Which Columbus, Georgia, street are you on: Broadway in Uptown or Broad in Downtown?
Whether or not you call it “Broad” or “Broadway,” Columbus residents know exactly what part of town you mean. Depending on who you ask, you may get two different answers. But, the directions will lead you to the same place, the heart of Columbus, Georgia.
Broad Street in Downtown (Uptown?) is as old as Columbus and has been around since the city’s founding in 1828, and its been “Broad” ever since. Early maps, like this one from 1878, prove the initial name.
The street was part of the original city plan drawn up by Dr. Edwin L. DeGraffenried, one of five commissioners appointed by Governor John Forsyth to lay out the new town, who saw the potential of its geography and placed it overlooking the Chattahoochee River.
The initial layout was a pretty simple rectangle, stretching thirteen blocks north to south and nine blocks east to west, with Broad Street serving as the main thoroughfare.
Broad Street or Broadway?
Broad Street quickly became a central part of Columbus’ commercial and social life and the “Broadway” nickname started to come up again and again. Eventually, it stuck and, historical sources suggest that the street has been known by both names since. Although, colloquially, it depends on who is calling it and where they’re standing on the street.
For instance, The Broad Street Methodist Episcopal Church, built in 1873 was cited as being located at 1323-1325 Broadway, conflating the two from the earliest days.” The Design Guidelines for Columbus, mentions, “The largest homes in the district are found along Broadway” yet later in the same document, it refers to “Broad Street” when discussing the typical layout of the area.
The double name persists, even today. The bar and pool lounge, Billiards on Broad, has an official address of 1111 Broadway. The lot that houses The Rankin Arts Center, originally called The Columbus Hotel, was purchased in 1828 yet has a Broadway address.
It’s Uptown, now.
The area surrounding Broadway has undergone many revitalization efforts, including a name change and rebranding of its own. An older generation of Columbus residents remember “Downtown” far differently than what it is today.
Uptown, a non-profit organization launched an “urban renewal” effort in the early 1980s. This change was part of a bigger dream for city leaders who saw its potential and were discouraged to see it go to waste.
The rebranding of the area was initiated by Jimmy Blanchard, then president of Columbus Bank & Trust, as a way to take advantage of the underutilized space. He saw the potential of the area and was inspired to make a change.
Blanchard infamously proclaimed, “We’re not going to let this happen to our downtown anymore — from now on, it’s gonna be called Uptown, and we’re going to change it.”
A major component of the gentrification was the investment in what has become the crown jewel of Uptown: The Riverwalk. It is a key component of the new brand.
Downtown no more
The term “Downtown” originally referred to the central business district along the Chattahoochee River, when Columbus was first founded in 1828. It provided vital transportation routes for trade and commerce, and it quickly became the commercial heart of Columbus, housing government buildings, businesses and social venues.
However, its reputation as one of the most vital areas of town began to decline, and by the 80s there were significant concerns about crime and homelessness. This reputation lingers among the older generation of Columbus and is married to the “Downtown” label.
By the late 1980s and into the 1990s, many residents viewed going “downtown,” as dangerous and it was an entirely different endeavor than it is today.
Today, Broad Street/Broadway in Downtown/Uptown is one of the most prestigious places to live and the most lucrative location for a business. Perhaps it’s the vibe from the river or because it’s home to the founding of Coca-Cola, but this area is integral to the genetic makeup of the city itself.
What is it to you? Take our (very un-scientific) survey to clear it up, once and for all.
If you have any fun stories about the “Broadway vs. Broad” or “Uptown vs. Downtown” debate send them to srose@ledger-enquirer.com.
This story was originally published January 15, 2025 at 3:34 PM.
