Redevelopment Projects
Riverfront District
Status: Active
Description
The Riverfront District is a section within a community which allows for different restaurants and businesses to maximize the use of the riverfront and its natural resources. The Columbus Riverfront District is located in the heart of downtown Columbus (Map is shown below). Our goal is to distinguish the Riverfront District as the best family oriented dining environment in South Central Indiana. It allocates a number of 3-way liquor licenses to be distributed among restaurants. The number is determined by the local government but could potentially be unlimited. The purpose of the Columbus Riverfront District is to encourage the location and operation of a diverse mix of family oriented restaurants. The district will help assist local, talented restaurant owners to achieve success by providing them with the ability to offer a full line of beverages to their clientele at a reduced liquor license price. The recipients are encouraged to make improvements to their buildings, participate in unified marketing efforts, support a healthy and fun atmosphere in the riverfront district, and to generally compliment other redevelopment efforts identified in the Strategic Development Plan. The result of the riverfront allows the local government to control what types of businesses can or cannot be established within the district. You can visit http://www.columbus.in.gov/redevelopment/redevelopment-index.php to access more information about the Riverfront District along with obtaining an application for a Riverfront 3-way liquour license.
Impact on the Community
The Riverfront District has a great impact on the Columbus community. Currently, we are facing a loss in business and economic opportunities. More and more individuals are traveling to other cities for entertainment, dining, and nightlife. With the district there will be an increase in opportunity for businesses to locate within Columbus instead of another city. The goal of the district is not to bring more liquor licenses into the downtown area but to encourage businesses to locate in Columbus that will create a family oriented environment. With developers establishing their business in Columbus, there will be an increase in the number of job created and the number of visitors to the city. The outcome of the Riverfront District will be an increase of business and economic opportunity.
