The Dublin Link is the longest single tower “S” shaped suspension bridge in the world

By Sophia Acevedo For decades, residents and local government in Dublin, Ohio have envisioned a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that could go across the Scioto River, providing easy connectivity among retail, restaurants, commercial, and residential buildings on both sides of the river.

In March 2020, the City of Dublin completed the Dublin Link, a 760-foot long pedestrian bridge, which has not only seen their vision come to life but it has created the longest single tower “S” shaped suspension bridge in the world.

“From the ‘S’ shaped bridge deck to the suspension design and state of the art lighting elements, this is truly a unique bridge,” Public Affairs Officer for the City of Dublin Lindsay Weisenauer says.

Plans for a scenic riverfront park and suspension bridge were envisioned by the Dublin City Council as far back as 1986, but their first major work began in 2007, when the City Council adopted a Community Plan which included a pedestrian bridge that would connect the east and west sides of the Scioto River. The City Council went back and forth in discussion for a couple of years, until in February 2017 funding for the project came through the City of Dublin Capital Improvements Program (CIP).

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The 760-foot long “S” curve bridge will open after three years of construction. It is the longest span single tower S-shaped suspension bridge in the world.

A pedestrian bridge linking the east and west sides of the Scioto River has been envisioned for decades. This landmark between two landings represents connectivity and inclusivity. It physically connects Dublin’s beloved historic district with the future Riverside Crossing Park and the thriving Bridge Park mixed-use development.

Bridge Park is part of the larger Bridge Street District, which is an area undergoing vast redevelopment as part of public and private investments. The walkable district is thriving with new options for housing, entertainment, dining and retail. In addition, this suburban-urban neighborhood features prime office and event space, an AC Marriott Hotel with rooftop restaurant/bar, along with an abundance of convenient parking in free public garages.

The Dublin Link will further bolster this thriving district by adding a convenient connection between the commercial, residential and retail destinations on both sides of the Scioto River. With the west landing in the heart of Historic Dublin and the east landing in the future Riverside Crossing Park, the bridge will serve as an iconic City of Dublin landmark – representing connectivity and inclusivity.

Choices in housing, dining, and shopping along with riverfront parks, a new library and gathering spaces are fueling a vibrancy and creating connectivity.

For more information on the Bridge Street District, including The Dublin Link and Riverside Crossing Park, please visit bridgestreet.dublinohiousa.gov.

The Dublin Link: Fun Facts

• 350,000 pounds (175 tons) of reinforcing steel – weight of 100 mid-size cars or 145 OSU victory bells (2,420 pounds)
• 1,600 cy of concrete – amount of concrete to build 32 new single family houses (foundations and driveway – 50 cy per house)
• Two suspension cables (120mm diameter) – tensile force in cable of 3,250,000 lbs. each – this force is the weight of 500 adult African Bush Elephants (6.5 tons each)(since zoo is nearby)
• Structural Steel was fabricated in Tampa, Florida
• Main and Hanger suspension cables were fabricated in Milano, Italy
• Cables were tested in Braunschweig and Bochum Germany

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Media Contacts:

Sue Burness
Communications & Public Information Director
614.226.5382
sburness@dublin.oh.us
Twitter: @sueburness

Lindsay Weisenauer
Public Affairs Officer
614.704.9742
lweisenauer@dublin.oh.us

Newsroom: https://dublinohiousa.gov/newsroom/

The Dublin Link

North Market’s expansion project in Dublin, Ohio continues to gain momentum. Following up after the recent announcement regarding plans to open a second location at Bridge Park, North Market is pleased to announce the site’s name, brand identity, and the appointment of a Director of Operations & Leasing for the new site.

After undergoing a formal naming and branding process with local firms VENN Growth Collective and Holden Ellis, North Market has determined the new public market will be dubbed North Market Bridge Park.

“We chose the name after reviewing hundreds of options,” said Wolfe. “We selected this name because we wanted to simultaneously honor the iconic, original North Market and the experience we are creating at the new Market through a mix of some of the best merchants from our flagship location as well as new merchants who will be exclusive to the new site. We also wanted to be clear about its location and to leverage the excitement over the world-class community being built in the City of Dublin.”

In addition to the new name, North Market unveiled North Market Bridge Park’s logo. The identity is based upon the current North Market logo and employs the beloved “Rooster” and market font that has been used historically and which graces the exterior of the downtown location. The new identity system features a family of colors and secondary descriptors to differentiate the locations. North Market Bridge Park includes the logo of Bridge Park, and the “Rooster” sits on a Bridge Park blue background.

“By opening the second true public market in Central Ohio, North Market intends to continue its 143-year mission to offer fresh foods including produce, meat and fish, poultry and game, and dairy,” said Wolfe. “Additional items will include flowers and a healthy mix of bakery, confections, gifts, beer, wine, spirits, and prepared foods.”

North Market is also pleased to announce Molly Harris has been appointed Director of Operations & Leasing. Harris is the first staff member hired who will work exclusively with North Market Bridge Park.

Harris brings extensive property management, leasing, and marketing experience to the North Market team. Most recently, Harris worked as Property Manager at RL Property Management in Columbus. Prior to that, Harris worked for Simon Property Group in mall marketing at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing.

In her new role, Harris will recruit North Market Bridge Park merchants, act as leasing agent, communicate with merchants and provide operational and technical guidance, as well as oversee the facility itself.

North Market Bridge Park is currently reviewing merchant applications. North Market Bridge Park’s merchant mix will be announced in the coming weeks as the selections are finalized.

About North Market
In operation since 1876, North Market is Columbus’ true public market. More than 30 merchants offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, flowers and other specialty food items. The Market also provides an international selection of freshly prepared foods, distinctive gifts and personable service from owner/operators and is home to the oldest Farmers’ Market in Central Ohio. North Market is open daily and located steps away from the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena. North Market is managed by the North Market Development Authority, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more, visit northmarket.com.

About Bridge Park
Located in the heart of Dublin, Ohio, Bridge Park is a community built on the idea that what matters most is not only where people live, but how they live. The mixed-use development consists of apartments, condos, restaurants, retail shops, office space, hotel and events center providing tenants and visitors the convenience of walking to their next adventure. Once completed, Bridge Park will include 840,000 SF of Class A office, 195,000 SF of restaurant/retail, 720 for-rent residential units, 150 for-sale condos/townhomes, a 150-key AC Hotel by Marriott, a 145-key SpringHill Suites hotel, an 800-person events center and 4,700 parking spaces. To learn more, visit www.bridge-park.com.

About VENN Growth Collective
VENN helps businesses grow and brands thrive. Our rigorous process integrates data driven analysis with creative ingenuity to deliver operationally sound and emotionally compelling strategies. To learn more, visit www.venngrowth.com.

About Holden Ellis
Holden Ellis is a one-stop-shop creative content marketing agency that puts a brand in motion by building digital assets that connect, activate, and accumulate customers. To learn more, visit www.holdenellis.com.

(Dublin, Ohio) Following over six years of extensive planning and public engagement, final development and site plans for phase 1 of the east side of Riverside Crossing Park are now available.

Members of the community are invited to learn more and provide feedback at a public open house Wednesday, July 11, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Dublin Community Recreation Center, 5600 Post Road in Dublin.

Those who cannot attend are invited to submit feedback online at bridgestreet.dublinohiousa.gov/riverside-park.

Located on the east side of the Scioto River at the landing of the future pedestrian/bicycle bridge, the East Plaza is planned as a center for activity and events at the interface between neighborhoods, the park and the river.

Improvements outlined in the development and site plans include a plaza landing, upper and lower terraces, a pavilion building with restrooms, a large green, seating, water features, landscape materials, and an underground maintenance facility.

For more information, visit the project page: bridgestreet.dublinohiousa.gov/riverside-park.

About Riverside Crossing Park

The Scioto Riverside Park Master Plan outlines a transformational vision for one of Dublin’s most important civic and natural spaces, which will connect Historic Dublin and the heart of the Bridge Street District.

Riverside Crossing Park will be part of a broader system of nearby parks and local recreational systems, linking to these assets through extensive bicycle/pedestrian facilities, canoe/kayak access points, and scenic natural connections. The west side of the park is envisioned as a more naturalized area with connections to the Indian Run greenway, water access and trail systems. The east side of the park is elevated outside of the floodplain and will feature areas for public gatherings and cultural events, recreational programs, pavilion building, rock climbing, planting beds and scenic river overlooks.

The two sides of the park will be linked by a pedestrian/bicycle bridge, with public plazas providing access to restaurants, shops, a new library, and the broader mix of destinations east and west. For more information view the Scioto Riverside Park Master Plan at BridgeStreet.DublinOhioUSA.gov. 

Media Contact:

Sarah McQuaide, Public Information Officer
614.410.4523 – Desk
614.593.9438 – Cell
smcquaide@dublin.oh.us

Newsroom: http://dublinohiousa.gov/newsroom/

Property Taxes in Bridge Park

On April 27, 2015, Dublin City Council approved the establishment of the Bridge Street District Community Reinvestment Area (CRA). A CRA is an economic development tool available to municipalities to encourage the development of new structures and revitalization of existing housing stock through use of an exemption of real property. The use of this tool is particularly beneficial in redevelopment areas where the costs to redevelop are normally higher than the costs to develop vacant land.

The establishment of the Bridge Street District CRA simply establishes the boundaries of the CRA and sets the framework such that property owners within the boundaries may request an incentive to receive up to a 100% real property tax exemption for up to 15 years for new construction. Each incentive must be considered on a project-by-project basis and would be subject to approval by Dublin City Council.

As of September 1, 2017, only one CRA Agreement has been approved by City Council: the Bridge Park CRA. This CRA grants the owners of owner-occupied housing in Bridge Park a 100% real property tax exemption for 15 years.

Community Development Charges

As part of the Bridge Park development, Dublin City Council authorized the creation of the Bridge Park New Community Authority (NCA). The statutory purpose of an NCA is to encourage the orderly development of a well-planed, diversified and economically sound new community.

One of the powers of an NCA is to impose the collection of a community development charge. A community development charge is imposed through a real estate declaration. It may be calculated on a variety of bases:

• Uniform fees
• Property values
• Income
• Profits
• Combinations of the aforementioned categories

While a community development charge is not a property tax, unpaid charges can become a lien on the property against which it is charged. It is collected in the same manner as property taxes.

Within Bridge Park, the ability for the NCA to levy this charge provides a funding mechanism which can be used to pay debt service on bonds issued to pay costs of land development and community facilities, or costs of operating and maintaining community facilities. In Bridge Park, the community facilities include seven parking garages and the conference/events center.  These community facilities are owned by the NCA, not the City nor the developer, Crawford Hoying.

What’s the bottom line?

Owners of owner-occupied housing within the Bridge Park development do receive a 100% real property tax abatement for 15 years. However, replacing the property tax is a community development charge that for condominium owners, shall be no less than the greater of the taxes due for a real estate tax valuation of $230.00 per square foot, or the then current valuation of the condo property as  assessed by the Franklin County Auditor.

Simply put, the community development charge replaces the property tax and could end up being  in excess of what the property taxes would have otherwise been. It is not the current policy of the City to use tax abatements within the Bridge Street District to lower or eliminate the tax payments of homeowners (or other property owners within the District), below those that would typically be paid in traditional real estate taxes. Rather, the intent is to have those owners pay at least the equivalent of their normal real estate tax obligation through other financing mechanisms (such as New Community Authorities) to help fund the needed community facilities.

Bridge Street Brief – Residential Property Tax Abatement

The Dublin Market debuts at Bridge Park starting Saturday, June 9 through September 29. The Dublin Market is will be located on Longshore Street between Tuller Ridge Drive and Bridge Park Avenue. Longshore Garage.

According to Bridge Park developer Crawford Hoying, The Dublin Market will be held on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. – noon  rain or shine, and will include baked goods, fresh produce, flowers, live entertainment and more. Free parking is available at the Longshore Garage.

For more information: dublinmarket.com

Storefront off Sawmill Road to provide temporary library services

COLUMBUS—In preparation for construction of Columbus Metropolitan Library’s (CML) new Dublin Branch, the current Dublin Branch, located at 75 N. High St., will close to the public at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Then, on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m., CML will kick off construction of the new branch with a short, highly visual “wallbreaking” ceremony that will include library leaders and city and community officials. The brief event is free and open to all. Parking is available in the branch parking lot.

CML will open a temporary Dublin Branch at 6765 Dublin Center Dr. (near the Big Sandy Superstore). The temporary Dublin Branch, scheduled to open on Tuesday, Jan. 2, will have the following hours: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. The collection size will be reduced with a focus on high-interest titles. When the new Dublin Branch opens in 2019, the collection will return to its normal size. The temporary location will also offer reserve pickup, public computers, magazines and newspapers, as well as children’s programming and after-school homework help.

The Dublin Branch, built in 1980 and renovated in 1990, is one of the most heavily used branches in CML’s 23-location system. The new 3-level Dublin Branch, to be built on the same site, will double the size of the current branch from roughly 20,100 square feet to approximately 41,000 square feet.

Additionally, an adjacent 4-level parking garage will be constructed by the City of Dublin with 200 spaces reserved for branch customers. CML plans to open the new Dublin Branch in 2019. Turner is the construction manager at risk and NBBJ is the architect.

The Dublin Branch project is the last project of CML’s 10-project aspirational building program:

• The new Driving Park Branch opened July 12, 2014
• The new Whitehall Branch opened April 11, 2015
• The new Parsons Branch opened June 4, 2016
• The transformed Main Library opened June 25, 2016
• The new Northern Lights Branch opened Sept. 24, 2016
• The new Shepard Branch opened Oct. 13, 2016
• The new Northside Branch opened June 22, 2017
• Construction is underway on a new Hilliard Branch
• Construction is underway on a new Martin Luther King Branch

CML understands that great libraries create stronger communities, and each branch is an essential hub that reflects the unique needs of the neighborhood it serves. Some of CML’s 23 locations are 40 to 50 years old and inadequate to meet the demands of a growing 21st century community. Demands and expectations will continue to grow, along with the population of Franklin County.

CML’s aspirational building program is the result of a community-wide process that will continue to serve the needs of Franklin County well into the future. The plan is a multi-phased comprehensive blueprint that reinvents and revitalizes the entire 600,000 square feet maintained by the library.

In addition to being a vital community asset, Columbus Metropolitan Library strives to minimize its environmental footprint. With each new building or renovation project, CML plans to use sustainable building materials, incorporate glass for natural light to reduce energy costs and introduce other design and building elements friendly to the natural environment.

Phase one of CML’s aspirational building program is transforming and significantly upgrading seven urban branches (Driving Park, Whitehall, Parsons, Martin Luther King, Northside, Northern Lights, Shepard) and two suburban branches (Hilliard and Dublin). In addition, changes to Main Library represent a major investment in downtown Columbus and the Discovery District.

Visit columbuslibrary.org for more information and to track progress of CML’s ambitious building program.

Visit columbuslibrary.org/press to view other Columbus Metropolitan Library press releases.

Library

Contacts:

Gregg Dodd, Marketing Director
Columbus Metropolitan Library
(614) 849-1043 office, (614) 205-7816 cell
gdodd@columbuslibrary.org
www.columbuslibrary.org

Ben Zenitsky, Marketing & Communications Specialist
Columbus Metropolitan Library
(614) 849-1045 office, (614) 315-3766 cell
bzenitsky@columbuslibrary.org
www.columbuslibrary.org

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea to Bring Specialty Coffees, Teas and Local Desserts to Dublin

DUBLIN, OHIO – Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea (Sweetwaters) has announced its first central Ohio location at Bridge Park in Dublin. The regionally-founded coffeehouse is known for its large variety of coffees, teas and desserts. With a projected move-in date of spring 2018, Sweetwaters will occupy 1,768 SF of interior space and a 440 SF patio on the high-profile corner of Bridge Park Avenue and Longshore Street.

“The walkable environment and neighborhood feel at Bridge Park are exactly what we’ve been searching for,” said Sweetwaters owner, Alice McKeever. “Our goal is to be more than just your local coffeehouse – we want to be a place that brings the community together.”

At Sweetwaters, there will be a drink for every family member. In addition to traditional and specialty teas and coffees, Sweetwaters will offer ice cream-based drinks and real fruit smoothies. Whipped cream will be made daily onsite, and local, certified home bakers will produce the ever-changing assortment of desserts.

“The Dublin community has long awaited the arrival of a coffee shop to Bridge Park,” said Brent Crawford, Crawford Hoying President. “With their local feel and friendly atmosphere, Sweetwaters makes for the perfect addition to Bridge Park.”

Sweetwaters will be the first coffee shop at Bridge Park, joining a long list of restaurant and retail openings including Cap City Fine Diner, Z Cucina and many more.

To request more information on commercial leasing, visit www.bridge-park.com/work or call 614.333.6415.

About Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea (Sweetwaters)
Sweetwaters is a coffeehouse that offers a blend of traditional European espresso drinks, globally inspired beverages, beautiful Asian teas, delicious desserts, pastries and savory treats. Sweetwaters at Bridge Park will be the first cafe to open in the Central Ohio area and is owned by Alice and Tom McKeever. To learn more about Sweetwaters, visit www.sweetwaterscafe.com.

About Bridge Park
Bridge Park is the newest and only walkable, mixed-use community in downtown Dublin. Spanning 30 acres along the Scioto River, it is the cornerstone of the city’s long-term vision for the Bridge Street District. The unique community features luxury condos and apartments, a grocery, restaurants, shops, Class A office space, entertainment venues, a hotel and conference center and multiple green spaces. Bridge Park includes 373,000 square feet of executive Class A office space to meet the needs of small and mid-size businesses. To learn more about Bridge Park, visit www.bridge-park.com.

About Crawford Hoying
Crawford Hoying is a full service real estate development company, based in Dublin, Ohio. Concentrating in all aspects of acquisition, design, development, construction, management, as well as commercial and residential brokerage. In the past five years alone, they have developed over $1 billion of mixed-use, multifamily, office and retail properties. Crawford Hoying creates a sense of Place; focused on consumer needs from a commerce, culture and community perspective. Bridge Park, www.bridge-park.com and Water Street District, www.livewaterstreet.com are examples of Crawford Hoying’s transformational development capabilities. To learn more about Crawford Hoying, visit www.crawfordhoying.com.

Contact: Ted Orr
614.335.2021
torr@crawfordhoying.com

(Dublin, Ohio) Dublin City Council has approved the Five-Year Capital Improvements Program for 2018 – 2022, providing a funding outline for Riverside Crossing Park. A total of $18,425,000 was approved for funding over the five year period.

The approved funding is another step toward realizing the Scioto Riverside Park Master Plan that was adopted by Council in May 2016, following several years of extensive planning with input from the public.

Funding in 2017 through 2022 and beyond reflects design fees and construction costs associated with the design and development of the park in multiple phases. The estimated timeline is likely to change as the project evolves and is reevaluated each year to ensure the project is carried out efficiently.

2017-2018

• West plaza construction, providing access to pedestrian bridge

2019

• Upper East plaza construction including large gathering space and pavilion with comfort stations, providing opportunities for a variety of programmed activities
• West park bank stabilization and landscape restoration

2020-2021

• Lower East plaza development including picnic areas, shared use paths, three river overlooks, river access point, open space lawn, retaining walls, landscaping and site amenities

Funds reflected beyond the five-year program period include projects on the west side of the river:

• Extension of Dublin Spring Park north to Indian Run Creek
• Network of nature trails
• Small 10-20 car parking lot
• Canoe launch and river access
• Pedestrian foot bridges
• Boardwalk
• Site amenities
• Landscaping

Also included beyond 2022 is programming for the design and construction of the east landing of the John Shields Parkway Bridge that will include both natural and artificial climbing walls.

This project will be funded through general obligation debt that will be issued. Advances from the General Fund will be made in the meantime if needed to meet expenditures, and then the advances will be repaid with the bond proceeds.

About Riverside Crossing Park

The Scioto Riverside Park Master Plan outlines a transformational vision for one of Dublin’s most important civic and natural spaces, which will connect Historic Dublin and the heart of the Bridge Street District.

Riverside Crossing Park will be part of a broader system of nearby parks and local recreational systems, linking to these assets through extensive bicycle/pedestrian facilities, canoe/kayak access points, and scenic natural connections. The west side of the park is envisioned as a more naturalized area with connections to the Indian Run greenway, water access and trail systems. The east side of the park is elevated outside of the floodplain and will feature areas for public gatherings and cultural events, recreational programs, pavilion building, rock climbing, planting beds and scenic river overlooks.

The two sides of the park will be linked by a pedestrian-bicycle bridge, with public plazas providing access to restaurants, shops, a new library, and the broader mix of destinations east and west. For more information view the Scioto Riverside Park Master Plan at BridgeStreet.DublinOhioUSA.gov.

About the CIP

The CIP is a five-year outlook for anticipated capital projects and is reviewed and updated annually by the City. These projects are primarily related to improvements in transportation, parks, utilities and facilities. For more information visit dublinohiousa.gov/finance.

Media Contact:
Sarah McQuaide, Public Information Officer
614.410.4523 – Desk
614.593.9438 – Cell
smcquaide@dublin.oh.us

Newsroom: http://dublinohiousa.gov/newsroom/

At its August 28, 2017, meeting Dublin City Council approved the final development and landscaping plans for several transformational projects located within Downtown Dublin’s Historic District. These include the final plans for City’s new Downtown Parking Garage (being built in tandem with the new Dublin branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library), the West Plaza of the Riverside Crossing Park (which will provide access and to the new pedestrian bridge), and a landscaping plan designed to enhance the area immediately south of the City’s Grounds of Remembrance. 

The new parking garage will include approximately 550 new parking spaces, 200 of which will serve the new library.  The plaza will be located on the east side of N. High Street, opposite the new library and immediately south of the new Bridge Park West, the Crawford Hoying mixed-use development, now under construction.

At this meeting City Council also approved the Final Subdivision Plat associated with the new library and garage development.  The Final Development Plan for the new Dublin Branch library is currently scheduled to come before City Council on September 11, 2017.

All of these projects are accessed by North High Street, and its reconstruction from North Street to Indian Run Drive remains on schedule for completion this November. The retaining wall and pedestrian bridge abutment that connect to the new West Plaza are now completed, and additional plaza construction should begin later in 2017.  On the west side of High Street, the City and the Columbus Metropolitan Library are expecting that the construction of the new library, parking garage and the abutting roadway improvements will begin in early 2018.

North High Street Improvements Live Camera

West Plaza of Riverside Crossing Park

Downtown Parking Garage

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Media Contact: Sue Burness, Public Affairs Officer sburness@dublin.oh.us 614.226.5382

Twitter/@sueburness @dublinohio www.dublinohiousa.gov

About the City of Dublin, Ohio, USA

Dublin is a city of more than 47,000 residents located just northwest of Columbus, Ohio.  It offers residents and corporate citizens responsive services, attractive housing, superior public education, direct regional highway access, abundant park space, thoughtful and strategic planning, innovative ideas and technology and a dynamic community life. Dublin is consistently ranked one of the safest cities in the nation and in 2015 was named one of America’s Top 20 Creative Class Cities.  It is home to more than 20 corporate headquarters, an entrepreneurial center, 4,300+ businesses, world-class events and the urban, walkable Bridge Street District. For more information, visit DublinOhioUSA.gov or call 614.410.4400.