have more businesses open in the area, which will help attract people back on the street and customers back to the area."
Writer: Lisa Ensminger
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