Rome wasn’t built overnight, and neither was Columbus.
Each day we report on new construction projects, but we want to pause and zoom out. What did CBUS look like when you first moved here? That’s been on our mind after revisiting familiar areas with new faces. So today, we are taking a trip down memory lane.
Campus
This isn’t the Ohio State University many alumni knew back in their Buckeye heydays. While N. High Street is still popular for students and fans, it’s now home to high-rise retail stores like Target, apartments, and restaurants, as opposed to bars and late-night convenience stores.

A before-and-after of Stelzer Road in Easton Town Center. | Photos via Google Maps
Easton Town Center
From a vacant lot into a thriving shopping center, Seltzer Road is just a small example of all the big changes at Easton Town Center within the last decade. The surrounding mall area continues to evolve and expand with national retail stores like Amazon Style + local brands like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

The Gravity project has brought in other local businesses like Taft’s Brewpourium. | Photos via Google Maps
Franklinton
This downtown neighborhood has boomed in the last decade with development. Many longtime businesses remain in the area, and new ones like Gravity have planted roots and altered skylines with multi-use buildings.

Watch as murals come to life and buildings come to form. | Photos via Google Maps
Short North
This arts district has remained popular for more than a decade for residents and visitors alike as it offers restaurants, bars, galleries, and hotels. This is still true today, but with more luxury apartments, upscale hotels the Moxy, and rooftop bars.
What part of the city do you remember the most? We’d love to hear your stories + see your Columbus photos of yesteryear. Plus, dive into more local history with photos via All Columbus Data.