Millo Arts Center

Millo Arts Center

About the Neighborhood

The Milo-Grogan neighborhood is an urban mix of residential and manufacturing property, just outside of downtown Columbus. The neighborhood has an eclectic mix of residents, including a significant number of artists who have studio space in the neighborhood.

Although Milo-Grogan is perhaps one of the oldest communities in the City of Columbus, it is also one of the least recognized. Originally, Milo-Grogan was established as Milo and Grogan, separate but neighboring communities. Both communities were similar due to their population and livelihood tied closely to the railroad, which surrounded them. Each neighborhood was also very heavily populated with Italian immigrants who worked for the railroad.

These areas, Milo and Grogan, accumulated many boarding houses due to the large number of male railroad employees, giving the communities rough reputations. Despite the large numbers of single men, there were still many families living in Milo and Grogan. In 1920, the two communities were annexed to Columbus and renamed Milo-Grogan.

During the early and middle twentieth century, Milo-Grogan thrived. Manufacturers moved into the area producing thousands of jobs. During the day, restaurants thrived due to the influx of workers in the area and at night neighborhood bars prospered. The Timken Roller Bearing Co., located at the southwest corner of Cleveland & 5th Avenues was once the largest private employer in the county, and was among at least 10 heavy manufacturing companies in Milo-Grogan.

Location

The planning area boundaries are I-670 to the south, railroad tracks to the east and west, and Eleventh Avenue and the railroad tracks to the north.

Community and Civic Organizations

Milo Grogan Area Commission
http://www.columbusinfobase.org/ac/east5th/milo.asp

Places of Interest

Milo Arts Center
http://www.miloarts.com/
Timken Redevelopment Site

Parks and Recreation

Milo-Grogan Recreation Center
http://recparks.columbus.gov/RecCenters/RecCenters_26.asp