Italian Village is a Columbus, Ohio, neighborhood with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial structures. It is a designated historic district known for its historical and cultural significance. Italy influences the building styles and architecture. Italian Village has the highest home value appreciation in Columbus, thanks to its parks and preserved historic homes.
The Short North neighborhood includes Italian Village. The nearby Downtown district is home to major employers, cultural and educational institutions, and entertainment venues.
Landmarks
St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church
Despite being a multi-ethnic neighborhood, Italian Village may have gotten its name from St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church. The church was founded in 1896 and completed two years later. It became the Italian Village’s main landmark and distinguishing feature. Members of St. John’s were mostly drawn from Columbus‘ Italian immigrant population, which included the St. Clair Avenue neighborhood, Flytown, Grandview, and Marble Cliff areas.
The Berry Brothers Bolt Works building
The Berry Brothers Bolt Works building was built in 1888 and has remained one of Columbus’ most prominent factory buildings since it was designated a historic site in early 1988. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its architecture, significance in local history, and potential as an industrial archaeological site. During its operation, the factory used original equipment to produce machine tools, such as bolts, for buggies factories. Berry Brothers continued to manufacture even after cars replaced buggies. By 2004, the structure had fallen into disrepair. The building was purchased by Capital Equities and renovated by anchor tenant WSA Studio, a local architecture firm known for historic renovations. The structure is now fully occupied as a thriving office complex. Bed Bug Exterminator Columbus
Jeffrey Mining Administrative Office building
Early in the twentieth century, the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company, manufacturing coal mining equipment, was a major employer in the Italian Village area. Jeffrey Manufacturing, located on North Fourth Street, employed over 3,000 people. Jeffrey’s once held the distinction of being Columbus’ largest single employer. The company’s administrative building remains today, making it a historic landmark in Italian Village.
Italian Village Park
The Italian Village Park, located within the district’s boundaries, is a public park dedicated to Columbus native Carl Proto. The park is conveniently located and includes a playground and picnic areas. The Italian Village Park Committee is in charge of the park’s upkeep. The committee accepts contributions and keeps residents informed. Recent grants have enabled the park to have perennial bed plantings, donated mowing, and other forms of lawn maintenance.
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