Redevelopment Projects
Commons/Commons Mall
Status: In Progress
Description
The Commons/Commons Mall, located in the heart of downtown Columbus, is the home of the famous chaos sculpture. The Commons includes areas for:
- Stage and performance area that will hold an approximately 500 people in a banquet style atmosphere and 700-800 people in an entertainment venue style atmosphere.
- Food court and other dining opportunities
- Indoor playground featuring the Luckey Climber
- A total of 10,000 square feet of retail space
Attached by a public connector is the new Cummins Office Building, housing 500 new jobs, along with the Candlewood Suites Hotel and Conference Center. Across Jackson Street will be Yes Cinema, Sears, the newly located SIHO, and other retail stores.
History
In the late 1960's an urban renewal plan was initiated due to the growth of Columbus and the deterioration of the downtown area. The renewal plan was to rebuild a 53 acre area that would allow for the relocation of the major railroad tracks, constructing two one-way main arteries carrying traffic around the downtown area and developing a major shopping complex downtown.
This is when The Commons/Commons Mall was born. Designed by architect Ceasar Pelli of Gruen Associates, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA, construction started in 1971. The Commons was designed to be a "super block" for a shopping center. When it opened in 1974, the centerpiece of The Commons was Chaos I, a kinetic motion sculpture designed by Jean Tinguely, a Swiss sculptor. The Commons served as a public space that included exhibit halls, a stage, playground with built-in "play tank", two movie theaters, several meeting rooms, and a general information center.
In 1994, a portion of the second level was renovated to include the Indianapolis Museum of Art Columbus Gallery, offices, and educational space. The Columbus Area Arts Council was also included. In 1998, kidscommons, an interactive educational museum for children was opened.
Currently, The Commons is going through another renovation that is based on Columbus's current and long-term needs.
Impact on the Community
The Commons is a public place for the community to gather. It will include retail shops, entertainment venues, and dining options. The Commons will create jobs in the downtown area while drawing traffic flow from other cities surrounding Columbus.
