Amy Schmittauer Landino: What Does the Future of Downtown Columbus Look Like?

Interview by Derek Grosso

There’s no denying that Downtown Columbus has undergone a rebirth in recent years. With nearly a dozen major projects completed in 2017 and more than 30 additional projects currently under construction or near completion – including the $74 million Michael B. Coleman Governmental Center opening this week – overall downtown investments total a whopping $1.3 billion, according to the State of Downtown Columbus 2017 mid-year report. The iconic LeVeque Tower has been re-imagined to include residences, a modern French brasserie and bar, and the Hotel LeVeque. Millennial Tower (which will rise 27 stories) has recently been approved by the Downtown Commission. Dining options have also increased, with recent additions like Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, Cosecha Cocina, Fox in the Snow (German Village), and Juniper rooftop lounge joining the local restaurant scene. And there’s plenty more to come!

With all of the buzz surrounding our downtown, we asked a group of Downtown Columbus leaders to answer three questions: “Which project are you most excited to see coming to downtown Columbus in the next 1-2 years?,” “Where do you see (or, where would you like to see) downtown Columbus growing over the next 10-20 years?,” and “What are 3 things that downtown Columbus needs right now?”

Name: Amy Schmittauer Landino
Organization and Job Title: Cofounder at Aftermarq, President of the Downtown Residents’ Association of Columbus, and Board Member at COTA
Connect: LinkedIn

Which projects are you most excited to see coming to downtown Columbus in the next 1-2 years?
It’s very exciting to see all the apartments that are popping up everywhere you look! The next 2 years are going to be significant when it comes to boosting the vibrancy of this neighborhood as many more people start to call it “home.”

Where would you like to see downtown Columbus grow over the next 10-20 years?​
I hope to see Columbus be the next great story of shifting the transit culture to an efficient multi-modal system. If we don’t get out of our own way soon, we could stall the great opportunity to be THE place to live in this country.

What are 3 things that downtown Columbus needs right now?
1. Grocery and convenience options
2. Affordable living options
3. Education for residents and visitors on safety & homelessness in the area

Read what other Downtown Columbus leaders had to say:

• Bob Bickis, Realtor at Smart Move Realtors and Catalyst at LiveDowntownColumb.US / WorkDowntownColumb.US / PlayDowntownColumb.US

• Kacey Brankamp, Program Director, Downtown CPass at Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District

• David Cofer, Executive Director at PACT (Partners Achieving Community Transformation)

• Jennifer Davis, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager at Greater Columbus Convention Center

• J. Averi Frost, Executive Director at Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce

• Branden Givand, Owner at Flying Gent Men’s Shop

• Brett Kaufman, CEO at Kaufman Development

• Jeff Lafever, Co-Founder/Tour Coordinator at Columbus City Adventures

• Bob Leighty, Executive Director at Parsons Area Merchants Association

• Trent Smith, Executive Director at Franklinton Board of Trade

• Amy Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at Columbus Downtown Development Corporation/Capitol South

• Shiloh Todorov, Executive Director at German Village Society