Betting Big on Downtown: Columbus Downtown Commission “Smithy” Awards and a 1:1 Interview with Daimler Group CEO Bob White, Jr.

Harrison “Bill” Smith Legacy Forum

Despite the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ambitious construction projects continue to sprout in Columbus – even in downtown, which has been particularly hard hit by the shift to remote work for many employees.

Still, Columbus developers are betting big on the long-term appeal of downtown to both employers and residents, with a massive project on the Scioto Peninsula near COSI moving ahead rapidly, a new state-of-the-art soccer stadium for the Columbus Crew now open to fans, and many additional office and residential projects rising just west of downtown in a burgeoning Franklinton.

To celebrate the creativity and vibrancy that developers continue to bring to downtown Columbus, the Columbus Metropolitan Club is partnering once again with Downtown Commission to present the Commission’s Harrison Smith Award during CMC’s December 8 forum at the Boat House. The annual “Smithy” award recognizes and celebrates downtown projects that reflect Harrison Smith’s vision of bold, well-executed, and inspirational urban projects.

Following the presentation of the “Smithy,” NBC4 anchor Colleen Marshall will sit down on the CMC stage with Daimler Group CEO Bob White, Jr. for a special 1:1 interview. Daimler Group’s impressive list of downtown projects includes a stunning mixed-use tower at 250 South High Street and an eight-story office building now under construction just west of COSI as part of the Columbus Downtown Development Commission’s massive redevelopment of the Scioto Peninsula. Founded in 1983, Daimler Group, Inc. ranks among the region’s top real estate development and construction management firms.

The Downtown Commission was formed in 1997 and functions as downtown’s development review body. It serves as the Development Commission, a Board of Zoning & Adjustment, and a Graphics Commission for downtown and evaluates applications based on their compliance with design guidelines.

JOIN US IN THE ROOM for this discussion on December 8, in person audience seating is available. Please make reservations by Tuesday, December 7. We cannot accommodate walk ins.

You can also still join us on the CMC YouTube Channel to view and participate in the community conversation during this livestream event. We encourage you to register and support CMC by purchasing a virtual seat – different levels of support are available when you register! When you register, you can submit questions in advance.

We also ask you to consider making donations to CMC to support our mission of Connecting People and Ideas Through Community Conversation, even if you are unable to join us for this particular forum.