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The north end of downtown is exploding with new development.
In August, developers broke ground on the new $220 million, 28-story Hilton, which combined with the existing Hilton across High Street creates a 1,000 hotel-room complex with 75,000 square feet of meeting space. When it opens in 2022, it will be the largest hotel complex in Ohio. The exciting space includes a new street level restaurant, two outdoor terraces on the 28th floor for dining and drinking and a cosmopolitan entrance on Ohio Center Way, the existing drop off to the Columbus Convention Center.
The new hotel complements the recent expansion of the Convention Center. “The addition of the tower to the Hilton Columbus Downtown will allow Columbus to attract new meetings and events business,” said Don Brown, executive director, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority. “With the additional hotel inventory, we’ll be able to host high-profile, national events that will continue to highlight Columbus as a top destination.” (Hospitalitynet, August 12, 2019)
What are obvious benefits to anyone in the hospitality and tourism business may not be so apparent to others. Why is attracting conventions and visitors to Columbus such a big deal? Doesn’t it just cause more traffic congestion, wear and tear to our streets and make it harder to get dinner reservations?  What are the benefits, and the downside? The experts explore the impact of the new hotel and convention center expansion.
Featuring Brian Ross, President and CEO of Experience Columbus, Betsy Pandora, Executive Director, Short North Alliance, Don Brown, Executive Director, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, and host Doug Buchanan, Editor in Chief, Columbus Business First.
Photographs by Rick Buchanan Photography
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