Columbus Honored by National Trust For Historic Preservation

The designation is an annual list of unique and preserved communities in the U.S. Columbus was chosen out of 80 nominations from 44 states.

The criteria for making the list includes well-managed growth, a commitment to historic preservation, architecture and a base for locally owned small businesses.

Source: Inside INdiana Business

Columbus Press Release

Columbus, Indiana has been chosen by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of a Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2005.

Dozen Distinctive Destinations is an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States.

The twelve destinations were selected from nearly 80 nominations in 44 states. Columbus and the other 11 communities met the criteria of well-managed growth, a commitment to historic preservation with a protected historic core and meaningful context, interesting and attractive architecture, cultural diversity, activities for families with children, an economic base of locally owned small businesses and walkability for residents and visitors.

Specific features cited by the National Trust for Historic Preservation include Columbus’ reputation as a world-class center of contemporary architecture, an impressive collection of public art, a rich past on display in historic structures and the winery, festivals, shopping and outdoor activities.

Other destinations for 2005 are Annapolis, Maryland; Bath, Maine; Bisbee, Arizona; Dubuque, Iowa; Helena, Montana; Jonesborough, Tennessee; Key West, Florida; Natchitoches, Louisiana; New Braunfels, Texas; Oak Park, Illinois; and Salem, Massachusetts.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable. Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the Trust provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America’s diverse historic places and revitalize communities. Its Washington, D.C. headquarters staff, six regional offices and 26 historic sites work with the Trust’s members and thousands of local community groups in all 50 states. For more information, visit the National Trust’s web site at www.nationaltrust.org.

The Columbus Area Visitors Center actively markets the uniqueness and advantages of the Columbus/Bartholomew County community while engaging and educating visitors, overnight guests and residents. The visitors center is located at 506 Fifth Street, Columbus, Ind., 47201. More information can be found at www.columbus.in.us or by calling (812) 378-2622 or (800) 468-6564.

NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION FACTS

-- The National Trust for Historic Preservation was founded in 1949 and is the country's largest private, non-profit preservation organization.

-- The Trust provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America’s diverse historic places and revitalizes communities.

-- Since 2000, the National Trust has designated 72 communities in 36 states and territories as Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

-- Dozen Distinctive Destinations was started to draw national attention to countless communities for extraordinary work protecting their local heritage through well-managed growth, a commitment to historic preservation, an economic base of locally owned small businesses, preserving interesting and attractive architecture, cultural diversity, and providing fun and meaningful activities for families and individuals from various walks of life.

-- A Travel Industry Association of America study found that 81 percent, or 118 million U.S. adults who traveled in 2003, included historical or cultural activities on their trips.

-- Also, travelers spend more money on historic and cultural trips, $623 on average, in comparison to $457 spent on average for other types of vacations, making historic travelers a lucrative market for destinations and attractions. Additionally, compared to the average trip in the U.S., historic trips are more likely to last longer.

-- The National Trust for Historic Preservation is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has six regional offices. Those offices and 25 historic sites work with the Trust’s members and thousands of local community groups in all 50 states.

COLUMBUS, INDIANA FACTS

-- Ranked sixth nationally by the American Institute of Architects for innovation and design, the city has more than 70 locations of world class architecture and public art.

-- Six buildings in Columbus are designated as National Historic Landmarks.

-- Nick Jr.™ Family Magazine named Columbus, Indiana, one of “The Ten Most Playful Towns in America.”

-- Most of the Columbus downtown is listed with the National Registry of Historic Places.

-- Columbus has been recognized as one of the “100 Best Small Art Towns in America.”

-- The United States Specialty Sports Association presented Columbus a “Commitment to Excellence Award” in 2004.

-- The city park system has been ranked number one in the U.S. by the national Recreation and Park Association for cities the size of Columbus. The park system includes 22 parks, more than 635 acres and a national reputation.

-- The Columbus Architecture Tour was selected as one of Rand McNally’s Best of the Road in 2003. The tour is part of the “Indiana: Hills and Architecture” trip of approximately 260 miles.

-- Mill Race Park was recognized by Landscape Management Magazine as one of the top 100 properties in the U.S. Complete with an ivy-covered tunnel, pond, walking trails, covered bridge, observation tower and an outdoor amphitheater, the downtown park features family oriented performances, movies and a playground.

-- More than 19 miles of People Trails for biking, walking and jogging; other popular outdoor activities include fishing, hunting, canoeing, hiking and observing wildlife at nearby parks and reserves.

-- The Columbus area boasts antique shops and a 72,000 square foot antique mall; an outlet mall with more than 70 stores; specialty shops with elegant clothing, more than 100 flavors of popcorn, gourmet kitchen supplies, hand-made musical instruments, a winery, outdoor markets and two indoor malls.

-- Weekend gardeners to landscape professionals can enjoy a wide variety of activities and sites including formal gardens, herb gardens, antiques, fountains, sculptures, ponds, a winery and one of the largest producers of mums in the state.

-- Dining at fine restaurants, ethnic establishments and locally owned eateries.

-- A full schedule of community events, including bluegrass, pop, art, Scottish heritage, ethnic cuisine and culture, a festival of lights, symphonic performances and many, many, many family activities.

Source: Columbus Area Visitors Center