Our vision

"NextGen will catalyze opportunities that ultimately transform communities into vibrant, productive places desired by both residents and businesses."

Columbus Next Generation Corporation is reestablishing the history of thriving business enterprise and supportive community partners along Franklinton, Linden, the Near East Side, and Parsons Avenue.

How NextGen works

From vacant parcel to community asset

NextGen identifies underutilized land, secures control of the property, builds a master plan, completes feasibility studies, and gathers community input — then positions the project for developers to complete construction.

NextGen’s targeted area falls within the 1950 boundaries of the City of Columbus, with emphasis on Linden, Franklinton, the Near East Side, Parsons Avenue, and the Southside. The corporation currently holds more than 20 parcels, valued at roughly $3 million, primarily in the Linden area.

Columbus has the lowest unemployment rate among Ohio’s major metros — but a significant supply of underutilized land remains in communities that need economic stimulation. NextGen was formed by the City of Columbus to help close that gap.

Founded 2012 · City of Columbus

Identifying underutilized land. Building the case for what comes next.

NextGen was created by former Mayor Michael Coleman to find core-neighborhood properties with the potential to thrive — then do the patient work of preparing them for redevelopment.

2012

CORPORATION FOUNDED

20+

PARCELS CURRENTLY HELD

$3M+

LAND VALUE UNDER CONTROL

5

CORE NEIGHBORHOODS

Since 2012

Track record

A record of acquisitions, renovations, and dispositions across Columbus’s core neighborhoods.

  • Sold the former Carl L. Brown grocery store site (5 acres, Mt. Vernon Ave.) to Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, clearing the way for New Poindexter Village.
  • Acquired a former adult bookstore on Parsons Avenue; later sold to a developer and now a vegan restaurant.
  • Renovated four City of Columbus–owned properties in Franklinton to support East Franklinton revitalization.
  • Purchased a former drive-thru store, now a free fresh-produce market serving 4,000+ Franklin County residents monthly.
  • Acquired 1410 Cleveland Avenue, saving the Point of Pride building from foreclosure; transferred to the City in 2017.
  • Secured the former McNabb Funeral Home site on East Long Street, preserving its historical elements.
  • Selected Kingsley+Co and Borror to develop a ~$20M mixed-use project of commercial space and apartments.
  • Ongoing support for small and minority-owned businesses as part of NextGen's commitment to emerging enterprise.

Have land or a property to partner on?

Let's rebuild Columbus's neighborhoods together.

Contact Our Team →