Hilltop (Columbus, Ohio)

Last updated
Hilltop, Columbus
Neighborhood of Columbus
Hilltop signage.JPG
Hilltop, USA sign welcoming visitors to area
Hilltop (Columbus, Ohio)
Interactive map of the neighborhood
Coordinates: 39°57′0″N83°5′0″W / 39.95000°N 83.08333°W / 39.95000; -83.08333
Country United States
State Ohio
County Franklin
City Columbus

Hilltop is one of the largest neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio, located west of Franklinton and Downtown. The Greater Hilltop area contains newer and historic neighborhoods, schools, various stores, industrial areas, and recreational facilities. The development pattern is considered a distinct suburb. The majority of the area is predominantly single family residential. [1]

Contents

History

Camp Chase state historical marker Camp Chase historical marker.JPG
Camp Chase state historical marker
Camp Chase, a memorial to 2,260 Confederate soldiers from the Civil War who died in Camp Chase. Camp Chase graves.JPG
Camp Chase, a memorial to 2,260 Confederate soldiers from the Civil War who died in Camp Chase.

Etymology

The name of this area derives from Lucas Sullivant, who was first deeded this land. For a time the area was known as Sullivant’s Hill and as time went on, the ownership of the land was transferred and the name was changed to the Hilltop. As the area is an assortment of smaller neighborhoods, the Greater Hilltop is used in some publications to describe this neighborhood, while Hilltop is also used and is a name that helped combine them all. [2]

Early history

The first inhabitants of this area were Native Americans, whose remains are scattered throughout the area. This area was vital due to its geographical characteristics, as the hill which became its namesake as well as its surrounding fertile land. [3] Lucas Sullivant came to this land in 1795 and became the first man to be granted a deed. Sullivant chose to reside in the Franklinton area while giving 1600 acres of land to his sons, making them the first landowners in Hilltop. The land stayed within the family for over a hundred years, as the land was transferred from heir to heir. [4]

During this early period, Hilltop remained a largely rural area, with a number of farmers producing corn, cloverseed and hay as well as raising livestock. The National Road or Route 40 was the first major development in the area. This road, which later became known as Broad Street, was built in the 1830s and become home to various landmarks such as the Four-Mile House and the Jaybird Hotel. One of the most important establishments of this era was Camp Chase, a staging and training ground for the Union during the Civil War. It was also known as the largest prisoner camp in the north, with over 9,000 prisoners in 1865. Upon the camp's closing, a small portion became a cemetery and memorial for Confederate soldiers.

20th century

The Hilltop Area was once home to the Columbus State Hospital for the Insane. Built in 1870, this hospital was a staple of the neighborhood and its impact has been felt ever since. Bordered by Broad St. to the south and Wheatland Ave. to the west, this site served as a gateway into the community. The style of this hospital was very similar to a hospital in Athens, Ohio, yet significantly larger. This building followed the Kirkbride Plan, a system established to provide "air and sunlight" in order to cure its patients. The building was closed in the 1980s, and subsequently torn down and replaced by offices of the Ohio Department of Public Safety and Ohio Department of Transportation. [5] This hospital as well as the Columbus State Institute employed nearly 450 people, many of whom lived in Hilltop.

During the early 20th century, the Hilltop began its transition from a farming to an urban community. Subdivisions began to form around this time around the Columbus State Institution and streets were formed along rural roads. Its own streetcar system came with the introduction of these roads, which ran from High Street to the Columbus State Hospital. Businesses began to emerge along Broad Street, from a small grocery store to a meat market. By 1900, there were over 2000 residents in Hilltop. The majority of the population were young married couples with a few small children at this time with various occupations. The early 20th century laid the groundwork for the infrastructure of the area and encouraged growth and expansion. After the 1913 flood, there was a large population surge as the community was able to adapt due to its existing infrastructure.

Also during the early 20th century, the Hilltop became the home for many "well-to-do" African American families who owned large parcels of land still used for farming and other entrepreneurial endeavors. One such family was the Carter family, whose migration from Virginia to Ohio had occurred years earlier. The matriarch of the family was actually a native American and the patriarch an African American. Together throughout the period of 1900-1940, they had 11 children, many of whom went on to become civic leaders in Columbus, Dayton and other Ohio and California cities. Most notably, Mary Carter Glascor, and her brother, Judge Russell Carter are known for their outstanding service to their communities and universities. Both are graduates of Ohio State University and went on to obtain graduate and higher degrees, from various schools, including Harvard University. [6]

By 1924, the population had reached 15,000 and the community was self-sustaining with schools, employment and services for its residents. Growth slowed during the war years, but following the war it began to increase yet again. Many businesses were prospering at the time and the Hilltop's political activeness was at its peak. With the mayor of Columbus hailing from the Hilltop, there was a strong sense of community within the area. With General Motors (Fisher Body and Delphi divisions) being the source of jobs for many local residents. As time went on, Hilltop became susceptible to many of the same problems as other urban areas as businesses began to close and residents moved further outside the city limits. [7]

Modern era

The modern Westside Family Health Center occupies the c. 1913 Engine House No. 17 West Side Family Health and Wellness Center.jpg
The modern Westside Family Health Center occupies the c. 1913 Engine House No. 17

Similar to many urban neighborhoods, as jobs left the area, poverty took their place. The foundation set by the community remains, but the area has lost many residents and some of its major employers, causing a slow decline over recent years. Some of the plans created for this area include 2008 Hilltop/West Broad Corridor Market Analysis and the 2005 West Broad Street Economic Development Strategy, which were developed for portions of the planning area. The Hilltop/West Broad Corridor Market Analysis detailed a market analysis for land uses along West Broad Street from Highland to Demorest avenues. The West Broad Street Economic Development Strategy and The Highland West Visioning Charrette focused on the portion of West Broad Street from Highland to Terrace avenues, to provide the city and the community with a blueprint for revitalizing this portion of West Broad Street. [8]

Geography

The Hilltop is bounded by Interstate 70 in the north, the CSX railroad on the east, and Interstate 270 on the south and west. [9] The Hilltop includes part or all of ZIP Codes 43204, 43222, 43223, 43123 and 43228. Its main thoroughfares are West Broad Street (U.S. Route 40) - Mound Street, and Hague Avenue. [10] Within these bounds there are several jurisdictions including the city of Columbus, the city of Urbancrest, the village of Valleyview, Franklin County, Franklin Township, Jackson Township and Prairie Township. This area covers approximately 9,917 acres. Just east of this area is a neighborhood by the name of Franklinton. [11] The name, "The Greater Hilltop", indicates an opportunity for the community to help shape and direct the pattern of growth and the character of future development in the neighborhood. [12]

Transportation

From its establishment, Hilltop has long been a corridor of vibrant transportation. Beginning with the creation of the National Road, residents as well as visitors used the area to move throughout Columbus. Establishments such as Camp Chase and the Columbus State Hospital brought more people to the area. With the inception of a streetcar system, the Hilltop began to transform into a more urban area, with transportation being its catalyst. Various railways also traversed the area, making it a prime location for commerce, which led to it being selected to home a General Motors plant. The freeways that surround the area, routes 270 and 70, played a crucial role in laying the boundaries. Currently the area is automobile-focused and the main boulevards continue to adapt to the modern era. [13]

Demographics

The Hilltop area includes 67,781 residents and 25,344 households in 2010 with a population density of 4,183.7 people per square mile. The planning area was slightly older than the city as a whole with a median age of 34 years (the city was 31 years). The Greater Hilltop population decreased 1.2% between 2000 and 2010, while the number of households decreased by 1.2% as well, indicating a gradual reduction in the average household size, a common trend found in many areas of Columbus. [14] The Hispanic population has been increasing along with an emerging Somali population. [15]

Broad Street, one of the main thoroughfares of Hilltop. Broad st. Firehouse.JPG
Broad Street, one of the main thoroughfares of Hilltop.
Housing stock found throughout Hilltop. Hilltop Homes along Broad St..JPG
Housing stock found throughout Hilltop.

Structures and landmarks

This area was once home to the Columbus State Hospital for the Insane, until its demolition in 1997. Offices for the Ohio Department of Transportation and Ohio Department of Public Safety were built upon this site, where they still stand to this day. This area is also home to a branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, one of the largest branches in Columbus. The Hilltop is also home to Camp Chase, a Union camp from the Civil war. There also once stood a Quaker church, as Quaker settlers moved into this area following the Civil War.

Land use

Greater Hilltop provides a mix of land uses. Much of the existing land use is residential (51%) followed by industrial (16%) that provides employment for the region. More than 50% of commercial (9%) land use is with community scale. Institutional (7%), parks and open space (7%), vacant property (4%), office (3%), agriculture and utilities (2%) fills the other quarter of the land use. The development of the Greater Hilltop followed an east to west pattern. The eastern portion of the Hilltop was first settled in the early 1800s. Accordingly, the community's earliest neighborhoods, parks and commercial uses are located here. The development pattern to the south and west takes on a distinctly suburban feel; commercial uses are larger, auto-oriented retailers and residential uses change from a traditional grid street pattern to winding subdivision streets. [16]

The City of Columbus has designated a portion of the Hilltop as a Community Reinvestment Area that is "ready for revitalization", with available 15-year, 100 percent tax abatements for all projects that include 10 percent affordable housing, with options to buy out of the requirement. [17]

Residential

Majority of the residential land use is for single family (81%). Multifamily (14%) and two-three family (5%) only make up the remainder percentage. [18] Most single and two-three family residential units are in the interior of the area. Single family units are considerably bounded by W Broad Street and I-270. Multifamily units are typically located on the major corridors, such as West Broad Street and Sullivant Avenue.

Commercial/industrial

Commercial uses are along the primary corridors—West Broad Street, Sullivant Avenue, Georgesville Road. They are mostly community-scale commercial uses as well as automobile-oriented commercial uses. Manufacturing is primarily located in the northwest portion of the planning area. Both West Broad Street and Sullivant Avenue corridors are zoned almost entirely commercial. Economic development of the Greater Hilltop area has been a major concern recently; focus has been given to revitalizing the east of West Broad Street, and the West Broad Street Economic Development Strategy was adopted in 2005 and in the Highland West Visioning Charrette (2006). [19] The study recommends to redevelop vacant retail spaces and to build medical uses and other professional uses of buildings in mixed-use concepts, especially in the older more historic area of the Highland West District created by the City in 2004. Industrial land is generally located in the northwest quadrant of the area.

Entertainment

Various recreational services are available to Hilltop residents. [20]

Summer Jam West is a grassroots, free music and arts festival held annually in Westgate Park on the second Saturday in July. Live local bands, local art for sale, local hand crafted items, food trucks, free face painting and a free Children's Art zone are a few of the activities available. Summer Jam strives to leave permanent art on the Hilltop. In 2015, they installed the first permanent art sculpture on the Hilltop. "On the Wings of Change" is a 14' stainless steel and copper sculpture of a monarch butterfly and can be located near the enclosed shelter house in Westgate Park. The sculpture was designed and built by artist, Rachel Pace of Steeling Copper Metal Studio. In 2016, Summer Jam commissioned Danielle Poling to paint an 80' "Fantastic Food Garden" on the west facing wall of the racquetball court in Westgate Park. In 2017, Roger J. Williams was commissioned to paint a 95' Movin' & Groovin' mural along the Camp Chase Multi-Use Trail. Also installed in 2017 was an 8' X 4' art panel by Brian Marcus on Cream & Sugar and an 8' X 4' art panel by Tiffany Christopher.

Parks

Recreation centers

Education and institutions

Highland Elementary School 022712 Highland School--Columbus, Ohio.jpg
Highland Elementary School
West High School 030612 West High School -2--Columbus, Ohio (13).jpg
West High School

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Camp Chase</span> Military camp in Columbus, Ohio, USA

Camp Chase was a military staging and training camp established in Columbus, Ohio in May 1861 after the start of the American Civil War. It also included a large Union-operated prison camp for Confederate prisoners during the American Civil War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Westgate (Columbus, Ohio)</span> Neighborhood of Columbus in Franklin, Ohio, United States

Westgate is a community within the Hilltop area of Columbus, Ohio. It was partially constructed on land that formerly housed the American Civil War Camp Chase and a Confederate prison. After the Civil War, the land was purchased by Joseph Binns and his associates with the intent to start a Quaker community. These plans failed to materialize and the land was developed as a "streetcar suburb" in the 1920s. Located 4 miles (6.4 km) west of downtown, the neighborhood is home to Westgate Park and Recreation Center, Westgate Alternative Elementary School, St. Mary Magdalene Church and school, and Parkview United Methodist Church. 4,500 residents live within the Westgate boundaries, most in single family houses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franklinton (Columbus, Ohio)</span> Neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio

Franklinton is a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, just west of its downtown. Settled in 1797, Franklinton is the first American settlement in Franklin County, and was the county seat until 1824. As the city of Columbus grew, the city annexed and incorporated the existing settlement in 1859. Franklinton is bordered by the Scioto River on the north and east, Harmon Avenue on the east, Stimmel Road and Greenlawn Avenue on the south, and Interstate 70 on the west. Its main thoroughfare is West Broad Street, one of the city's two main roads.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Italian Village</span> Neighborhood of Columbus in Franklin, Ohio, United States

Italian Village is a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, that contains an array of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. It is a designated historic district, known for its historical and cultural preservation. The building types and architecture reflect Italian influence. With its parks and preserved historic homes, Italian Village has the highest home value appreciation in Columbus.

West Columbus, sometimes referred to as westside or the West Side, is a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, United States. Unlike other Columbus neighborhoods, it is a broad geographical term used by locals rather than a subdivision or suburb. West Columbus is defined as the entire southwest side of Columbus, bordered on the north by interstates 70 and 670, within Interstate 71 on the east, and on the south and west by the city limits that reach several miles to the outside of the I-270 outerbelt. It covers the ZIP Codes 43223, 43204, 43228, and 43222.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Downtown Columbus, Ohio</span> Neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio

Downtown Columbus is the central business district of Columbus, Ohio. Downtown is centered on the intersection of Broad and High Streets, and encompasses all of the area inside the Inner Belt. Downtown is home to most of the tallest buildings in Columbus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Olde Towne East</span> Neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, United States

Olde Towne East is a neighborhood located in the historical Near East Side of Columbus, Ohio and is one of Columbus' oldest neighborhoods. The area has over 1,000 homes, some as old as the 1830s, and more than 50 architectural styles as a result of its history. These homes were built by many of the famous individuals of Columbus including industrialists, lawyers, judges, teachers, architects, mayors, governors, and legislators, many of whom shaped the city.

Columbus, the state capital and Ohio's largest city, has numerous neighborhoods within its city limits. Neighborhood names and boundaries are not officially defined. They may vary or change from time to time due to demographic and economic variables.

The community of Forest Park consists of almost 2900 private residential properties, plus apartments, condominiums, commercial properties, city-owned parks and schools, in approximately 1.4 square miles (3.6 km2) of the Northland area of northeast Columbus, Ohio. These properties adjoin a total of 132 distinct streets and courts maintained by the City of Columbus. The community's approximate center is near the intersection of Karl Road and Sandalwood Place in Columbus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Woodland Park (Columbus, Ohio)</span> Neighborhood of Columbus in Franklin, Ohio, United States

Woodland Park is a residential neighborhood located in the Near East Side of Columbus, Ohio that houses approximately 1,500 residents. The neighborhood was previously home to such figures as artist Emerson Burkhart, cartoonist Billy Ireland, and judge William Brooks. Established in the early 20th century, Woodland Park has grown from its planned neighborhood roots into a neighborhood that contains various faith communities, schools, sources of entertainment and recreation, and borders an extension of the Ohio State University medical center.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Camp Chase Trail</span>

The Camp Chase Trail is a paved multi-use trail in Madison and Franklin counties in the U.S. state of Ohio. It serves as the Southwest Columbus segment of the 326-mile (525 km) Ohio to Erie Trail. The entire length of the Camp Chase Trail is part of the Great American Rail-Trail, U.S. Bicycle Route 21 and U.S. Bicycle Route 50.

Southern Orchards is an established neighborhood near the south side of Columbus, Ohio. It is located immediately southeast of downtown and is the 23rd most walkable neighborhood in Columbus with 3,538 residents. The neighborhood is the target of revitalization and beautification largely due to its anchor institution Nationwide Children's Hospital and a renewed interest in urban living in the city's core. Since 2008, more than 90 properties have been improved through the hospital’s Healthy Homes program and continued revitalization is occurring along the major streets of Livingston and Parsons Avenues as the city moves to reconnect downtown to its surrounding neighborhoods.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fifth by Northwest</span> Neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio

Fifth by Northwest is a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio. Covering about 700 acres (280 ha), Fifth by Northwest is approximately bound by Glenn Avenue, Wyandotte Road, & Kinnear to the north, Third Avenue to the south, Kenny Road and Olentangy River Road to the east and Northstar Road to the west. Also sometimes referred to as 5XNW or the Tri-Village area, Fifth by Northwest is just north of Grandview Heights, northwest of the Harrison West neighborhood, and west of The Ohio State University.

Columbus, the capital city of Ohio, was founded on the east bank of the Scioto River in 1812. The city was founded as its capitol, beside the town of Franklinton, since incorporated into Columbus. The city's early history was gradual, as residents dealt with flooding and cholera epidemics, and the city had few direct connections to other cities. This led creation of a feeder canal, and later, freight and passenger railroads. The city became known for its industry and commercial businesses into the 20th century, though it experienced a lull in development in the late 20th century. In the 21st century, Columbus has been increasingly revitalized, led by parks projects, new developments, and efforts to beautify individual neighborhoods.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sullivant Land Office</span> Historic house in Ohio, United States

The Sullivant Land Office is a historic building in the East Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and the Columbus Register of Historic Properties, along with the Gen. William Henry Harrison Headquarters, in 1985. The small brick building was built c. 1822. Its original use was as a single-room real estate office, although it was later expanded. At the time of construction, Lucas Sullivant was selling and giving away pieces of land, and Franklinton became the county seat of Franklin County. The building is the only remaining structure associated with Lucas Sullivant in the Franklinton area. In the early 1980s, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department moved the building from its original location at 714 W. Gay St. to 13 N Gift St., behind the William Henry Harrison house. The move was prompted because the building was endangered in its original location, with vandalism, deterioration, and plans to create a parking lot for a car dealership on the site.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Broad Street (Columbus, Ohio)</span> East-west street in Columbus, Ohio

Broad Street is a major thoroughfare in Central Ohio, predominantly in Franklin County and Columbus. It stretches east from West Jefferson at Little Darby Creek to Pataskala. The street is considered one of Columbus's two main roads, along with High Street.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Social services and homelessness in Columbus, Ohio</span> Aspects of support for low-income and homeless residents of Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, the capital city of Ohio, has a history of social services to provide for low- and no-income residents. The city has many neighborhoods below the poverty line, and has experienced a rise in homelessness in recent decades. Social services include cash- and housing-related assistance, case management, treatment for mental health and substance abuse, and legal and budget/credit assistance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Columbus Historical Society</span> Historical society for Columbus, Ohio

The Columbus Historical Society (CHS) is the historical society for Columbus, Ohio, chronicling the city's history. The society office and museum building is located in the Franklinton neighborhood. In 2020, the Columbus Historical Society aims to raise funds to purchase Engine House No. 6 for its first permanent home.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Great Flood of 1913 in Columbus, Ohio</span> 1913 flood in the United States

The Great Flood of 1913 severely affected Columbus, Ohio. The area most affected was Franklinton, also known as the Bottoms, for its low elevation near the Scioto River. Among many infrastructure projects, a 7.2-mile floodwall was built from 1993 to 2004 to protect most of Franklinton from flooding.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucas Sullivant House</span> Former house in Columbus, Ohio

The Lucas Sullivant House was the house of Lucas Sullivant, founder of Franklinton, Ohio. Franklinton, where the house was located, was Central Ohio's first white settlement, and a predecessor to and current neighborhood of the city of Columbus.

References

  1. ↑ Columbus (Ohio) & Greater Hilltop Area Commission (Columbus, Ohio). (2010). Greater Hilltop plan amendment. Columbus Planning Division.
  2. ↑ Ohio., & Sims, W. R. (1973). Neighborhoods: Columbus neighborhood definition study. Columbus, Ohio: Dept. of Development.
  3. ↑ Greater Hilltop Area Commission (Columbus, Ohio). (1984). Hilltop USA: History and homes. Columbus, OH: Greater Hilltop Area Commission.
  4. ↑ Ohio., & Sims, W. R. (1973). Neighborhoods: Columbus neighborhood definition study. Columbus, Ohio: Dept. of Development.
  5. ↑ "Kirkbride Buildings - Columbus State Hospital." Columbus State Hospital. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 December 2014.
  6. ↑ Community activist Mary Carter Glascor dies in sleep at age 100 Archived 2019-07-20 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved July 20, 2019
  7. ↑ Greater Hilltop Area Commission (Columbus, Ohio). (1984). Hilltop USA: History and homes. Columbus, OH: Greater Hilltop Area Commission.
  8. ↑ Columbus (Ohio)., Columbus (Ohio)., & Greater Hilltop Area Commission (Columbus, Ohio). (2010). Greater Hilltop plan amendment. Columbus, Ohio: Columbus Planning Division.
  9. ↑ Columbus (Ohio)., Columbus (Ohio)., & Greater Hilltop Area Commission (Columbus, Ohio). (2010). Greater Hilltop plan amendment. Columbus, Ohio: Columbus Planning Division.
  10. ↑ "Hilltop Mobility Plan". Archived from the original on 2014-09-01. Retrieved 2014-12-17.
  11. ↑ Greater Hilltop Area Commission
  12. ↑ Columbus (Ohio)., Columbus (Ohio)., & Greater Hilltop Area Commission (Columbus, Ohio). (2010). Greater Hilltop plan amendment. Columbus, Ohio: Columbus Planning Division.
  13. ↑ Greater Hilltop Area Commission (Columbus, Ohio). (1984). Hilltop USA: History and homes. Columbus, OH: Greater Hilltop Area Commission.
  14. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau. “Population Density, 2010.” Social Explorer. Web. Dec 9 2014.
  15. ↑ Bruce, Alistair, and Johnnie Johnson. "Market Efficiency Analysis Requires a Sensitivity to Market Characteristics: Some Observations on a Recent Study of Betting Market Efficiency." Applied Economics Letters 7.3 (2010): 199-202. Web.
  16. ↑ Columbus (Ohio)., Columbus (Ohio)., & Greater Hilltop Area Commission (Columbus, Ohio). (2010). Greater Hilltop plan amendment. Columbus, Ohio: Columbus Planning Division.
  17. ↑ "Community Reinvestment Areas" (PDF). City of Columbus Department of Development. May 23, 2018. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  18. ↑ Columbus (Ohio)., Columbus (Ohio)., & Greater Hilltop Area Commission (Columbus, Ohio). (2010). Greater Hilltop plan amendment. Columbus, Ohio: Columbus Planning Division.
  19. ↑ Columbus (Ohio)., Columbus (Ohio)., & Greater Hilltop Area Commission (Columbus, Ohio). (2006). The Highland West Visioning Charette. (2010). Greater Hilltop plan amendment. Columbus, Ohio: Columbus Planning Division.
  20. ↑ Columbus (Ohio). (1976). Columbus planning area profile series: Community planning areas 1-27. Columbus, Ohio: Dept. of Development, Planning Information Center.
  21. ↑ Columbus (Ohio). (1976). Columbus planning area profile series: Community planning areas 1-27. Columbus, Ohio: Dept. of Development, Planning Information Center.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.