The Dispatch wrote Diversity blossoms in home of Hilltop Bean Dinner
Sunday, August 10, 2008
BY SHERRI WILLIAMS
When Jason and Michelle Harris relocated from State College, Pa., to Columbus last year, they looked at houses in the suburbs, including Bexley and Grove City. But they chose Westgate on the Hilltop because of the varied styles of affordable housing and the homey feel of the neighborhood.
Westgate was founded in the mid-1920s as one of Columbus’ streetcar suburbs, a portion of it built on land where Union soldiers trained and Confederate soldiers were imprisoned. While much of the Hilltop fell into decline in the 1970s, Westgate remained a solid middle-class neighborhood. Today, there are new faces in the neighborhood. Young couples and singles seeking Clintonville-style homes at a lower price are looking at Westgate.
In April, residents banded together to start the Westgate Neighbors Association. With about 100 members, it’s working to bring more small businesses to the area, including restaurants, coffee shops and bookstores on W. Broad Street and Sullivant Avenue.
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