Neighborhood Design Center

The 2026 CoLab Studio has completed its summer project, Serenity Space, after 7 weeks of learning, designing, and implementing a better future for the Linden community.

Our 11 interns worked through heat and rain to deliver a community park for all. Sitting right across from the Columbus Metropolitan Library Linden Branch, we invite our community to gather and enjoy a space built for and by our neighbors!

Want to get involved with the CoLab? There are more opportunities to get your hands dirty with completing the Serenity Space in the upcoming weeks with planting, landscaping, and building. Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on our socials to stay in the loop!

🎉🎉Coming this Friday to Linden!

Welcome to Serenity Space: a place for healing, gathering, and joy. Over the past 7 weeks, our CoLab Studio high school interns have been hard at work designing and implementing a beautification project on Cleveland Ave.

Designed for , this site will be a year-round rally point for community programming in the Linden Area.

Our final site will be revealed this FRIDAY, July 24th, during our Final Celebration between 12P-2P. Come by, meet our 11 incredible designers, and learn how they transformed a site into an oasis.

Ready to give your storefront a fresh new look? The Power of One program offers a one-time grant of up to $10,000 to help enhance your business’ curb appeal and make a lasting first impression.

Apply by 5:00p.m. on May 29th and visit POWER1CBUS.ORG for more details!

The Lincoln's commitment to the arts ecosystem of Columbus is reflected in its variety of performing arts programs. All housed within the historic Lincoln Theater, we're sharing ways in which one of Long St.'s oldest institutions is continuing to give back to its community.
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Columbus Is My Neighborhood is NDC’s platform for amplifying the stories of individuals from all backgrounds that have shaped the growth of the city we call home. Discover the role of the arts in building community!

Aniya Valentine is a senior at Eastmoor Academy whose passion for artistic expression is leading her toward a future in architecture and fashion.

During her time as a CoLab Studio intern, Aniya teamed up with nine of her peers to navigate the architectural process from beginning to end, witnessing firsthand how design can create stronger communities. The experience left a lasting impression, inspiring her to pursue other creative outlets that make a difference.

Aniya has continued to grow her skills as both an artist and leader beyond CoLab Studio. This includes having taken part in her school’s musical set design, embracing opportunities that challenged her to fail, restart, go outside of her comfort zone, and adapt. Following her upcoming graduation, Aniya will attend the University of Cincinnati to study Architecture with a minor in Fashion Design, allowing her to combine the creative skill set she’s developed with the more mathematical side of art.

An active member of her school community, Aniya is involved in cross country, track and field, student council, National Honor Society, their student newspaper, and broadcasting team, bringing energy and curiosity into everything she does.

Today’s the day–join us TONIGHT for our short film premiere to hear directly from Aniya and other panelists! Get your tickets now through the link in our bio and be a part of the conversation🤝

From Columbus to Cleveland🚀

Our team hit the road this week to spend time with the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative, getting to know their office and the projects they’re bringing to life across Northeast Ohio.

Opportunities like this remind us why we do what we do, and how much stronger our impact can be when we learn from one another. Thank you to for the warm welcome and congrats on 25 years of design in action!

Rooted in the South Side and shaped by community, Aaron D. Hamilton’s story is deeply connected to the place he calls home.

Born at Grant Hospital just miles from Community Development for All People’s Fresh Market, Aaron has spent his life growing alongside his neighborhood. Today, he serves as the Market’s manager, bringing that same sense of care and connection into his work each day. As part of the Community Development for All People (CD4AP) family for nearly two years, Aaron takes pride in supporting the food program and witnessing the impact it has on local families.

was formed in 2003 with the mission of improving the quality of life for persons on the South Side of Columbus. Of their facilities, the Fresh Market was selected to be our 2025 CoLab Studio’s project client. In partnership with Mid-Ohio Food Collective, CD4AP’s food program is one of Ohio’s largest distributors of free produce. Given this context, our interns were tasked with creating an experience for users that reflects the market’s commitment to radical hospitality.

For Aaron, this work is personal, and seeing artwork that reflects the love, energy, and spirit of the community makes it all the more meaningful.

Join us for our May 7th short film premiere to hear directly from Aaron and other panelists! Get your tickets now through the link in our bio and be part of the conversation🤝

The Lincoln Theatre’s legacy has been shaped by the leaders, artists, and community members who helped it thrive through every chapter of its history. From visionaries who first brought the space to life, to those who restored and preserved it for future generations, their impact continues to define what the theatre is today.

Take a look back at some of the influential figures who have contributed to the Lincoln’s nearly 100-year story.

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Columbus is my neighborhood is NDC’s platform for amplifying the stories of individuals from all backgrounds that have shaped the growth of the city we call home. Discover the role of the arts in building community!