It seems like Franklinton has been in the news an awful lot lately. While most all of it is positive news, it seems like a lot of people still have their doubts about the neighborhood. What do you think?
The latest in Franklinton news and opinions:
Franklinton rehabs bring in some new life
City hopes to make Franklinton streets safer
I don’t think Franklinton will be the next Arts District. I do have some questions, though- so I can begin to formulate an opinion based on facts and not my gut feeling.
Who are the people in Franklinton making art? I mean living there, or with studios there.
What are the current spaces for showing art- galleries, warehouses, etc.
What are the art events and attractions that are not being imported in an effort to incubate the arts in Franklinton?
What is the case to Franklinton being the next big art district other than it being sufficiently blighted to make property more affordable?
Franklinton is rough. The Monday Night Ride goes through Franklinton and it is not uncommon to have something weird or obscene shouted at you every block or so. I certainly wouldn’t hang out at the gas station at Central and Sullivant for a smoothy.
I don’t know a lot of people personally that live/work in Franklinton on the artistic front, but I do of quite a few there. Perhaps these questions might be better poised for someone with the Franklinton Arts District.
I’ll see if I can’t chat with them sometime soon to get a better understanding of who’s already there myself, as well as share it with everyone here.
I think we need an Arts District that isn’t so transient. You already know what I’m thinking because you brought this up before; right around CCAD and the art museum which would both serve as anchors to keep one right downtown. Doesn’t mean we can’t have more though and all the power to those who are turning Franklinton around. I can only think that a W. Broad extension for the streetcar would have to help things move along much quicker.