Linden was primarily a community of housing. It was first developed as an owner-occupied working-class neighborhood and over the years many of the properties have been converted to rental properties and numerous multi-family units have been constructed. Recently, many residents have chosen to move out of the area when they could afford to purchase a home elsewhere.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Linden experienced rapid decline. The current vacancy rate for all residential properties in South Linden is approximately 12%. Vandalism and other crimes have been an issue in the area. Efforts to bring positive change to Linden intensified in 1990s by the North Linden Area Commission, the South Linden Area Commission, the Greater Linden Development Corporation (GLDC), and business networks.
--information from www.columbusinfobase.org
One of the most important initiative projects is the 'Four Corners Project,' located at the intersection of Cleveland and 11th avenues in south Linden. This project has involved the establishment of a new restaurant, a transit center for the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), State Farm Insurance company satellite office, the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) office building, and the 'Clarence E. Lumpkin Point of Pride' building.
The Crosstown Building is the only component of the Four Corners project that involves the restoration and reuse of an existing building. The Crosstown is home to the Linden Cafe, a sit-down resturant and catering service, as well as several other retail and commercial tenants.
Keywords: United States, Ohio, Franklin County, Columbus, Linden, commercial structures, stores, neighborhood retails, restaurants, signs, transportation spaces, parking lots. Submitted by Hazel Morrow-Jones.
