Hilltop RISE

10/12/2026

We’ve spent the last several months introducing the Hilltop RISE Board - neighbors, professionals, and community leaders who bring a wide range of experience and a shared commitment to the Hilltop. Next up: Eric Green.

Eric was born and raised on The Hilltop and, as the owner of Good Life Barbershop, brings a small-business perspective grounded in daily connection with the community. His shop serves as a trusted neighborhood hub, and his board service reflects a commitment to ensuring growth is shaped by and for the people who call The Hilltop home.

10/08/2026

Halloween Hop is THIS SATURDAY! Trick-or-treat at the local businesses, shop local goods, get crafty with face-painting and gothic calligraphy.

10/07/2026

Volunteers needed this Saturday!

Sign up here: https://www.givepulse.com/event/927053-tree-planting-glenwood-united-methodist-church?fbclid=IwY2xjawUzb3RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5EVthQEXfxdLf0J1-GRGHUBiiZCsGSMGw2ZICml4RnkEtTuegVdccf_PjtBw_aem_QlJoyBW3NRavecqM3Fzv6g

10/07/2026

Global Smiles Orthodontics has been in their current location at 3160 West Broad Street since 2019. Before purchasing and renovating their building (which was a significant undertaking), Dr. Mendieta practiced nearby with another orthodontist and bought the practice from him in 2011. It was important to Dr. Mendieta to remain and invest in this community while growing his business.

Global Smiles has 8 employees, most of which have been on staff for many years. Yara, a Dental Assistant pictured with Dr. Mendieta, is a former patient of Dr. Mendieta’s and is now studying to become an orthodontist herself! Global Smiles recently acquired a 3D printer, which is just one way they improve care through technology. The staff really focuses on providing a clean, kind, and welcoming environment for patients. Dr. Mendieta enjoys serving multi-generational families through his practice.

10/06/2026

Read our October Newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/hilltoprise.org/october-2026-newsletter-12935137?e=cddaa0518c

09/25/2026

Our staff spent part of last week with our peers from around the state in economic and community development at the Ohio CDA’s annual conference, which was held in Athens. The conference’s theme was “Rooted in Place.”

Because our work is hyper-focused on the Hilltop, it’s easy to forget that our community’s challenges are being faced by similar communities all over Ohio (and elsewhere). Among many other things, we learned how other communities are addressing their challenges, about creative funding solutions for redevelopment projects, and the statewide advocacy the Ohio CDA is working on.

It was exciting to see examples of great work being done throughout the state, particularly in and around Athens.

09/23/2026

With the return to school following summer break, we thought it would be appropriate that our next Historic Hilltop Corner highlight Highland Elementary School, located at 40 S. Highland Ave. Highland Elementary School was also featured as a stop on our recent Historic Walking Tour in July. 

Highland Elementary is one of the oldest schools in Columbus and one of several schools designed by noted Columbus architect David Riebel. He became the first head of the architecture department at Columbus Board of Education and the lead architect for Columbus City Schools in 1893. Through his career, Riebel designed roughly 35 Columbus schools.

The present Highland Elementary School was built in the late 1800’s, but the original school building started out as a one-room schoolhouse at the corner of W. Broad and Highland Avenue. The school was built in two phases. The north portion with the decorative columns at the entrance was constructed around 1895 at a cost of $18,000. The ‘addition’ to the south was built not too long afterwards, somewhere between 1899-1910. Both the addition and the original look nearly the same.

09/23/2026

Order today if you want the Hilltop Heart shirt to ship in this batch!

Our mission is to facilitate mindful economic growth & development on the Hilltop.. We?re committed to supporting new and existing businesses, property owners, and the...

09/14/2026

Dan Fagan joined the Hilltop RISE Board earlier this year. Dan is a longtime Hilltop resident with a career rooted in social work, public service, and affordable senior housing. A former leader on the Greater Hilltop Area Commission, he brings deep experience in aging services and community development to support seniors and strengthen connections across the neighborhood.

09/12/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to a contractor issue, we need to cancel our tour at Broad & Westgate. We hope to offer community members another opportunity to see the space in the future

THIS SATURDAY is the Hilltop Hop!

Update: Due to a contractor issue, we need to cancel our tour at Broad & Westgate. We hope to offer community members another opportunity to see the space in the future.

We are hosting “hard-hat” tours of the commercial spaces at Broad & Westgate during the Hop. Please meet us at 10:30AM and 11:45AM outside Best Side Studio to see the spaces and hear our renovation plans!