This page covers Franklinton's real geography relative to the convention center, its own event space at COSI, and its ongoing redevelopment as a creative campus district.
Franklinton, Columbus, OH execution priorities
- COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, located on the riverfront with its own private event spaces
- A short drive or walk across the Rich Street or Main Street bridges from downtown
- A growing creative campus district around buildings such as 400 West Rich and the Gravity development
- A flood-protection floodwall built after historic flooding, relevant mostly as local history rather than logistics
- No exhibit-hall-scale venue comparable to the convention center or Ohio Expo Center
Franklinton's geography relative to downtown
Franklinton sits on the west bank of the Scioto River, directly across from downtown Columbus and reachable via the Rich Street or Main Street bridges. It was historically called the Bottoms because of repeated flooding before a protective floodwall was completed.
That close riverfront position makes it an easy add-on to a downtown show itinerary, even though it functions as its own distinct neighborhood rather than an extension of the convention center campus.
COSI as a private event resource
COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, sits on the Franklinton riverfront and offers its own private event spaces separate from its public museum operations. It is a genuine option for a hosted reception or off-site gathering during a show week.
Booking COSI follows its own venue process, distinct from the convention center's exhibitor manual, so any group considering it should work directly with COSI's event team rather than assuming convention center terms apply.
Franklinton's creative district and ongoing redevelopment
In recent years, Franklinton has developed a creative campus identity around buildings like 400 West Rich and the Gravity mixed-use development, drawing artists, small businesses, and event space into a neighborhood that was largely industrial for decades.
That redevelopment adds hospitality and off-site event options within easy reach of downtown, though the district is still smaller in scale than the Arena District or German Village for that purpose.
What Franklinton does not offer for the main show floor
Franklinton has no exhibit-hall-scale venue of its own, so a program's actual show floor still belongs at the convention center downtown or the Ohio Expo Center to the north.
Its value is as a nearby, riverfront hospitality and satellite-event option, not as an alternative to the venue actually hosting the show.
- Book COSI event space directly through its own venue team rather than assuming convention center terms
- Use the Rich Street or Main Street bridges for a quick connection between downtown and Franklinton
- Keep the actual exhibit floor planning tied to the convention center or Ohio Expo Center
Parking and access notes for a Franklinton event
Franklinton's parking supply is more limited than downtown's, since much of the neighborhood is still transitioning from its industrial past into a mixed creative and residential district, so a hosted event here benefits from confirming parking or rideshare drop-off ahead of time.
Evening access across the river is straightforward via either bridge, and traffic is generally lighter than downtown's own core, which is part of why COSI and the surrounding district work well for an after-hours group.
Questions about Franklinton, Columbus, OH
Is COSI a good option for a hosted event during a Columbus trade show?
Yes, COSI offers private event space on the Franklinton riverfront, though it must be booked directly through its own venue team.
How close is Franklinton to downtown Columbus?
Very close, connected by the Rich Street and Main Street bridges across the Scioto River, making it an easy add-on to a downtown show itinerary.
Why was Franklinton historically called the Bottoms?
Because of repeated flooding along the Scioto River before a protective floodwall was completed.
Does Franklinton have an exhibit hall for trade shows?
No. Its main show-related value is as a nearby hospitality and satellite-event option; the actual exhibit floor still belongs at the convention center or Ohio Expo Center.
What is 400 West Rich in Franklinton?
It is one of the buildings anchoring Franklinton's growing creative campus district, part of the neighborhood's redevelopment from a largely industrial area.
Is parking easy to find for a Franklinton event?
It is more limited than downtown, so confirming parking or a rideshare drop-off point ahead of time is worth doing for a hosted event.
What is the Gravity development in Franklinton?
A mixed-use project that is part of the neighborhood's broader creative campus redevelopment, alongside buildings like 400 West Rich.