COLUMBUS MONTHLY SUBURBAN SECT Alwand-Vahan

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PASQUALE BRUNI • YURI ICHIHASHI • PAZIA • ROSEN BLOCK • DIANA CLASSICS • SAMUEL B • VIVIAN ALEXANDER S.T. DUPONT • SIMON LINDENMAN • BERGIO • FREDERIC DUCLOS • PAJ • GIOAL • PORSCHE DESIGN • JOSEPH MAMANNE • • Our VISIOil is renewed 11 iaordmriiary Welcome to Upper Arlington Desitre§u

William J. Schaefer III Brenda Schwandt JACK SE1BERT Virginia Barney GOLDJAMTtl JEWELER. CERTIf IED GEMOLOGIJT AMERICAN QEAA JOC1ETY pper Arlington has its eyes firmly And our active senior population enjoys set on the future. While recogniz­ a variety of recreational, educational 22 years in Upper Arlington L ing and preserving the many cher­ and wellness programs at the city's sen­ with AGS Accredited Gem ished qualities that define our city, com­ ior center. Lab and Certified Gemologist munity leaders have laid the groundwork Our public schools, second to none, Appraisers on staff. to reaffirm our success in the coming are often cited as the reason that attracted decades. Now, more than ever, the com­ families to this community. Upper Arling­ 1741 West Lane Avenue munity is abuzz with anticipation for the ton High School was recently designated 486-4653 • 1-800-486-1315 exciting developments ahead. Central Ohio's best suburban high school www.jackseibert.com Upper Arlington welcomed its new by Columbus Monthly magazine. The en­ /VtPjoS Ideal Cut Diamonds lor master plan in March 2001, following tire school district's list of awards and three years of extensive community par­ achievements sets a standard that other ticipation; now work is underway to districts can only aspire to. Upper Arling­ bring the vision to life. Our renewed vi­ ton residents are proud of and remain sion seeks to preserve and enhance the committed to supporting our schools, un­ city's neighborhoods and parks, to contin­ derstanding the positive dividends our ue to provide a range of housing options community enjoys from maintaining the A reminder of all for people of all ages, to expand commu­ standard of excellence. nity facilities and recreational opportuni­ Businesses can call upon an extensive there is to be /'•- ties, to maintain our excellent level of city list of services and benefits offered by the 1:1 services and to provide a safe and conven­ Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Com­ ient transportation network. To this end, merce. With membership more than 500- thankful for... L the master plan identifies the importance businesses-strong, the chamber presents a of a strong, diverse economy and seeks to busy schedule of networking opportuni­ \ encourage the redevelopment of our ma­ ties, educational presentations and events This ancient Chinese I, jor commercial areas into vibrant, mixed- that enable members to showcase their use developments that combine housing, businesses to each other and the commu­ symbol, "Blessings," is retail, business and civic uses. nity as a whole. beautifully handcrafted in There is much to enjoy and be proud We hope you enjoy reading about our rich .sterling silver and ^ of in Upper Arlington today. The city's community in this special section of draped on a „,. parks offer a myriad of facilities, from na­ Columbus Monthly. We enjoy living and handsome -•/& ture trails to picnic areas, shelter houses working here, and we invite you to join sterling to playgrounds. Public swimming pools, us as we renew the vision for Upper Ar­ sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, soc­ lington. silver cer fields and ball diamonds provide plen­ chain. ty of athletic opportunities. cure about the With diverse special interest and edu­ Virginia Barney gift of "Blessings." cational programs offered year-round, City manager from arts and crafts to language classes, City of Upper Arlington dance lessons to healthy cooking tips, the programs offered by the city's Life- William J. Schaefer III Long Learning and Leisure division offer Superintendent something for everyone. Special events Upper Arlington City Schools such as the city's Labor Day Arts Festi­ val, the Civic Association's Fourth of Ju­ Brenda Schwandt ly Celebration and the Chamber of President Commerce's Taste of UA add unique fla­ Upper Arlington Area A UNIQUE HEADWARE COMPANY vor to the annual calendar of activities. Chamber of Commerce 1987 Guilford Rd. • Upper Arlington 4 3221 (614)486-9116 COVER WATERCOLOR BY NED MOORE

UA Suburban Section . D EC EM B F. R 2 0 0 1 63 ARLINGTON I Economy

"I think now the timing is right to go in and make something very positive for the community," says Bob Long of Long & Wilcox LLC, currently renovating a Kingsdale-area office building to accommodate four to six tenants. smart

By Carol Rich

Guided by a master plan that was three years in the making, Upper Arlington is targeting five areas for commercial development.

he two-story brick office building, Long echoes the expectations in Upper built in the 1960s and tucked Arlington's comprehensive master plan, a away next to a coffee shop, is un­ document developed through an inten­ dergoing a transformation. With new, sive, nearly three-year process. The mas­ OUtsized windows and redone interiors, ter plan commits the city to a new kind of the building projects a kind of "industrial commercial growth, and UA officials chic" more typical of the Arena District have painstakingly created guidelines that than of suburban Upper Arlington. But are uniquely tailored to the plan. the refurbished facility is in UA, and the Upper Arlington intends to revitalize new businesses it will soon house repre- its economic development—and magnify its commercial tax base—through a Partners Bob Long .uu) Randy Wilcox strategy that emphasizes attracting and of 1 Oflg ex Wilcox LLC" are redoing the keeping a mix of high-quality jobs and Kingsdale-area office building. When businesses. The city's commitment is evi­ complete, the building will offer cus­ dent in the land use and economic goals tomized space for four to six tenants. "I presented in the master plan. Redevelop­ think now the timing is right to go in and ment and reinvestment are key. make something \cr\ positive for the Without heavy industry or large com­ community," says Long. "1 just think mercial areas to provide a hefty tax base. Kingsdale is a wonderful opportunity." Upper Arlington must work both intelli-

.111 Section • 1)1(1X1 I'.l R 2 (Hi gently and creatively to reach decisions that make the best fiscal sense. The chal­ lenge is to support existing businesses while encouraging commercial growth that complements both those businesses and the community's predominantly resi­ dential character. "We believe that the right mix is some combination of office, retail, civic and residential," says Patty Dalton, Upper Arlington's economic development direc­ tor. Key to achieving that mix will be the creation through redevelopment of pe­ destrian-friendly areas that offer a range of uses. Upper Arlington is realistic about its limitations. "We're probably going to at­ tract smaller business; we're not going to attract 500- or 600- or 1,000-person of­ fices," Dalton says. "We don't have the space or the visibility." The city would like to add neighborhood businesses— everything from dry cleaners to insur­ ance agents. There's also special emphasis on draw­ ing professionals such as doctors and lawyers. Dalton sees Upper Arlington at­ tracting a range of professionals, includ­ ing those who already live in UA and would be happy to work there as well—if the city had appropriate, accessible office space for them to lease or buy.

Ninety-nine percent In a sense, Upper Arlington has always relied on downtown Columbus as its own downtown. Each weekday thou­ sands of executives, professionals and managers who live in UA make the easy commute to and from their offices in the heart of the city. Others make the even easier commute across the Olentangy Upper Arlington economic development River to offices and research labs at Ohio director Patty Dalton, left, and UA city Balancing the city's inherent limita­ State University, Battelle or Chemical manager Virginia Barney, reviewing tions, however, are solid pluses that Abstracts. Still others fan out to the high- development plans at City Hall, believe make Upper Arlington a desirable area density nodes of office and commercial the city needs incremental development, for businesses to locate. "We're smack development that have sprung up around with concentrations in office, retail, civic dab in the middle of a wonderful residen­ and residential. the 1-270 outerbelt in recent years. tial community," says Dalton. "We're But few Upper Arlington residents five minutes from downtown." Residen­ work where they live. That's because, of tial property values are among the the city's approximately 6,300 acres, 99 strongest in Ohio. In 1999, UA homes percent have been developed, and ap­ says that pretty much sums up what city had an average appreciation of 6.9 per­ proximately 95 percent of the land is res­ planners would like Upper Arlington's cent. Upper Arlington is also known for idential. City planners must try to get as commercial areas—particularly Kings- highly rated schools and blue-ribbon city much return as they can out of the re­ dale—to become: good spots that will at­ services. maining commercial acreage. tract higher concentrations of tax-paying Upper Arlington's proximity to Ohio "The goal is to be intensifying land enterprises and tax-paying employees. State and Battelle gives the community use in those areas," says Dalton. "We'll Landlocked Upper Arlington doesn't added advantages. "We have really good be increasing densities and trying to at­ have vast, open "greenfield" sites just access," says Dalton. Possibilities for tract more office use than we currently waiting to be turned into new industrial synergy with close-by research centers ig­ have." To explain her philosophy, Dal­ parks, as do some of Columbus's newer nite planners' imaginations. For exam­ ton likes to quote David Cordish, chair­ suburbs. The city also lacks land that is ple, an Ohio State professor deciding to man of the Cordish Company and a na­ visible and immediately accessible from spin off a new business based on his or tionally recognized expert on integrated 1-270 or 1-70. And the existing office her research might very well choose to lo­ development of commercial properties: buildings UA does have tend to be older cate that business in nearby Upper Ar­ "Density is the product of people want­ and in some cases a bit dated. So eco­ lington. The city's closeness to both ing to be in the same good spot." Dalton nomic growth does present challenges. Riverside and OSU Hospitals makes UA

66 UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 potentially an attractive site for new medical offices. Homegrown CompuServe, now an You are AOL division, remains Upper Arlington's largest employer with 400 employees. Invited City planners would love to attract more high-wage, technology-based businesses, to Join the with their highly educated, high-income jf -j£i±*$ *T employees. In the wake of the dot.com Tradition bust and in the middle of a fierce technol­ Experience oil ogy recession, though, folks at UA City the elegance of Hall aren't holding their breaths as they await "the next CompuServe." American Standard, showcased as never Currently many people employed in Upper Arlington work in retail. Indeed, before. for a city without a regional mall, UA has Please visit our a surprisingly large concentration of re­ beautiful new tail space. According to a retail market Bath Gallery at analysis that was used in the city's master 400 Greenlawn plan, Upper Arlington has 27.7 square Avenue at 1-71 in feet of strip/specialty shopping center Columbus. space per capita, compared to 18.5 square feet for the Columbus Metropoli­ tan statistical area. supplying quolitu to your contractor Going just by the numbers, it would seem that Upper Arlington is overre- 400 Greenlawn, Columbus 150 E. Main, Chillicothe tailed. But most of the $360 million UA 54 6. Horrison, Delaware 96 Caldwell, Cincinnati G A I [M: r? residents spend annually on goods and www.worly.com services (another statistic from the same study) is not being spent in the communi­ ty. Lane Avenue, Kingsdale, Tremont and w y Upper Arlington's smaller shopping ar­ ^MffiuwS^fdar^ eas have difficulty competing with Cen­ tral Ohio's major malls—Tuttle Cross­ ing, City Center, Easton and, most re­ cently, Polaris Fashion Place. Vacancies in Kingsdale and Lane Avenue shopping Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder... centers, in particular, bear mute testimo­ ny to the problem. Quality is in the hands of the Craflsman. Targeted redevelopment "We will never become hugely commer­ cial, and certainly we have no space or desire to be industrial," says Upper Ar­ lington city manager Virginia Barney. "But we do want to grow incrementally in our office use. We've got to redevelop and redensify." "We have no town center," notes Bar­ ney. "We have no commercial district. We 1522 Hess Street have pockets of development. Those Columbus, OH 43212 w pockets need to be increased incremental­ (614) 291-6876 ly. It is going to be critical for the city's fu­ iT7 wwvv.jsbroAvneompnny.com ture." UA's master plan targets five com­ mercial areas for redevelopment: Kings- • Desi§n/Build "It von're looking for dale, Henderson Road, Lane Avenue, • Kitchens/Baths professionalism, consistency; Tremont and Northwest Boulevard. • Custom Homes qualify of work, Originally built in the 1950s on land • Doom Additions honesty and integrity, that was once an orchard, Kingsdale has • Basement finishes then |S. BROWN is your company" survived, even thrived, in part due to the • Custom Landscapes powerful presence of Lazarus. The mas­ Chris Sptclman j| ter plan singles out Kingsdale, located • IntelloivTaux/Mural Painting close to Upper Arlington's geographic- •Window & Door Replacements center, to become the city's town center. Ideally, Kingsdale would become a gathering place where Upper Arlington IBIAI (gg)NAHB NVR! NKEA residents would meet for community

UA Siiluirbiin Section I1|< 1 M BE K 200 1 e,7 events. Along with retail and offices, the "We have some good things going the city's recent success stories. Horizon plan foresees Kingsdale having municipal on," says Lane Avenue marketing direc­ created an office campus on the grounds offices and even, potentially, a communi­ tor Kris South. A new management com­ of an aging mansion, even renovating a ty center—assuming Upper Arlington res­ pany, Minneapolis-based Madison Mar­ barn to turn it into a sound studio. idents vote to fund such a facility. These quette Realty Services, is now coordinat­ "In terms of preserving and enhanc­ changes would infuse Kingsdale with vi­ ing leasing for the center. South says ing our revenue, it's important that we tality and give it a long-term future that's Madison Marquette specializes in rede­ have new jobs for people working in the not so dependent on a single retailer. veloping centers that have seen better city of Upper Arlington," says Pritchett. The plan also selects Kingsdale as the days. "They really take stock in what the He says efforts have been focused on try­ best location to attract new cffice devel­ community's like and who lives there. ing to create an environment that will opment, a key component in the city's They don't just come in and redo for the both attract and support businesses, espe­ commercial vision. Continental Realty sake of redoing," says South. "They cially those with higher-salaried employ­ already holds a purchase option on 14 make it something the community wants, ees. "There are some real opportunities acres of the site, and city officials are that fits." What to look for? South says here for companies and businesses, par­ working with Continental on redevelop­ Lane Avenue may add a mix of restau­ ticularly professionals," Pritchett says. ment planning. rants and one-of-a-kind shops, similar to Pritchett's firm rents office space in a Residents can look for changes to be­ what the shopping center housed 10 refurbished building on Zollinger Road gin taking place in Kingsdale's core over years ago. and represents the kind of professional the next two years. "The concept of cre­ The master plan designates Hender­ organization that he foresees locating in ating a place where for the next 100 son Road as the area with the most po- Upper Arlington. "The fact that I can work and live in the same community is very important," says Pritchett. "I live four minutes from my office, so my com­ mute is very short. That gives me at least an hour a day that I can do something be­ sides sit in the car." The accessibility of downtown Co­ lumbus from Upper Arlington had a lot to do with the suburban community's de­ velopment as a residential center. But for a lawyer working in UA, that same acces­ sibility can be a plus. "I can get to the courthouse in 12 minutes," Pritchett says, speaking with the authority of a man who's timed the trip. Another prime example of the types of professional projects that Upper Ar­ lington would like to have is the orthope­ dic medical facility being constructed at Sawmill and Henderson roads. The 92,000-square-foot office building, slat­ Kingsdale Shopping Center, anchored ed for completion late in 2002, will in­ years people are going to go to gather by Lazarus, may in the future become an and to socialize is an awesome thought," Upper Arlington town center, complete clude state-of-the-art space for outpa­ says Dalton. "It will be a very complex with community gathering space, retail tient treatment and physical therapy. undertaking. It's going to take a lot of and municipal offices. Like almost every other community in creativity to get it done, but I'm confident Central Ohio, Upper Arlington offers fi­ we're going to do it." nancial incentives to draw new business. A turnaround at Lane Avenue may tential to become an office corridor. Plan­ The city has a community reinvestment prove even more challenging. Originally ners see it as a gateway area that would area north of Henderson Road that per­ built as a strip shopping center, Lane Av­ set the tone for visitors. The Tremont mits tax abatements on real property im­ enue was renovated in the late 1980s and area, near Kingsdale, and Northwest provements. And all of Upper Arlington partially enclosed. The refurbishment Boulevard are seen as areas that will also has been designated as an enterprise zone, worked well in some respects; UA resi­ offer mixed-use development. allowing tax breaks on both real estate dents turned to Lane Avenue for quick er­ improvements and personal property in­ rands, browsing and eating out. In recent Business magnets vestments—expensive office equipment, years the center has gained some popular As Upper Arlington analyzes how best to for example. new businesses—Wild Oats, the natural- accomplish its goals, attracting new busi­ Upper Arlington offers a job creation food emporium, comes quickly to mind. nesses has assumed a high priority. tax credit modeled after a state program. But Lane Avenue has also lost some "We've had some encouraging success­ The city's program grants a tax credit key tenants, including the Little Profes­ es," says Upper Arlington city council against corporate tax liability, calculated sor bookstore. Today the center is head­ member Clark Pritchett, a partner in the on a percentage of a company's new pay­ ed in a new direction. The master plan UA-based law firm of Ranee, Pritchett, roll withholdings. In effect, UA is saying: calls for a mixed-use approach that Brantner, Keller and Ely. Bring us jobs—and the municipal income would leverage the close proximity of Pritchett cites Horizon Companies, an tax revenue they generate—and we'll cut Ohio State and its Science and Technolo­ audiovisual production firm operating you some slack on your corporate taxes. gy Campus, which is just a couple of from a redeveloped property at Hender­ Other incentive programs provide minutes from the shopping center by car. son Road and Riverside Drive, as one of low-interest loans and grants. "We've

68 UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 '"We will never become hugely commercial, and certainly we have no space or desire 9GENERATIONS 'OF REAL ESTATE EXCELLENCE1 to be industrial; says Upper Arlington city manager Virginia Barney. 'But we do want to Q TOW

incrementally in our office use.'" probably worked with five to seven com­ panies so far that actually received incen­ tives," says Dalton. The city's eagerness to work with new companies is evident. Dann Goodson, a project manager for Equity, the contrac­ tor that worked on Horizon's project, says he found Upper Arlington officials very cooperative. "Everybody just bent over backwards to make it a successful project," Goodson says. The Arlington Bank opened its first Barbara and Ted Lach and only location in Tremont Center in March 1999. "We believed there was a Buying or selling a home may be strong need for a true community bank the largest transaction of your life. here in Upper Arlington," says Tom Take time to interview your Realtor Westfall, president of the bank. "The before you make a commitment. mixture of the residential and business atmosphere caused us to believe there would be strong demand for both house­ We invite you to interview us. hold and business accounts." Westfall says most of the bank's cus­ tomers are from Upper Arlington, and community support has been so strong that the bank has already secured more space in Tremont Center for expansion. "I can't think of a better community in which to run a business," Westfall says. Fisherman's Wharf, an upscale sea­ 614-451-0808 food and Greek restaurant based in Bex- BarbaraAndTedLach.Realtor.com ley, opened a second location at Fishinger Road and Riverside Drive in June 2001. "The location is really great," says man­ ager Mohammed Ballouz. "We are in the COLDWeLL center of well-established areas." His Upper Arlington restaurant is drawing a solid customer following from Upper Ar­ BANKER • lington, Grandview, Dublin, Powell, Hil- liard and northwest Columbus. It's not all about new business recruit­ ment in Upper Arlington. The city also is KING THOMPSON committed to retaining businesses. Na­ tional Church Residences (NCR), which . ™ and *•" licensed trademarks to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity j£f. employs 85 people, has been located in Independently Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated. Q3

UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 20OI 69 Upper Arlington since its inception 40 years ago. The organization, which pro­ vides affordable housing for seniors and Quality families, has stayed in the city through three expansions. Patrick Higgins, direc­ tor of communications for NCR, says the Convenience city offered the organization incentives to stay. "The city has been wonderful to us," Higgins says. "It's just a great place The Frame Station to be." Office spaces Three Locations, Professionally Staffed to Meet tvety Residential & Corporate Framing Need Upper Arlington may lack the vast acre­ I 761 W Fifth Ave • 488 5251 2025 W Henderson Rd • 457-5797 age and close-to-the-freeway locations 6834 Flags Center Dr • 8902090 www.theframestation.com that huge companies look for when they're contemplating expansion or relo­ cation. There's not a site in UA, for ex­ ample, that could accommodate the 3,000-plus Bank One employees who now commute daily to the bank's huge, campus-style complex at Polaris. But Upper Arlington does have office space, and it's the kind of space profes­ sionals are looking for, according to Ken Danter, president of the Danter Compa­ ny, a Columbus real estate research firm. "The office market in Upper Arlington looks to be pretty sound," says Danter. His studies show that Upper Arlington has offices that meet the needs of small, entrepreneurial businesses—a little more than one million square feet, all told, with a low vacancy rate of 5.4 percent. These aren't megaspaces; the median suite size is under 5,000 square feet. But Danter says such smaller spaces suit en­ trepreneurs well. "They want space that reflects their personality," he says. "They want space that's a little more unique and that can be accommodated in the smaller sites available or in rehabbing existing properties." Long, who is refurbishing the Tremont Seiko Titanium frames are your #1 choice in style and comfort. office building, says he looked around Choose non-corrosive and hypo-allergenic 100% Seiko Upper Arlington for some time before Titanium for the lightest, most durable frames available today. finding what he wanted. "Most [build­ ings] were older and required substantial Your Ohio State Optical Professional will assist you in renovation to make them totally redone," designing your customized fashion eyewear. he says. Long wanted a property where he could make improvements but still have the numbers work out so that he wound Polaris Parkway at Oak Creek Center East Columbus up with a good real estate investment. "I 1325 Cameron Avenue 50 South McNaughten Road wanted very much to be in Arlington. Lewis Center, OH 43035 Columbus, OH 43213 That's where I thought we should be and 614-888-3972 614-866-4843 that's home." Upper Arlington Athens, OH Long persevered until he found what 1720 Zollinger Road 444 West Union Street he wanted. And he says he's convinced Columbus. OH 43221 Athens, OH 45701 that there are other good commercial 614 459 1115 740-592-4439 real estate investments to be found in Up­ per Arlington. "They're not always ap­ Downtown parent," he says. "You have to really do 303 hast Town Street your research and you have to have the Columbus. OH 43215 OHIO STATE right timing." • 614-221-7861 OPTICAL www.ohiostuteopticul.eoin Custom Vision Solutions Since 7925. Carol Rich is a freelance writer who lives in Bexley.

70 HA Suburban Secti< • UtCtM 14 I -. R 2 0 0 1 UPPER ARLINGTON Education

or more than 75 years, the Upper Arlington City School District has Fbeen recognized for educational leadership in Central Ohio, the state and even the nation. Steeped in tradition and excellence in academics, the arts, athlet­ ics and professional commitment by staff members, UA City Schools strive to pro­ vide each student with a superior and in­ novative education that instills integrity and promotes personal achievement. The district's efforts have not gone un­ noticed. SchoolMatch, a national school evaluation and relocation company, has bestowed its "What Parents Want" award on the district—an award given to only 10 percent of school districts nationwide— each year since the award originated. Expansion Management, an interna­ tional business-to-business magazine, has awarded Upper Arlington City Schools its "Education Quotient Gold Medal" for academic excellence. Gold Medal schools rank in the top 17 percent of more than 2,000 districts evaluated by the maga­ zine. In 2001, Upper Arlington superintend­ ent of schools William F. Schaefer III was named Ohio Superintendent of the Year by the Buckeye Association of School Ad­ ministrators. And the Ohio Department of Education chose Maureen Reedy, a fifth-grade teacher at Wickliffe Alterna­ tive Elementary School, as Ohio Teacher of the Year for 2002. The teaching staff is always strong in Upper Arlington, where teachers average INCITES 12 years of professional experience; more than half have earned at least a master's degree. The district's high standards are evi­ dent in student accomplishments and inspiration test scores. In the fall of 2001, Upper Ar­ lington High School boasted 22 Nation­ al Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, the highest number in the school's history. UAHS offers 17 advanced placement courses affording the opportunity to By Dan Donovan earn college credit while in high school. Reading and math scores in seventh grade exceed the 90th percentile on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Sixth-grade Nationally recognized and emulated, the Upper proficiency test scores are well above the 75 percent passing rate used by the Ohio Arlington City Schools stress academic achievement Department of Education to designate and encourage creative new programs. Effective Schools.

UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 71 Hastings Middle School's Students for Energy Education club won the National Science and Energy award for 2001. Nine key strategies and action plans provide specific directives, including a fo­ cus on innovative and superior educa­ tional experiences for every child and a commitment to the demonstration of Upper Arlington students excel in ex­ Does all this success just happen? ethical behavior and student acceptance. tracurricular venues. Thirty-two UAHS "No way!" says Schaefer. "We are con­ "In support of these key strategies, students made the Ohio Music Educa­ scientious and careful about every move we focus strategic intent on the use of tion Association's South-Central Region­ in the Upper Arlington City Schools, and time in our school day and year, support­ al Orchestra, and seven UAHS string that's because we are guided by our ive and thorough staff performance eval­ players qualified for the All-State Or­ strategic plan which helps with our vi­ uation, effective staff development and chestra. Students at Jones and Hastings sion of fulfilling the district's mission." structured, targeted student evaluation," middle schools received 27 superior and Artis says. "To complement those key 20 excellent ratings at the OMEA solo strategies, we focus on the implementa­ and ensemble contests. tion of a comprehensive district technol­ UA schools at all academic levels "At Upper Arlington's ogy plan, districtwide communications also stress and recognize achievement in plan and a financial and facilities plan." the visual arts. Middle school students two middle schools, the To review the strategic plan, go to http: earned first place in the AAA poster con­ //uaschools.org. test and in the Ameritech Yellow Pages curriculum is enhanced Young Artist competition. High school by opportunities to earn Special programs students were finalists in "Exhibition "The Board of Education recognizes that 2000: Celebrating Peace and Non-vio­ a child's education begins before kinder­ lence for Children" and the Governor's high school credit in garten by providing preschool classes," Youth Art Exhibit. One UAHS artist re­ three global languages— says Mary Ellen Rupright, director of the ceived first place in the Imation computer Burbank Early Childhood program. graphics national competition. Spanish, French ^ Families receive a good introductory ex­ During the 2000-2001 school year, perience in the fee-based program. "Bur- UAHS athletes won five state champi­ German—and in bank teachers emphasize the importance onships and numerous regional, district of relationships by encouraging children and league titles. More than 950 stu­ mathematics." to negotiate, cooperate, problem solve dents—more than half of the student and interact in courteous ways," says population—participate in an athletic Rupright. "They encourage children to program at UAHS. At the varsity level question, predict outcomes, experiment, alone, UAHS students compete on 32 Strategic planning reflect on discoveries and interact with different teams. "In Upper Arlington, we take strategic people and materials." UAHS student journalists win various planning very seriously," says assistant Begun in 1983 and housed at Burbank awards and honors of distinction for all superintendent John Artis. "The Upper Elementary School in northwestern Up­ three of their publications: the Arlington- Arlington City Schools is a school district per Arlington, the program has been rec­ ian, the newsmagazine; the Norwester, driven by a thoughtful, vision-focused ognized by the Ohio Department of Edu­ the yearbook, and BARE, the literary strategic plan. Our district is in the third cation and by the National Association magazine. year of our second strategic plan cycle." for the Education of Young Children.

72 UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 The Kids Are Gone! It's Time For rhe Care-Free Lifestvle!

ow mat tne kids are gone, it s time for you to turn from a hectic, child-cen­ tered lifestyle to a more relaxing, care-free lifestyle nl at Marble Cliff Crossing.

A carefully planned community on the scenic Scioto

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UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 73 Another innovative service is the in kindergarten through grade five.I n the Should you wander onto the second School-Age Child Care program (SACC). spring of 2001, 26 fifth-graders received floor of Tremont Elementary, says princi­ Also implemented in 1983, SACC pro­ the President's Award for Academic Ex­ pal Maria Wilkes, students will proudly vides care for an average of 425 children cellence. tell you about the ecosystem they have annually, in each of the five elementary Greensview, like all Upper Arlington built. This series of carefully interconnect­ buildings. The staff plans daily activities schools, emphasizes service learning. ed tanks is alive with freshwater plants, that are age-appropriate and free-choice Principal Steve Scarpitti says Greensview animals and other natural elements. "Stu­ based. "Parents have the peace of mind Greats is a popular community service dents observe the life-forms and changes that their children are being cared for in a program in which fourth- and fifth- in their aptly named 'Wild World' using safe, supervised environment with mini­ graders apply for "jobs" at school, are handheld magnifiers, microscopes and mal transition to their day," says SACC hired by staff and then earn service cameras," Wilkes says. "They are encour­ director Kathy Fickell. "Our staff consists points for their work. Last spring, over aged to reflect on their observations, de­ of certificated teachers, experienced child- 100 students earned ribbons, certificates velop hypotheses, read for information care givers and education majors from and medals for outstanding school and and then record their findings." neighboring colleges." community service. Students in the fourth grade are using Instructional technology is critical at the tanks as they participate in the "Jason Elementary schools Greensview. A student team of tech assist­ Initiative"—an interdisciplinary project To honor their country at a "Celebrate ants helped produce a video salute to the that involves online scientific exploration America" assembly, Barrington Elemen­ Class of 2008 and shared the "Good Bye" of geographic locations. This year, stu­ tary staff and students lift their voices in video with students and staff during the dents are exploring the frozen worlds of harmony and sing "America," "The Star- closing week of school. Plans are under­ the north and south poles. Spangled Banner," "This Land is Your way for a similar project this school year. Built in 1952, Tremont welcomes Land" and "Common Ground." Scarpitti is proud of his building's ini­ many international families, whose stu­ " 'The world is not so wide when tiative in character education. Student dents quickly assimilate into the Tremont we're standing side by side,' " says Pam council members provide skits, demon­ community while enriching the school Yoder, borrowing a line from "Common strations and speeches at monthly town climate. Ground." "Those words from the song helped to comfort all of us at this difficult time." Yoder has begun her first year as Barrington's principal and is overseeing 659 youngsters. Barrington is located in the southernmost section of Upper Ar­ lington and was the district's first free­ standing elementary school in 1939. In the fall, Barrington students studied the American southwest. Cowboys, Na­ tive Americans, heroes and outlaws were featured through songs, artwork, artists, dances, classical music and American composers. Students' and teachers' faces were superimposed on "Wanted" posters and heroes' pictures.

UA superintendent William F Schaefer III, here visiting preschoolers in the award- winning Burbank Early Childhood School program, was named Ohio Superintendent of the Year by the Buckeye Association of School Administrators.

Vaudeville theater will be a focus dur­ meetings, which focus on citizenship, Opportunities for Tremont's 472 stu­ ing the winter months. In March, fifth- learning and ethical behavior. A new pro­ dents abound in art classes, strings and graders will perform in "The Grand Old gram, Greensview PRIDE, will help stu­ band classes, choir, a well-stocked library Vaudeville Show"—written by Upper dents identify and develop positive char­ and a computer lab. "Field trips, guest Arlington graduate Terry Waldo and Re­ acter traits. "PRIDE stands for Positive speakers, programs and special assem­ becca Ogden, a former elementary music attitude, Responsibility, Integrity, Duty blies all contribute to a rich learning envi­ teacher and a member of the Barrington and Empathy," Scarpitti says. Students ronment where everyone is growing to­ arts committee. can earn a PAW (PRIDE at Work) award gether," says Wilkes, who was recognized "Art, literature, music and dance of for exemplifying the virtues of PRIDE. as the Upper Arlington City Schools' Ad­ Civil War times will lead us into the Ohio Last spring the Greensview PTO es­ ministrator of the Year at the opening- connection to the underground railway," tablished the Greensview Arts Endow­ day convocation for district employees. says Yoder. ment through the Upper Arlington Edu­ Early in 2001, Wickliffe Elementary Greensview Elementary, built in 1965, cation Foundation. The fund has grown was featured on National Public Radio serves the far northern part of Upper Ar­ to nearly $4,000—money that will show­ as an innovative, alternative program in lington, with a current enrollment of 397 case and display student artwork. the progressive-school tradition. "Par-

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UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 75 ents flock to this school system and Wickliffe Elementary School in particu­ lar," NPR reported. Wickliffe, which opened in 1956, of­ fers Upper Arlington parents a child-cen­ tered, alternative approach to education. The school has received an Ohio Best Practices award, as well as numerous grants from such agencies as the Nation­ al Science Foundation and the Environ­ mental Protection Agency. In 2000, Wickliffe teachers received both the Moira McKenzie Teacher Schol­ ar Fellowship for Literacy and the Na­ tional Presidential Math Teacher award. In October 2001, fifth-grade teacher Maureen Reedy was named the Ohio De­ partment of Education's Teacher of the Year for 2002. Reedy will present speeches and workshops to educational groups, civic organizations and other partners of education across the state. Many visitors come to Wickliffe each year to observe how its progressive phi­ losophy is applied in the classroom. In October 2002, in honor of the Informal Alternative program's 30th anniversary, Wickliffe teachers and Informal program teachers at other UA schools will host a national conference entitled "Keeping the Child at the Center." Principal Fred Burton, whose involve­ ment with the Informal program goes back to 1976, says Wickliffe's teaching staff "believes that education should be not only academically challenging but al­ so emotionally engaging. Passion and re­ lationships are keys to a good education. We believe in educating both the mind and the heart." Windermere Elementary principal Al­ Sports are hugely popular for both an Yarletts wants each of his 374 students players and fans at Upper Arlington sive service learning and career education High School. The Golden Bears enjoyed to grow, academically, socially and emo­ an undefeated football season in 2000, programs enhance the middle school ex­ tionally. The Windermere faculty has de­ winning the state Division 1 perience. fined four basics: communication (listen­ championship. "Middle school is a time of vision, ing, reading, speaking, writing), critical self-discovery sounding one's personal thinking (art, mathematics, music, physi­ depth and potential and feeling the pull cal education, problem solving, science, "Windermere's educational programs of life," says Beverley von Zielonka who social studies), computer technology (ac­ strive to balance sound teaching strategies is in her first year as principal of Hastings cessing, creating, processing, communi­ from the past with those predicated upon Middle School, where she oversees 734 cating information) and collaboration. current research findings and practices. students. "To further assist students in In the last 10 years, Windermere, Within this educational framework, par­ discovering their talents and areas of in­ which opened in 1959, has generated ents are encouraged to become involved terest, we offer cocurricular activities nearly $500,000 in grant revenue, in­ with their child's school experiences. Win­ with experiences in the finean d perform­ cluding a federally funded initiative to in­ dermere's belief is that when the home, ing arts, intramural sports, clubs and 24 tegrate technology and language arts in school and community work together as a interscholastic sports teams." partnership with Ohio State University; partnership, the child profits." Hastings, which opened in 1961, venture capital funding to support inno­ operates a "House" program, employ­ vative program and staff development, Middle schools ing the benefits of team teaching. "A and a national Annenberg/Getty Arts At Upper Arlington's two middle schools, group of two to six teachers works with Partner School grant to support integra­ the curriculum is enhanced by opportuni­ each House to teach core subjects—lan­ tion of the arts with the core curriculum, ties to earn high school credit in three guage arts/reading, social studies, math­ in collaboration with the Ohio Partner­ global languages—Spanish, French and ematics and science," von Zielonka ship for the Visual Arts. German—and in mathematics. Students says. "The program facilitates integrat­ "The scope of the contemporary cur­ also take exploratory arts classes—mu­ ed learning and enables students and riculum design and practices implemented sic, physical education, art, life skills, teachers to interact in a familylike at­ at Windermere is dynamic," says Yarletts. technology education and health. Exten­ mosphere."

76 UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 Hastings students have received Pow­ er of the Pen awards at district, regional and state competitions and have had Walhalla writing published in the Columbus Dis­ patch, in A Celebration of Young Poets Designs and in Junior Scholastic magazine. Wk Hastings science students have won Cabinetry, Inc. first place at the Central Ohio District Science Day, the Harold C. Shaw Out­ standing award at the State Science Fair Cabinetry S.iles and Project Youth awards from the Ohio NKBA Member Energy Project Leadership program. Hastings Students for Energy Education 2082 Arlington Avenue were winners of state and national Columbus, Ohio 43221 awards. Since 1988, Hastings seventh- Ph:(614)488-1051 grade girls have competed for scholar­ ships to BWISER (Buckeye Women in Science Engineering and Research). Last summer, 14 girls won scholarships to at­ €8 tend the Ohio Space Consortium. In 2000, Hastings was honored in Washington, D.C., with the National Service Learning Leader School award. The Ohio Department of Education also bestowed a similar honor. Essential Jones Middle School, built in 1924, served as Upper Arlington's high school until its conversion to a junior high in 1956; it became a middle school in 1983. Like Hastings, Jones functions on a House plan and has gained a number of honors and awards. In September, four Jones teachers re­ Luxuries ceived the Disney American Teacher ^ award for 2001. Loretta Heigle, Molly » Todd, Sara McKinley and Nancy Kauf- mann were among only 35 teachers cho­ J-E-F-F • COOP-E-R sen nationwide from some 20,000 who . PLATINUM completed applications. These teachers, who won in the teaming category, trav­ eled to Los Angeles in November for a celebration and will travel to Orlando in the spring for in-service training. The Jones orchestra performed at the Ohio Music Educators Association state convention in 2001—the only middle school selected to perform at this event. Principal Karen Pettus and her assistant administrator, Vicky Sherer, were recog­ nized as the Ohio Orchestra and String Teachers Association Administrators of the Year for 2001. Like Hastings, Jones was a National Service Learning Leader School for 2000. According to Pettus, "Jones continues to have incredible participation from its 676 students in service learning activities at all three grade levels, and we will again rec­ ognize these efforts and accomplishments at an all-school assembly this year." Last year's projects saw sixth-graders raise over $3,000 and fill 80 shoe boxes with supplies for the "Lost Boys of the Sudan." Jones students continued a 20- year tradition of planting trees through­ AM) 6 LEW out the community and volunteered at a Kingsdale Center • Upper Arlington • 457-6261 local child-care center serving homeless

UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 77 families. Seventh-grade students stocked services. More than 90 percent of UAHS through cooperative placements with thousands of pounds of food and supplies graduates go on to higher education. neighboring districts. at a local food pantry and made clothing A ninth-grade writing assessment The Intervention Services Department and household goods donations to a local identifies students in need of assistance. benefits children from 3 to 21 years old shelter. Eighth-graders wrote letters to An llth-grade crosscurricular writing who are identified with conditions such veterans in a southern Ohio Veterans portfolio involves all departments. as autism, visual or hearing impairment, Hospital in honor of Veterans Day. UAHS students complete advanced re­ emotional disturbances, orthopedic im­ The school collected canned goods search and writing to meet the Senior pairment, specific learning disabilities and supplies for the Homeless Family Thesis graduation requirement. and many others. Foundation, raised $800 for the Make- P-SAT, SAT and ACT math scores and The intervention flex instruction pro­ A-Wish Foundation and contributed ACT composite scores are the highest in gram serves children who are enrolled in over $2,000 for breast cancer research. the school's history. The passage rate on one or more academic areas to help in­ More than 60 students, teachers and par­ the 12th-grade writing proficiency test crease their benefit from regular class ents participated in the Race for the has improved from 88 to 97 percent. placement. This ungraded supplemental Cure. Students worked around the UAHS has been selected as one of 50 instruction focuses on helping students school on Civic Pride Day, painting bike high schools in the country to receive a become independent through the use of racks, planting grass seed and picking up National Service Learning Certificate of compensatory strategies, intervention debris. Excellence. support and study and organizational After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, techniques. Jones students participated in the "Ap­ Intervention Services The Upper Arlington Board of Educa­ ples for the Big Apple" project and made The district's Intervention Services De­ tion sponsors a parent/teacher advisory and sold silver ribbons to raise money for partment provides assistance to approxi­ council called the Parents Association for the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. mately 600 special students each year Learning Challenged Children, which and has a staff of about 105 special edu­ plans ongoing parent information and High school cation personnel. "The teaching staff is awareness activities, including parent The entire community takes pride in the comprised of dedicated professionals support groups. accomplishments of students at Upper Arlington High School, which opened in 1956. "Their achievements are a tribute to great community and parental sup­ port, the students' own hard work and an innovative and dedicated faculty," says principal Kip Greenhill. "It is not by chance that Upper Arlington has estab­ lished school records two of the last three years for the most National Merit Semifi- nalists, has won more state athletic championships than any other school in Ohio and has received superior ratings in band, orchestra and vocal music from the Ohio Music Education Association." The September issue of Columbus Monthly gave UAHS a superior rating, ranking the school first among 24 subur­ ban high schools evaluated. "This school offers a rigorous, well-conceived, well- executed college-prep program," the magazine's three-person editorial team reported. "And it manages, for the most Kids at Barrington Elementary School part, to do it with a humane, personal gathered for a "Celebrate America" style that makes the kids happy to come assembly in September as a response Instructional Technology to school every day." to the national terror crisis. Instructional Technology Department Advanced placement and honors supervisor Bob Allen says initiatives in courses, college preparatory courses and Upper Arlington's strategic plan for tech­ adjusted courses are available to chal­ nology "include culturing technology- lenge all UAHS students. A comprehen­ who have degrees and additional certifi­ rich learning environments, enhancing sive vocational program is also available. cation in special education," says pro­ telecommunication systems, providing "There's something for every one of gram director Richard Weber. "In addi­ advanced systems to meet changing the high school's 1,833 students," says tion, we have classified staff and para- needs, providing and enhancing technical Greenhill. professionals especially selected for their services, ongoing and appropriate staff Tutoring by teachers is available in positive attitudes, previous experience development, integration of technology writing, math, global language and mul­ and dedication to children." into the curriculum, hardware repair and timedia technology. National Honor So­ Programs serving children with learn­ network management." ciety students also provide tutorial ing differences and speech and language Quite a mouthful—and quite a job. help. Qualifying students receive help needs exist in all buildings. Children with Implementing these initiatives and main­ through special education classes or multiple needs are served in selected taining technology systems is the respon­ small-group special education tutoring buildings. Some programs are available sibility of a staff of seven, including

78 UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 Allen, teacher leaders for technology, network managers, repair and clerical personnel. In addition, part-time tech­ nology assistants install computer hard­ By the Waters Edge ware and software, troubleshoot prob­ lems, maintain system performance and provide day-to-day technical help for ee Year,* e? A Great Reputation! each classroom building. The technology department maintains nearly 3,000 com­ puters and provides support for all staff members. The UA schools' website, at http: //uaschools.org, offers links to the tech­ nology department, as well as links to ed­ Unique gifts and ucation-oriented search engines and accessories for the web-sites and to local, state and national home and garden. education agency sites. One of the first public school founda­ tions in the country, the Upper Arlington Education Foundation was a dream of former UA superintendent Homer Min- cy. Incorporated in 1985 as a not-for- profit organization with tax-exempt sta­ tus, the foundation seeks "to promote 2175 Riverside Dr. Complete line ofMaeKenzie-Clnlih, Ltd. excellence in public education for the (Across from Scioto Country Club children of the Upper Arlington schools in Upper Arlington) through a permanent endowment fund," -#-- according to executive director Louesa phone: (614) 850-8190 Foster. "The foundation is structured to fax:(614)850-8191 provide financial support for enrichment activities not only in the traditional class­ Open Monday-Saturday 10-5 U'.i/<>,.-/:./.;. room setting but also in the fields of fine or shop online at www.bythewatersedge.com arts and athletics." In October 2001, foundation assets included $840,000 in cash and securities and $1.2 million in deferred gifts. These funds are invested with the Consulting Group, a division of Salomon Smith Bar­ ney, and are housed in the Columbus Why would a busy executive Foundation. The UA Education Founda­ tion currently has 28 designated funds, whose income provides for scholarships fly 839 miles to Columbus and for funding of special projects. Total grants given by the UA Education Foun­ for a pair of glasses? dation exceed $241,000. A 12-member board of trustees, inde­ The unmatched personal care and craftsmanship pendent of the UA Board of Education, administers the foundation. The superin­ Of Skilled Opticians. We're known for craftsmanship. tendent of schools and the president of Which is why people from around the UA Alumni Association serve as ex the country go out of their way to officio members of the board with full voting privileges. see us first. Happily, it's much The Upper Arlington Alumni Associ­ simpler for you — we're just ation was founded in 1987 at the request around the corner. of the foundation trustees. It maintains a database of Upper Arlington's more than 24,000 graduates and helps facilitate class reunions. The association hosts a Fourth of July block party and a fall Arlington Optical Alumni Night picnic at the first home 1351 WEST LANE AVENUE football game after Labor Day. • 488-3937 University Optical Dan Donovan has served as the interim 456 WEST 10TH AVENUE director of communications and 5TH FLOOR 293-8113 corporate sponsorships for Upper TIMOTHY McNEMAR, OWNER Arlington City Schools.

UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 79 Pictured from left: Upper Arlington City Manager Virginia Barney. UA Schools Superintendent Bill Schaefer, UA Area Chamber of Commerce Director Brenda Schwandt, UA Civic Association Vice President Kim Jaeger, UA Lutheran Church Youth Minister Joe Valentino and UA News Editor Martin Rozenman Judged Best Weekly Newspaper in Ohio - 2001 AKlMEck MEWS Local government. Education. Business. Sports. Religion. Community events.

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80 UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 Tarrington Woods, near Bethel and Sawmill roads, offers newly constructed homes with four or five bedrooms and three or four bathrooms at prices from $500,000 to $1.3 million.

rom old to brand new. From afford­ able to executive. From full to empty Fnest. From apartment to condo: Up­ per Arlington offers a broad spectrum of rime market, housing options in a wide range of prices, from $130,000 starter homes to seven-fig­ ure estates. Before it became the Upper Arlington we know today, this was farm country, says Barbara Lach, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker King Thompson. The area south of Lane Avenue is the historic part of the city known as Old Arlington. This is the place developers King and Ben Thompson plat­ ted before 1920, inspired by a country club neighborhood design they saw in Kansas City. The Thompsons planned a communi­ prices ty of curving, tree-lined streets and elegant, distinctive houses. Development in the area north of Lane Avenue didn't begin in earnest until after World War II, when a suburban housing boom swept across the country as millions of families sought their own lots and homes. Northern Upper Arlington features By Rosemary Kubera Goodburn many ranch-style houses and also boasts most of the city's parkland. One thing you won't easily find in Upper R&vJi Arlington today is a vacant lot suitable for building a new home. The community has Avenue to seven-figure mansions in Old been pretty much "built out" for 25 years. "Arlington has a distinct and historic hous­ Arlington, UA homes just keep on appreciating. ing stock; there is not a whole lot of new

UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 81 Contractor Dave Fox, at the Shattuck Avenue home he's remodeling, says many homes in Upper Arlington are at least 30 years old and "don't meet today's standards for lifestyle the Ritz or the Four Seasons. You are and comfort. So people want to improve them." Other owners choose to raze older paying for the common areas: parks, homes and build from scratch on the lots. schools, the infrastructure, mature trees and beautiful streets. It is hard to find that ambience in other parts of the city construction," says Harley Rouda Jr., you find in all of today's new homes," of Columbus." CEO of HER Realtors, a firmfounde d by Fantozzi says. "All the people I build for Large houses, well over 3,000 square his father in the basement of their home would much prefer to have a good quali­ feet with four or more bedrooms, can be on Swansea Road in a north-of-Lane Up­ ty, new home. They are looking for three- found throughout the city. Executive per Arlington development still known car garages, nice-sized rooms and mod­ homes near Scioto Country Club fetch today by its original name, the Ridge. ern kitchens and baths." seven-figure prices, but rarely come onto "There is a whole lot of renovation and The typical new buyers are families— the market. Also in the upper-price eche­ construction, especially in south Arling­ "Not necessarily young," says Rouda Jr., lons are many of the Tudor-style homes ton." citing UA's upper-end price ranges. Many on the winding, wooded streets of Old "Arlington has always been a won­ homes are purchased by "move-up" fam­ Arlington. derful market," says Rouda Jr. "There is ilies with significant incomes, seeking North of Lane Avenue, updated a 3 to 8 percent appreciation on a home's larger homes in the excellent Upper Ar­ ranch homes sell in the $250,000 to value annually. Old Arlington has a lington school district. $350,000 range; some come with half- unique character about it. But others pre­ Upper Arlington is a city where mul­ acre or even larger lots. Smaller fixer-up­ fer the parks." tiple generations of families stay put. pers are snapped up quickly at prices be­ "There is always a demand for hous­ Some couples engage in multiple move- low $200,000. Well-maintained homes es in Upper Arlington," agrees Lach. "It ups, then eventually step down to a along Canterbury Road sell for can't grow, so that increases the desir­ smaller home for their retirement years. $500,000 and up. Toward the northern ability of the housing market." When a "You don't find a lot of people moving edge of the city, near Lane Road Park new home is built these days, it's often from Arlington," says Rouda Jr. "Pretty and Slate Run, there are pockets of mil­ on a lot whose owner has demolished an much, when you come to Arlington, you lion-dollar mansions nestled near more outdated home built 60 or 70 years ago. come to stay unless you are transferred modest homes in the $400,000 to That can be expensive, but UA is one of out of Columbus, Ohio, altogether." $500,000 range. the few communities where tearing There are some newly constructed down one home to build another can be Top of the line homes in Upper Arlington, most notably a good investment. There is a premium paid for Upper Ar­ in Tarrington Woods, property annexed Some of these replacement houses can lington's reputation and the quality of its by the city in the late 1990s near Bethel be seen on McCoy, Coach and Lane schools. "In Arlington, comparatively to and Sawmill roads. roads, and on Greensview Drive, says other communities, you don't get as The square footage in these new builder Gino Fantozzi of Fantozzi much house for the dollar," Rouda Jr. houses ranges, usually, from 3,800 to Builders. "People are looking for things acknowledges. "But it is like staying at 6,000 square feet. With four or five bed-

82 UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 rooms and three or more baths, homes in Tarrington Woods carry price tags from $500,000 to more than $1.3 mil­ lion, says Fantozzi, an Arlington resi­ dent himself. Another Tarrington Woods builder is Keith McVey, who lives in a newly built home there. McVey says his houses are a minimum of 3,500 square feet and priced from $500,000 to about $1 mil­ lion. "People want to get newer, freer flowing space, with more interacting ar­ eas," he says. Tarrington homes are finely crafted with custom cabinetry, top-of-the-line flooring, all the best finishes. "And lots of light," says builder Mike Matrka, an­ other Tarrington resident. "That's a big factor in new houses." WE'RE PRAYING FOR YOU AT UALC! s Updating The remodeling business booms in Up­ per Arlington, and residents often spend > J1 Lytham Rd as much to update an older home as they n 1 would have to buy a new one. "A lot of them don't want to move," says contrac­ Fishinger Rd tor Clint Rex. "They plan to live there 1* for the rest of their lives so they get what IH n they want." UAIC Zollinger Rd THE CHURCH ON LYTHAM I UALC •IHI CHURCH ON LVTHtMROID 2300 LYTHAM ROAD • COLUMBUS, OHIO • 43220 IND THE CHURCH «T Mill HUH 614*451*3736 WWW.UALC.ORG ONE CHUHCH. TWO LOCATIONS

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Saturday, December 1st, 9am-11am Saturday, December 8th, 9am-11am Featuring breakfast, pictures with Santa, face painting and balloon artist, plus a gift for each child. "There is always a $5 per person. demand for houses in For more information Upper Arlington," call 481-8341. says Barbara Lach, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker King Thompson. "It can't grow, so that increases the desirability of the housing market."

UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 200 1 83 Arlingtonians add on to enjoy larger Empty nesters kitchens that flow into their new family Upper Arlington's municipal leaders want rooms. They create larger master bed­ to expand housing options for senior cit­ rooms with master bathrooms and walk- izens, says city spokeswoman Emma LOCKERS? in closets. They upgrade fixtures and fin­ Sonora. People who no longer need their ishes. They build three-car garages, mud- large houses are looking for condomini­ rooms, oversized showers, Jacuzzis and ums. The city is exploring development steam rooms. They add on decks, spring not only of new condos, but also of retail Not exactly. porches and sunrooms. shops and services all within close dis­ "A lot of the housing stock in Upper tance, she says. Arlington is old," says contractor Dave Along with the empty nesters, Rouda Wellington students Fox, "and there are still a substantial Jr. says, condos attract single parents and don t lock up their amount of kitchens and bathrooms that DINKS—couples with dual incomes and are dated. They are 30 years old or more, no kids. Many former apartments have personal belongings; and they don't meet today's standards for gone condo in Upper Arlington, especial­ lifestyle and comfort. So people want to ly along Northwest Boulevard and in the they dont have to. improve them." Mallway area in Old Arlington. They Architect Tom Pendery designs many start in the $75,000 price range. "Arling­ This is a community based additions for Upper Arlington homes. ton does a good job of mixing condos Most are single-story and built onto the and homes," Rouda Jr. says. on respect, and that includes rear of the house. But many people go for Luxury condos at Trouville and Ken- respect for others' property two-story additions. "People want open brook off Kenny Road go for $400,000 to and personal space.

This is also a school where " 'Arlington has always been diverse feelings, beliefs, and attitudes are respected and a wonderful market,' says appreciated. Realtor Harley Rouda It begins in Lower School Jr. 'There is a 3 to 8 percent with the "Pinky Promise" appreciation on a home's not to laugh at each other (unless someone tells a value annually. Old joke!), and continues in the Arlington has a unique advising groups of Middle and Upper School that give character about it. But our students a safe place to others prefer the parks.' " talk and one more chance to know and appreciate each other, and their teachers. space and interconnecting rooms," says $450,000, according to Lach. A two-bed­ Pendery. "They like nice finishes—gran• room condo in Arlingate can be bought The Wellington School - ite tops and ceramic tile. They like big for $185,000. Where doing your best is fun. bathrooms and big kitchens with open Rental homes in Upper Arlington are counter spaces." scarce, but some can be found for $800 a Older Upper Arlington houses, with month. The occasional upper-end rental For more information about their loads of character, can be pricey to fetches $2,500 to $3,500 a month, but the Wellington community remodel. "To put an addition on and may be available only until the owner re­ and our academic programs match it [to the original home's design turns from an out-of-town assignment. and materials) is expensive," says Pen­ There are no large apartment com­ Call 457-7883 dery. plexes in Upper Arlington, but apart­ 3650 Reed Road, Columbus Mark Whittaker of M.E. Whittaker ments can be found in the neighborhoods Builders says complying with building near Barrington and Tremont elementary www.welllRgton.oro codes and using only estate-quality mate­ schools in Old Arlington, Lach says. Da­ rials can drive costs for the typical UA ta gathered in 1999 for the city's master project to $150 to $200 per square foot. plan found 934 apartment units, mostly The UA residents usually want custom-made doubles or quads, with rental rates from cabinets; granite counter tops; hard­ $320 to $1,250 a month. • Wellington wood, tile, marble or natural stone School floors; stone exteriors; slate or copper roofing or dimensional shingles; copper Rosemary Kubera Goodburn is a reporter gutters, and detailed trim. for Suburban News Publications.

84 UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 UPPER ARLINGIONI"/^^

he sights are good. The sounds are good. Life is good. T This is Upper Arlington, and it's a family place. When people are not sleeping or working, they are raising their kids, learning something new, hav­ ing fun—or doing something that mat­ ters through one of seemingly a million volunteer opportunities. Or they are rooting for the Golden Bears of Upper Arlington High School, whose undefeated march to a state foot­ ball championship in 2000 galvanized community pride. It's not uncommon to find three or even four generations of a family attending a home game, all prod­ ucts of the city's schools. Adults outnum­ ber students at some games. Arlingtonians can be seen firing up the barbecue, fixing up the yard, catch­ ing their child's school play or chatting up a coach or teacher. They bump into pals and neighbors at the parks and pret­ ty much everywhere they go within city limits, whether shopping or getting a bite at the Chef-o-Nette, a longtime favorite eatery in Tremont Center. UA's a well-educated community, where residents love their library and en­ roll themselves and their kids in after- FROM school, evening and weekend programs. Grandma and grandpa quite often live close to the grandkids. When they want some camaraderie with others in their own age group, they hop over to Golden Bears the senior center for aerobics, cards or an out-of-town junket. "It's a very, very friendly place," says Stephen Cassell, president of the city's to GOLDEN years biggest volunteer group, the Upper Ar­ lington Civic Association. Every summer the association organizes what's univer­ sally considered the epitome of commu­ nity Fourth of July celebrations in Cen­ tral Ohio, a family-oriented extravagan­ za complete with parade and fireworks. "There is a civic pride associated with By Rosemary Kubera Goodburn Upper Arlington," says Cassell. "The pride in the actions of the people who live here is a reflection of that sense of community that extends to schools, Four-generation families aren't a rarity in churches and the community at large." Upper Arlington. From toddlers to seniors, the Cassell, who's been an Arlington resi­ dent for 14 years, knows what he's brag­ city offers lots to do for everyone. ging about. Fed up with California, he

UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 85 came to Ohio searching for a home that was "real." "I was looking for a community ex­ actly like Upper Arlington," Cassell says. "People do care. There is a pride in the community and there is an involvement in the community." "The history of Upper Arlington is that it was set up as a residential commu­ nity, and the focus has always been on the community," says Brenda Schwandt, president of the Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce. "There are a lot of opportunities to get together with oth­ er residents in the community. And peo­ ple are very focused on education, very concerned about education." The city operates a LifeLong Learning and Leisure program. Classes allow resi­ dents to explore everything from geneal­ ogy to aromatherapy, from music and art to gardening and cooking, from money management and computers to fitness and bridge. In all, 600 different topics are offered annually. The UA program has absorbed many classes from the defunct creative arts program that had been of­ fered by Ohio State University. Parents also get very involved in the Upper Arlington City Schools, and in the city's private schools, which include St. Agatha and St. Andrew elementary schools and Wellington School, a nonsec- tarian college preparatory school. The Upper Arlington Public Library system has three busy branches. Pro­ grams are well attended, and offerings include author visits, story times for kids, crafts, an informative newsletter, book clubs and special classes. Materials are home-delivered to folks who can't get out. Upper Arlington's LifeLong Learning No matter how popular Christmas in and Leisure program offers classes and Celebrations the Park becomes, UA's signature event activities in 600 topics annually, from The family event that may be the most will remain the Fourth of July celebra­ aromatherapy to money management fun in December is Christmas in the tion. It always seems to be family reunion to operating hot-air balloons. Park, produced by the UA Civic Associa­ time, says Arlington resident Harley tion at Lane Road Park. Rouda Jr., CEO of HER Realtors. "We take over the park," says Cassell. UA's Fourth of July parade is all- In one shelter house, kids findMrs . Claus American. Neighborhoods sponsor units baking cookies; entertainment includes with children and their decorated bikes cold-weather-loving animals from the in a brigade. The Upper Arlington High Sports and arts Columbus Zoo. While the kiddies are School marching band creates excite­ There's no college in Upper Arlington, but thus occupied, moms and dads fill out ment with its bright and brassy sound. UA's a college town all the same. Most forms detailing holiday wishes. People stand, hands over hearts, when adult residents have at least their bache­ Then a horse-drawn carriage hauls flag-bearers pass with the stars and lor's degrees, and many are employed at families to a second shelter house, where stripes. Military jets roar overhead in fly- Ohio State University, whose huge main Santa has been wired with an earpiece. by formation. campus borders UA to the east. An elf radios Santa the name and Christ­ Later at Northam Park, there is music These folks love their sports, both as mas wishes of each approaching child. and kids' activities and socializing. And spectators and as participants. Arlington- "Santa greets the kids by name," says then come the fireworks—the oohs, the ians tend to be great supporters of the Cassell. "The kid's eyes just bug out of aahs and the wows. OSU Buckeyes and of the city's two ma­ his head. Our Santa says, 'Get to sleep, so It's a homegrown, home-run opera­ jor-league professional teams: the Blue when you go to bed I can bring you ...' tion, "all done by volunteers," says Cas­ Jackets of the National Hockey League And he names the toy the child wants. sell. "People have a ball. It is an excuse to and the Crew of Major League Soccer. In The kids just walk away going, 'This is get together with friends to celebrate one fact, the games are great places to run in­ the man. This is the real Santa.' " of the reasons that we live here." to your Arlington pals, says Cassell.

86 UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 • A first class residential An exciting new master plan community with diverse promises to continue the City's housing options success. We invite you to live in Upper Arlington • Unsurpassed educational and be an integral part of our opportunities business community, enjoying all that this premier City has to • Excellent City services offer.

• Centrally located with easy Call our Economic Development CITY OFlU P P E R access to downtown Columbus Director, at 614-583-5046 for de­ ARLINGTON and the major highways tails of the opportunities 3600 Tremont Road and business incentives that await Upper Arlington, OH 43221 • Alive with recreational you. Or visit the Business phone: 614-583-5040 fax: 614-457-6620 opportunities, arts activities & Development section at www.ua-ohio.net and community events www.ua-ohio.net.

A place people are proud to call home

UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 87 Golfers can enjoy OSU's Scarlet and Gray courses—two of the better college Supportive services in a beautiful courses in the country. For those with the environment, served The Marriott Way patience to make it to the top of a long waiting list and the means to shell out a hefty initiation fee, there's the excellent course at Scioto Country Club, idyllically Independent Living situated overlooking the Scioto River in Assisted Living Old Arlington. Healthcare - Nursing Care AT KNIGHTSBRIDGE There's no excuse for being a couch A MARRIOTT SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY potato in UA. Tennis courts abound in Special Care for Alzheimer's ©Atemctt. the city parks. The high school offers ice 4590 Knightsbridge Blvd. Columbus, Ohio 43214 hockey as a club sport, and people of all (614) 538-6660 ages are into soccer. The arts are big in Upper Arlington, too. The city's active Cultural Arts Com­ mission sent papermaking artist Ann Sil­ CENTRAL OHIO'S BIGGEST & BEST BRIDAL SHOW verman and poet Dionne Brooks to Up­ per Arlington High School recently. The results of those visits can be seen in De­ JANUARY cember at an exhibit of student work in the Municipal Services Center on Tre­ mont Road. WORLD "We try to cover all art forms," says Cultural Arts Commission manager Di­ ane Deane. "We have a summer concert series in Northam Park and a film se­ ries." Deane is a city employee whose 140 EXHIBITORS work is assisted by nine volunteer com- FASHION SHOWS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN DOOR PRIZES • ADMISSION $7

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88 UA Suburban Section • DECEMBER 2001 missioners. Plans for 2002 include an ex­ hibit of residents' work through the UA Art League, she says. The commission's largest event is the Labor Day Arts Festival, which will showcase the arts for the 36th consecu­ tive year in 2002. It's held in Northam Park. The 2001 festival exhibited the work of 190 artists and drew thousands of viewers. The festival always features a children's area with arts-related crafts, music and refreshments. For those neither athletically nor ar­ tistically inclined, Upper Arlington offers a variety of opportunities for civic and volunteer work. "There is Rotary and the Lions, mentor leagues, alumni and historical societies, a leadership pro­ gram," says the chamber's Schwandt. "It all goes back to the community-minded- ness of small-town America, taking care of each other. People ger involved in Up­ per Arlington. Oh, and there's the garden council." Members of the Upper Arlington His­ torical Society sleuth for tidbits of city history. Genealogies, biographies, pho­ tos, house plans and maps are in demand 1771 KINGSDALE CENTER • Upper Arlington for the archives. The society sponsors the Wall of Honor at the municipal complex, (614)451-4277 showcasing people who brought honor and recognition to their hometown, such s al our Web silc: www.barronscalalog.com as the late James Rhodes, a four-term Ohio governor. The society sponsors tours of historic homes, a speaker's bureau, walking tours; it's also a source for information about historic preservation of housing.

UA Suburban Section • D EC E M BE R 2 00 1 89 JANE STONE, GRI Lifelong Resident of Upper Arlington!

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Helping Upper Arlington buyers and sellers with their real estate Community services offered by needs since 1972. Senior living firefighters and police officers include Safety Town, where kids learn traffic According to the 2000 census, 9,693 rules and regulations. people over age 55 live in Upper Arling­ Prudential ton, so it's no surprise that the city's sen­ ior center is hopping. Along with lunch, Calhoon Company cards and wellness programs, members REALTORS* enjoy a fitness room, a computer lab and (614) 777-1000 a variety of trips and tours. One item still on the city's to-do list is One group made the best of being a community center, according to UA prucalhoonrealtors.com stranded on the West Coast when air spokeswoman Emma Sonora. "The cen­ traffic was suspended during the national ter would provide active and passive terror crisis in September. They took a recreational opportunities to the commu­ bus across the country to get home and nity. It would be a gathering point for all enjoyed the trip despite the grim circum­ ages," says Sonora. The senior center stances that necessitated it, says Upper would move there, and a teen and youth Arlington Parks and Recreation director center would be part of the scheme, too. Ken Thompson. A task force of city officials and resi­ Seniors in need of a helping hand of­ dents is investigating options at two possi­ ten find it through the Upper Arlington ble locations—Kingsdale Shopping Cen­ Commission on Aging, an advocacy ter and Reed Road Park. "It's all in the in­ group. Through one commission service vestigative stage now," says Sonora. called Kind Call, a computer calls the Police and firefighters offer communi­ homes of seniors at specific times daily. If ty services when they're not investigating no one answers, the computer will in­ incidents or putting out fires. Kids learn form a relative or neighbor, who can to avoid trouble at Safety Town; and se­ check up on the senior. The commission curity and fireinspection s are available. CfirtrlAL OHIO'S also offers a senior transportation pro­ There are places of worship for many gram. faiths in Upper Arlington. Some offer their comprehensive Parks and Recreation offers father- own social clubs, service projects and fun daughter and mother-son Valentine par­ events. St. Andrew Catholic Church wel­ golfnewspaper ties, and parties in the parks for teens. comed the community to a summer festi­ There is a Halloween haunted house val in 2001. Many churches offer summer and an Easter egg hunt. Classes include vacation bible schools for children. Some horseback riding and baby sitting, taught also sponsor preschool programs. by the American Red Cross. In summer­ Options for shopping in Arlington in­ time Upper Arlington's three outdoor clude Kingsdale Shopping Center, Lane yritdOfao pools are the places to be for both adults Avenue Shopping Center and Tremont and kids. Center. Larger venues, including the Mall Arlington's 170 acres of parkland of­ at Tuttle Crossing, the Mill Run commer­ (JODRER fer opportunities for both passive and ac­ cial district and Lennox Town Center, are tive recreation. There are wooded spaces a short hop by car. • FOR A SUBSCRIPTION CALL that make residents grateful for the city's (614) 848-GOLF (4653) meticulous early planning, Cassell says. No one in UA has to go far to get back to Rosemary Kubera Good burn is a reporter nature. for Suburban News Publications.

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