The man the City of Columbus calls ‘The Godfather of the Short North’ has died

A pioneer who helped the Short North become a hub for dining, nightlife and community has passed away.

According to an obituary, Sandborn “Sandy” Wood died on March 9 in his home.

The man, who was dubbed “‘The Godfather’ of the Short North” by the City of Columbus, was the founder of the prolific development group Wood Cos., and was one of the catalysts in the redevelopment of the Short North in recent decades.

Born in 1938, Wood began focusing on development in the Short North in the early 1980s. He was touted not only for new projects, but for a dedication to preserving the Short North’s history along the way. Wood Cos. was one of the first to implement Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits in the Short North.

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“While facing challenging times, he persevered, never straying in his commitment to work with neighborhood stakeholders and foster a grassroots movement to create something special in Columbus,” Wood’s obituary reads.

One of the city’s most prominent restaurant groups, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, addressed Wood’s death and the endurance of his impact in the Short North in a statement over the weekend.

“Known affectionately as ‘the godfather’ of the Short North Arts District, Sandy had a great vision for the area in the 1980s and believed it was possible to transform the #ShortNorth neighborhood into a premier district that celebrated entrepreneurship and the arts,” the statement from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants reads.

Want to read more? Check out our print publication, (614) Magazine. Learn where you can find a free copy of our new March issue here!

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