In Columbus, Ohio, the I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt project has encouraged a number of improvement projects in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The section of Parsons Avenue from Franklin Avenue to Broad Street is immediately adjacent to on-going improvements for City streets planned or under construction as part of the I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt project.

Given this nexus, the City wanted streetscape improvements to this section of Parson’s Avenue recommended in the Near East Plan (2005) and the Olde Towne Quarter Economic Development Strategy (2010). 

ms consultants, working with Woolpert, provided the planning and design for the improvements which included:

• Addition of curb extensions, or “bump outs,” defining on-street parking areas and providing shorter crossing distances for pedestrians
• Wider sidewalks
• New streetscaping
• New street lighting
• New mast arm traffic signals
• Relocation of all overhead utilities to underground systems along with a new water line.
• New stormwater facilities
• Green infrastructure improvements

ms specifically provided the streetscape and landscaping design, decorative lighting, and signal design, along with graphic support.

A new planted median at the intersection of Broad and Parsons was created to provide an additional area to incorporate public art in the overall streetscape design.

The team developed a drive through rendering of the proposed corridor improvements to allow both the artist and the public to understand what the finish “look” would be for their community.

ms coordinated with the artist throughout the project to assist her with identifying locations for the artwork and provide her with an understanding the colors that would be used for brick concrete, tree grates, and other decorative items.