Columbus: Huntington Park (Clippers ballpark)

[Brewmaster]

Or...they could park and ride on the streetcar (fingers crossed) if they didn't get the free handout on the subsidized parking.  In fact, some of those parking fees should go to fund the streetcar!!!

[noozer]

Brewmaster.... actually, using parking meter fees (and fines) is part of how Portland, Oregon fund it's streetcar line.  They have designated parking zones for blocks either side of the streetcar corridor and if you park or get ticketed for a parking violation isndie those zones, the $$$ go to the streetcar system.

The remaining funding comes from an annual contribution from the local transit authority.  In return, transit riders get free transfers on to the streetcars.

A very nice and symbiotic relationship. 

[Brewmaster]

I like it.  It all rolls up into market rate pricing.  I'm also for raising the gas tax for the same reasons.  If you want to drive an SUV, go for it, but be prepared to pay for it at the pump and subsidize alternative energy and rail projects so that others can benefit from your excess.  Same basic principle here.  If you are fortunate enough to afford to park close, some of that money should go to fund the parking/transportation needs of the other fans.

[CMH_Downtown]

I think the issue here so much is the gamble the county is taking on this new stadium and possibly issolating its most ardant fan base: those that go to Clippers games because it's CHEAP. I think most believe that even if prices for tickets and parking were to double, the new clientele that would be frequenting Clippers games would more than make up for the loss of patrons that now deem the outting too expensive, but the county is going on the conservative. I think if, when all is said and done, that attendance and parking patronage do exceed current projections, we could see parking fees raised to more market driven levels.

However, as mentioned, it would be far more beneficial if the proposed streetcar system was integrated into this project in the manner described by noozer. Here's hoping.

[CMH_Downtown]

UNION-ONLY CONTRACTS
Ballpark sponsors balk at labor plan
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Robert Vitale
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
 
The Columbus Clippers could lose millions in corporate help for a new Arena District ballpark if Franklin County gives labor unions exclusive control over construction jobs, a top adviser on the project has warned.  County commissioners’ consideration of what’s known as a project labor agreement with 22 area trade unions could jeopardize a $12 million naming-rights deal with Huntington Bancshares Inc., as well as other potential sponsorships, the adviser warned in a recent e-mail to county Administrator Don L. Brown and Commissioner Paula Brooks.

"The only way I see this project moving forward is if we take the PLA off the table," wrote Cathy Mayne Lyttle, vice chair of Franklin County Stadium Inc., the board that oversees the current and future homes of the county-owned Clippers.

Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news/news.php?story=dispatch/2006/05/28/20060528-A1-02.html

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 6/9/06 Dispatch:


County bows in stadium labor dispute
Friday, June 09, 2006
Robert Vitale
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
 
Commissioner Paula Brooks said considering a union deal for the Arena District stadium project was part of "looking for the best approach."   Franklin County officials abandoned plans yesterday for a controversial labor agreement that would have jeopardized state and corporate funding for a new Arena District baseball stadium.  Although county commissioners decided to let rules already in place guide who builds the stadium, they said they still will pursue a deal with area trade unions to govern construction of a new county courts building.

Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/06/09/20060609-E1-06.html

[CMH_Downtown]

COUNTY PICKS ARCHITECT FOR CLIPPERS STADIUM
Firm that worked on Nationwide Arena says it will tailor ballpark to local fan base
Friday, June 23, 2006
By Robert Vitale
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Sports arenas and stadiums need to be designed for the fans who visit them, says the man who will put ideas on paper for central Ohio's newest venue, the Columbus Clippers' proposed Huntington Park.  Franklin County officials recommended yesterday that commissioners hire 360 Architecture Inc., a firm whose partners designed Nationwide Arena, to build the ballpark that will become its Arena District neighbor.  Scott Ralston, the 360 principal who will head the design team, promised a stadium that borrows from the past, breaks new ground and "provides opportunities I don't think anyone thought imaginable."

Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/06/23/20060623-B1-03.html

[jamiec]

It's needs a waterfall and rollercoaster, for sure. No one goes to the ballgame for sports anymore!

[BigRedM]

It looks like Huntington wants a piece of the action...

Huntington buys naming rights for Clippers' proposed stadium
The Columbus Dispatch
Tuesday, February 7, 2006 11:01 AM

I personally hate it when ballparks and stadia are all of a sudden named for corporations.     It's no wonder I have lost interest in professional sports.  Plus, I still tend to say "Riverfront Stadium" when I talk about the Cincinnati Reds.     After all, the last time I went to a Reds home game was 1995!   

[buildingcincinnati]

From Business First of Columbus, 7/3/06:


Clippers ballpark back on track
But questions loom on construction schedule for targeted 2008 opening
Business First of Columbus - June 30, 2006
by Jeff Bell
Business First
 
The cry "play ball" in a downtown stadium may not be heard in 2008 after all.  Those closest to the project are hedging their bets on whether Huntington Park, the planned Arena District home of the Triple A Columbus Clippers, will be ready for any part of the 2008 baseball season.  "You have to be reasonable," said Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks.  "(July 2008) is the target, but first and foremost we must get the project built right. 

Huntington Park
Location: Northwest corner of Neil Avenue and Nationwide Boulevard
Tenant: Columbus Clippers
Estimated opening: July 2008
Estimated cost: $55 million
Seating capacity: 10,000
Architect: 360 Architecture Inc.
Owners' representative: Nationwide Realty Investors

Full story at http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/07/03/story4.html?from_rss=1

[noozer]

Corporate boxholders waiting to see how new stadium plays out
Business First of Columbus - July 14, 2006
By Tim Puet For Business First

Corporate owners of rooftop suites at Cooper Stadium say they're pleased the Columbus Clippers will be moving to a new ballpark in 2008, but need more information about the facility before deciding whether they'll continue to purchase the luxury boxes.  The Clippers announced plans for the park in February, a project which Nationwide Realty Investors will guide and 360 Architecture Inc. will design.  Plans for the appearance of the structure, seating capacity and ticket and parking prices have yet to be announced.

Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/07/17/focus5.html 

[noozer]

FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
New baseball park, courthouse will be ecologically sound
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Robert Vitale
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
 
The playing field won’t be the only green part of Huntington Park.  The new Arena District baseball stadium and a new Downtown courts building will be built with environmentally friendly, energy-saving features under a policy adopted yesterday by the Franklin County commissioners.  The commissioners unanimously approved a statement that directs county agencies under their control to keep the environment in mind when making policy and purchasing decisions.

Full story at http://dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/08/30/20060830-B3-00.html

[yubh8tin]

Does anybody know if the stadium is still being built even though the Yankees dropped the Clippers as their farmteam?

[ColDayMan]

Yeah, it's still being built. 

[noozer]

Cleanup to delay Downtown ballpark construction
Clippers won’t slide into new home until 2009
By Debbie Gebolys and Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
Thursday, October 26, 2006 11:25 PM

The new home of the Columbus Clippers won't be game-ready until 2009, officials said today.  Franklin County commissioners and team officials originally wanted the AAA baseball team to move to Huntington Park stadium during the 2008 season.  But Don Montgomery, of Nationwide Realty Investors, said construction won't be finished until the end of 2008.  County Administrator Don L. Brown said environmental cleanup at the site, once home to a gas station, will take longer than anticipated.

Full story at http://dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=222259

[noozer]

County secures $12M in sponsorships for Huntington Park
Business First of Columbus
1:05 PM EST Tuesday
by Jeff Bell, Business First

Franklin County officials have landed another $12 million in corporate sponsorship commitments for the minor league baseball park they plan to build in the Arena District.  Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. and Dispatch Printing Co. each committed $6 million for sponsorships at the proposed Huntington Park, according to a press release from the county.  In addition, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman said the city will invest $9.3 million for utilities, roads and other infrastructure improvements at the ballpark site.

The 10,000-seat, county-owned ballpark is slated for the northwest corner of Neil Avenue and Nationwide Boulevard. Franklin County Commissioners recently pushed back the expected opening date for the $55 million ballpark to 2009.  Huntington Park will house the county-owned Columbus Clippers of the International League and replace Cooper Stadium, the team's 15,000-seat home on Columbus' west side.

Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/10/30/daily12.html 

[noozer]

Buzz over new stadium boosting Clippers
Business First of Columbus - January 5, 2007
by Jeff Bell, Business First

Things are looking up for the Columbus Clippers, and the team's president and general manager, Ken Schnacke, points to a corner lot in the Arena District as the reason for the optimism.  It's there, where Nationwide Boulevard and Neil Avenue intersect, that Huntington Park will be built, lifting the short- and long-term prospects of the Clippers.

The Triple A baseball club saw its attendance jump to near 520,000 in each of the past two seasons at aged Cooper Stadium.  It had not been that high since 1996 and had slipped below 500,000 every year but one from 1998 through 2004.  Schnacke attributed the improved attendance to the buzz among fans about Huntington Park.  Current season ticket holders will be given priority for seats in the new ballpark, which is scheduled to open in 2009.

Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2007/01/08/story3.html?t=printable

[CMH_Downtown]

County heads to the drawing board
New jail, animal shelter and courthouse make cut for $324 million building plan
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Barbara Carmen
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

County officials will unveil an ambitious three-year $324 million construction program on Thursday. Proposed projects include:

• A courthouse. The new building will feature 22 full-size or spectator-size courtrooms for high-profile cases and 10 magistrate’s courtrooms. Franklin County currently has 17 judges and six magistrates slogging through one of the heaviest dockets in the state.

• A larger, safer dog shelter. The new 60,000-square-foot shelter would be three times as large as the old one and offer improved ventilation systems to prevent germs from spreading among dogs and people.

• A new jail. Franklin County’s third jail might be built next to the one at 2460 Jackson Pike and house 500 to 600 nonviolent offenders. Eventually, the jail Downtown might gain an addition.

• Hall of Justice renovations. The project would strip asbestos and remodel the 1970s tower at 369 S. High St., currently home to the Common Pleas Court.

• Unified county complex. The county plans to build an airportlike concourse and relocate security checkpoints to link its five buildings on the south side of Downtown.

• Huntington Park. The old 17,000-seat Cooper Stadium will be replaced by a 10,200-seat ballpark in the Arena District. The county expects to begin clearing the site for the new ballpark in March, with the opening planned for spring 2009.

Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/02/28/20070228-E1-03.html

[Brewmaster]

Still no renderings of the new courthouse, eh?

I'm anxious to see that one!

[J.Remy]

From the sounds of it, I know we will be disapointed.  Nothing good ever comes out of comprimises and a tight budget.

[Brewmaster]

Idunno...Pizzuti is developing it (Miranova), and the DesignGroup is the architect.  They're known for green architecture and have a really nice portfolio...

http://www.dgcolumbus.com/news.php?display=119#119

[J.Remy]

I was refering to the courthouse, even though that is a different thread, it is the same article.  Were you refering to the courthouse as well Brewmaster?

[Brewmaster]

Yeah...I'm sorry...I didn't see the other thread.  If a moderator sees this, feel free to move the last few posts over.

[ColDayMan]

Eh, don't worry about it.  Mods don't want to delete EVERYTHING!

[mavrijones]

Here's a look at the area where the park is being built and what it looks like now.  Looks like a lot crap needs to be gotten rid of.

http://www.bradsbits.com/2007/03/31/huntington-park-location-new-columbus-clippers-baseball-stadium/

[ColDayMan]

BRING IT ON!!!

[Brewmaster]

Here's a look at the area where the park is being built and what it looks like now.  Looks like a lot crap needs to be gotten rid of.

http://www.bradsbits.com/2007/03/31/huntington-park-location-new-columbus-clippers-baseball-stadium/

And that's just the above-ground crap that needs to get rid of!  I think there's still buried tanks at the corner where the gas station used to sit.

[buildingcincinnati]

From the 5/15/07 (OSU) Lantern:


PHOTO: This tract of land on the corner of Nationwide Boulevard and Neil Avenue will become the new home of the Columbus Clippers.  Media Credit: Stevi Cornell

Clippers hope new location attracts OSU students
Michael Schwartz
Issue date: 5/15/07 Section: Sports

Although Cooper Stadium has served as the home to Columbus baseball for the past 75 years, Franklin County Commissioners and the Columbus Clippers have decided to begin construction this summer on a new stadium to host the Washington Nationals Triple-A affiliate.  The Clippers' new home, Huntington Park, will be located on the corner of Nationwide Boulevard and Neil Avenue, right in the middle of the Arena District.  If all goes according to schedule, Columbus will open its 2009 campaign in the new stadium.

Full story at http://www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/news/2007/05/15/Sports/Clippers.Hope.New.Location.Attracts.Osu.Students-2903598.shtml

[CMH_Downtown]

Stadium job will give jolt to economy
Business First of Columbus - June 15, 2007
by Jeff Bell, Business First

A study shows good things are in store for Central Ohio's economy once work on a Columbus baseball stadium gets into full swing this year.  The economic influence from construction of Huntington Park in the Arena District will total more than $100 million over three years, says a study by the Columbus Chamber and Franklin County.  The impact includes an estimated $45 million to be spent designing and building the county-owned ballpark as well as the ripple effect those dollars will have as they are spent in the economy.

Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2007/06/18/story6.html?b=1182139200^1477632

[noozer]

I am liking this ball park more and more each time I read something new. Hopefully they will also bring the Cleveland Triple-A team here as the home club.

HUNTINGTON PARK
Designers want an intimate ballpark
Community integration, low prices stressed
Monday,  June 18, 2007 3:27 AM
By Barbara Carmen, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Franklin County's new baseball stadium will emphasize the "park" in ballpark, with a field of manicured grass, stands of trees and dancing fountains to cool the kids.  "And the great thing is, you'll have great sightlines," Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy said.  They'll be so great that spectators along Nationwide Boulevard will be able to look down onto the diamond -- it will sit 6 feet below the sidewalk -- and watch the game.

The county is to unveil designs for Huntington Park at a bash this morning at the Arena Grand Theatre.  The announcement will draw community, business and political leaders, but the stadium was designed with the average Joe in mind.

Full story at http://dispatch.com/dispatch/content/local_news/stories/2007/06/18/BALLPARK.ART_ART_06-18-07_A1_PD71TTA.html