One of the nation’s early and most successful urban revitalization campaigns, this charming and vital neighborhood was once home to working-class German immigrants. Now its brick streets, beautiful gardens, and delightful architecture are hallmarks of one of the country’s most prestigious urban addresses.

This is part two of WOSU’s documentaries: “Columbus Neighborhoods”

The American Planning Association has named German Village as one of it’s 2011 Great Places in America.

From their website…

“APA’s flagship program celebrates places of exemplary character, quality, and planning. Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow.

APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live. They are enjoyable, safe, and desirable. They are places where people want to be — not only to visit, but to live and work every day. America’s truly great streets, neighborhoods and public spaces are defined by many criteria, including architectural features, accessibility, functionality, and community involvement.” – American Planning Association

German Village was noted for having  ”Unpretentious, renovated houses and cottages stand shoulder to shoulder. Small, meticulously maintained front yards front tree-lined streets with brick sidewalks and cultivated village planters. Small businesses and storefronts with eye-catching displays and the aroma of culinary delights draw in passing pedestrians. German Village has remained true to its mid-19th century history, architecture, and character despite periods of disinvestment, decline, and near ruin” source & more info