Columbus Commons, the downtown development rising from the demolished City Center Mall in Columbus, Ohio, is getting ready to celebrate another grand opening for Columbus’ 200th birthday celebration. The Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion, a $5 million permanent stage and pavilion and 200Columbus’ signature capital project, is scheduled to open Thursday, May 24, with special events being held through that weekend.
After the mall was torn down in 2010, the nine acre site was redeveloped into a park that includes a 3.7 acre green roof over the existing underground parking garage, which was kept operational throughout demolition and construction.
ms consultants was part of the project team responsible for the mall demolition and the construction of the park and pavilion, providing electrical engineering for Columbus Commons. ms designed the park electrical plans, which include park lighting, pavilion power and wiring, and power for seasonal lighting, restrooms, and concession facilities.
The pavilion will become the focal point for the park, hosting live events and concerts. The entire park has been wired for sound, video and lighting, with a control rack located backstage of the pavilion and a control station located front-of-house. Designed wiring and controls include theatrical sound and lighting for the pavilion canopy as well as accent lighting.
Mike Morelli, the lead ms electrical engineer for this project, elected to install conduits inside the green roof long before the decision to create the pavilion was finalized. The conduits allowed the electrical team to adapt to meet the needs of the overall park space and green roof project site, and gave them greater flexibility during final design.
What's Next for Columbus Commons?
The grand opening of the Bicentennial Pavilion does not mark the end of the Columbus Commons development. In April, it was announced that Atlanta-based developer Carter is buying two acres of the park along High Street for $2 million from the Capitol South Community Urban Redevelopment Corp. The developer plans to invest a total of $50 million to construct two six-story buildings with 300 apartments and 23,000 square feet of first-floor retail space.
The project should be completed by January 2014, and other parcels on the edge of the park will also eventually be developed.
For more information about the Bicentennial Pavilion grand opening or other events visit Columbus Commons’ website.