Urban Columbus Fish Ponds – Watch Out!

Great Blue Herons Mayor Coleman! I ran across this on a neighborhood message board….

“Just a reminder to folks with fish ponds.

I have noticed Giant Blue Herons flying across our downtown skies
recently. They are more than likely searching for easy sushi meals
provided by our well stocked fish ponds. If you don’t want to lose your
outdoor fish, I suggest you provide them with good hiding places in the
pond or consider covering your pond with netting (deer nets work well)
until your pond plants are able to provide sufficient cover for the fish
to hide from predators.”

I think we have a couple falcons around downtown also (?) and it’s not unusual to see a hawk or two flying around urban neighborhoods. I once saw a giant owl across the alley from me, 3 blocks from downtown.

Speaking of homes in German Village, the Brewery District and Merion Village retaining value, Don’t forget about the Columbus Audobon Park on the Whittier Peninsula, scheduled to open soon. See a power point presentation regarding the area here: A tourist trap for Birds.

What Happened to Olde Towne East’s Bryden Road?

This 3000+ sf home is listed @ 1/3 the price it sold at 3 years ago.

From Priceless to Plumbing-less, the crown jewel of Olde Towne East is surviving a tremendous reversal of fortune.

After decades of neglect, Bryden Road betweeen I-71 and Nelson Road rose to prominence in the beginning of this decade.  In 2003, the average Sold price of Bryden Road Homes was $230,615. In 2005, the nine homes that sold on Bryden averaged 79 days  on the market.  Even in 2006, the average price per square foot of Bryden Road homes was $93.00.

Today, the 23homes for sale (averaging a big 2800 sf) on Bryden have an average list price at $202,000 and an average of 195 days on the market. Where are the buyers for these historic Columbus homes?

Even the smaller homes on Bryden, one of only a few Columbus  historic Districts, tend to be brick and contain original woodwork and mantles and floors. Opulence, excess and largess are, or were, everywhere inside these homes. It’s obvious as you walk or drive down the street that this was once a who’s who of Columbus big-wigs.

Tonight, I’m showing a Bryden Road home that is listed at $134,900. I’ve been in the home before for a tour or party or something and I remember how marvelous it was.  This same 3000+ sf home sold just three years ago for $399,000. (yes–it looks like they had 100% financing)

The home’s fate echos that of Olde Towne East. <<Click HERE for Active Listings>>Just a couple/few years ago, home buyers were falling all over themselves to pick up one the great gems of housing stock–Perhaps the best in the city.  Now, many of those same buyers that bought at prices that steeply escalated have foreclosed on their homes and the banks seemingly can’t give them away. In the meantime, thieves have robbed some of them of their woodwork, their copper and their pride.

No doubt this makes those selling their big, historic Columbus homes at reasonable prices a little miffed as their homes sit on the market.  This is my neighborhood. I adore Olde Towne East. I want you to move here and take on a fixer-upper or a gorgeous move-in ready mansion.

The near East side will once again become a highly desireable neighborhood. Probably sooner than later. The proximity to downtown, the irreplacable housing stock and its affordability will attract buyers—especially out of town/East Coast buyers who can’t believe the deals to be had.  The friendly, welcoming community of home owners will keep them here.