🔥 The 1977 Downtown Fire That Froze A Columbus City Block

Plus: ⛳️ Rise Brands Pulls Plug On The Bogey Inn Redevelopment

Author

Chelsea Wiley
March 02, 2026

Sponsored by North Market 🍴
North Market is calling your name! Whether you're exploring the original downtown location for its classic market charm or the Bridge Park spot in Dublin for a modern twist, there's no better place to eat, shop, and discover the best of Columbus. For more info, head over to northmarket.org.

Hello, March! Chelsea, here.

We’re down to the final few weeks of winter, and I’m feeling very ready for spring this year. Even if it feels silly to complain, because it’s not like freezing cold winters are exactly unheard of in Columbus. In February 1977, a massive fire broke out at Gay & High and changed a quarter of that block overnight. The images from that night really capture the surreal vibe of the massive fire being taken over by ice. It genuinely looks like it’s straight out of a movie, but I promise, it was real.

⛳️ Rise Brands Pulls Plug On The Bogey Inn Redevelopment
The big plans to transform The Bogey Inn into a golf-themed entertainment hub are officially off. Here’s what Rise Brands had envisioned and why the project won’t be moving forward.

🦬 The Best Things To Do At Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park will forever be one of my favorite places to explore nature in Central Ohio. I grew up spending a lot of time at the park, and it really did make me feel like I was being transported to a magical, whimsical world. From hiking and canoeing to bison sightings and hidden trails, there’s a little something for everyone to explore.

Headlines 📰 

🪦 Six years after construction crews discovered unidentified remains at Upper Arlington High School, the district is now asking a judge for permission to respectfully rebury them, including a young girl whose ashes would return to the former Litchford Family Cemetery site. Officials say they’ve worked with descendants and experts to honor the history of Pleasant Litchford and ensure the remains are finally laid to rest with care. (NBC4)

🏥 Around 200 Ohio State students, alumni, and community members rallied on the Oval this week, calling on the university to remove Les Wexner’s name from campus buildings over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. As officials review more than 200 renaming requests, protesters say they love Ohio State but want the university to “do better.” (WOSU)

📈 Less than two years after launching, The O.H.I.O. Fund has poured nearly $200 million into Ohio companies and real estate, backing everything from steel framing startups to wireless manufacturers as it doubles down on its “Bullish on Ohio” mantra. Fund leaders say the pace of investment is only picking up, with a big bet that manufacturing’s comeback can start right here at home. (Axios Columbus)

🌥️ Weather: 43 and cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
Explore Columbus through a new lens by checking out the arts-focused event calendar from Art Makes Columbus. Discover the events that bring our community together and experience art made authentically. For more info, head over to columbusmakesart.com.

Coming Up This Week 📆

Today's Photo 🤳

The Ohio Statehouse from State and High Streets. The building is draped in mourning for the death of Ulysses S. Grant, who died July 23rd, 1885.

Belated happy birthday, Ohio. 🎉 On March 1, 1803, the state officially became the 17th state in the Union and the first General Assembly convened, marking the moment we’ve celebrated ever since.

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- Chelsea