German Village; One of a Kind Historic District

 German Village is overflowing with culture and rich history; it is no wonder why it draws so many people in, whether they choose to live here or stop through for a visit, there is no denying it's unique charm and architectural brilliance. The area was originally developed between 1840 and 1914 when it was settled by German immigrants, whose descendants made up around a third of the population in Columbus (germanvillage.com). A normal day in that time, after they finished a day at work, the storekeepers, brewery workers, carpenters, and other laborers would set off to their local bier gartens where relaxing was imminent. It was it's own piece of Germany to the settler's and to this day provides a rich experience of German culture through it's original building's that have characteristics all their own to the local restaurants that still capture the essence of the Village's ancestors.

It became known as German Village in 1960, when it was recognized as historic; however, the historic architecture of the neighborhood was almost destroyed in demolition, but thanks to concerned and caring resident's whom lobbied for a local commission that year, it was preserved and was left untouched.The German Village Society then petitioned for the area to be rezoned as a high-density residential zone, therefore eliminating industrial sites and severely limited commercial zones. These restrictions made in the 1960's were essentially what kept the heart of German Village thriving, and we are so very grateful that they did! The German Village Historic District was created after an ordinance passed through the Columbus City Council, giving the Commission authority to review potential designs of the buildings to preserve their historic standard; making it one of the rare and few historic districts with an architectural review board with the intent to keep the area's character alive.

"The German Village Society presently has nearly 1,000 preservationist-minded members who are dedicated to maintaining the historic quality of the buildings and neighborhood. As a result, German Village is currently considered one of the most desirable areas to live in the city, if not the premiere place in Columbus to live," (germanvillage.com).

The modest, but elegant, aesthetics of the neighborhoods with homes primarily of red-brick with tastefully, antique iron fences are truly a sight to see. You can't help but to take your time as you drive through this part of the city, on it's handsome brick paved streets, as it becomes a joy-ride instead of a rush to get to your destination. Most resident's and visitors make sure to take a few hours out of their schedule to park themselves at the Book Loft; slipping away into a novel and soaking up the fresh air. There are a surplus of events that take place starting in May and throughout the summer months until mid-December that attract people from all over Columbus:

Village Singers Concert – May 2-3, 2015

German Village Garten Club Jazz & Juleps – May 8, 2015

Jazz and Juleps is a signature event of the German Village Garten Club held the Friday evening before the Garten Markt. This is your opportunity to buy our fabulous selection of specialty plants, planters, trellises, garden art, jewelry, gifts for Mother’s Day, and other special items before the GartenMarkt opens to the public on Saturday. Enjoy a lush buffet, juleps and other beverages, the entertaining vibes of Jazz Mary and her keyboard, and mingle with your neighbors. Tickets are $30.

German Village Garten Club Garten Markt – May 9, 2015

GartenMarkt will feature exotic succulents, connoisseur perennials and annuals, vibrant coleus, herbs, tropical blooming plants, hostas from supersized to miniature, and lush hanging baskets and planters. In addition, GartenMarkt will have unique decorative items for your garden including stone carvings, iron plant stands, metal trellises, and bird houses. You’ll also be able to find beautiful hand-crafted jewelry, along with special gift items. Enjoy shopping for unique plants and garden décor with your friends and neighbors. Free admission. 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Village Valuables – May 16, 2015

More than 10,000 bargain-hunters from all over Central Ohio flood German Village for the city’s biggest yard sale day. Residents set up shop on the sidewalks, and in their yards and garages, selling their treasures: everything from housewares to antiques and plenty of one-of-a-kind items that make this an annual destination event. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m

Shakespeare in Schiller Park – Actors’ Theatre of ColumbusAll performances are on the Schiller Park Amphitheatre stage on Thursday-Sunday nights at 8 p.m.

“Captain Blood” May 21-June 21

“Richard III” June 25-Aug. 2

“The Miser” Aug. 6-Sept. 6

Haus und Garten PreTour – June 27, 2015

Haus und Garten Tour  – June 28, 2015 

Every last Sunday of June, German Village opens its doors and garden gates for the German Village Society’s annual Haus und Garten Tour. The 55th edition will welcome 5,000 visitors who flood the Village for the day-long celebration of renowned designs, enchanting gardens and award-winning restorations.  The contrast between 1870s exteriors and ultra-modern updates inside is stunning and memorable. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Art Crawl – July 18, 2015

This is the night we turn garages into art galleries, combining the historic fabric of German Village and its rich art tradition. Individual artists exhibit and sell their work and local musicians provide live entertainment while 2,500 ticketholders sip wine, nosh snacks and enjoy a magical July evening. 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Tea 43206 – August 22, 2015

Friends of Schiller Benefits – October 2015

Kindred Spirits, a Bourbon Tasting for men in support of Friends of Schiller: Please join us for a bourbon tasting for men. Monograms & Martinis, a sipping/noshing/shopping event for women: A benefit for women in support of Friends of Schiller.

Monster Bash presented by BOSS Fitness – October 17, 2015

Village Lights presented by Schmidt’s – December 6, 2015

Visitors from across Central Ohio kick off the holiday on the historic streets of German Village and discover a world of lights and holiday magic! Our 10,000 guests follow luminaries from shops to businesses and restaurants open late with holiday treats, discounts and special offers. Festive surprises are at every corner including carolers, live holiday music and a horse-drawn carriage. 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

(Annual Events List from the German Village Society: http://germanvillage.com/annualevents/ )

For those of you with four-legged family members, there are a couple dog parks nearby that your furry friends will love: Scioto Audubon Metro Park includes a dog park as well as trails for hiking, fishing, and even a climbing wall for the adventurous folks! Frank Fetch Park is another place to bring the dogs for some off leash fun to release some energy and socialize with others. 

Another park that may spark some fancy for you, is Schiller Park. It is located in the heart of German Village and is consistently bustling with joggers, people lost in their books, locals walking their dogs, or people simply relaxing and getting their dose of fresh air and nature. It is a gorgeous environment and provides a place of peace for many to escape to after a long, busy day. 

The median sales price for homes in this area from Nov. 14- Feb. 15 was $315,000 based on 21 sales; compared to last year during that time, the number of sales have increased 110% while the sales price decreased 15.3%, equivalent to $57,000. The average listing price from the week of February 18th for German Village was $722,683 compared to other neighborhoods including: Olde Town East at $254,942; Merion Village $161,100; Dexter Falls $178,913; Victorian Village $514,913; Somerset $220,000. 

Living in the village, you are never far from the trendiest, popular events and finding a tasty place to eat is hardly a challenge. Try these local food hubs: Lindey's, Thurman's Cafe (check out my review before going!), Barcelona, German Village Coffee Shop, and The Old Mohawk are just a few of your superb choices...

Whether you are raising a family, looking for a lively night life, or are interested in being a part of a united, close-knit community then this may be a place to consider calling home. Stay tuned for my upcoming article on Schumacher Place, as it sits on the outskirts of German Village, giving residents the best of both worlds with more affordable homes.

If you are interested in German Village, check out our website at www.grt-group.com and also search the Columbus MLS. I am more than happy to answer your real estate questions via phone, text, or email.