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In the beginning there was generosity, an international note, and commitment to
service. That beginning was in 1802 when President Thomas Jefferson granted the lands to the east of the Scioto River to refugees
from Nova Scotia and Canada who had supported the colonies during the Revolutionary War. Jefferson Avenue's first residential
use came in 1838 as the site of the Ohio Lunatic Asylum. Over 450 patients lived in facilities in this state-run institution.
In November of 1868, the buildings were destroyed by fire and the Asylum moved to the Hilltop area.
In the mid-1880's, Jefferson Avenue became a residential development called East
Park Place. Its residents were ministers, jewelers, druggists, and even humorists-to-be (James Thurber lived with his family
here in the 1910s). East Park Place's broad avenues were unique for their large central parks, which were used perhaps most
notably as an exercise ring for circus elephants. Many of the avenue's homes were designed in the Italianate style, and all
featured soaring ceilings, sweeping staircases, and ample carriage houses in back for the horses.
The once grand buildings
fell into disrepair before the Jefferson Center Association was incorporated in 1975 to increase both the number and quality
of learning opportunities which can be made available to the citizens of the Greater Columbus community by providing funds
and facilities for the support of charitable, religious, educational, and scientific organizations.
In 1983, the Jefferson
Avenue Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and the lovely buildings were restored.
Over
the past 25 years, The Jefferson Center for Learning and the Arts has seen organizations form, develop, and even outgrow the
creative and collaborative environment offered in this unique nonprofit community. In 2001, the Board of Trustees approved
a master plan detailing future building, lighting, and landscaping for the area. The dedication of one building in 2003 to
the founding Vorys family forms the centerpiece of the plan. New buildings and additional public art soon will grace the avenue,
further supporting the mission of providing the Columbus nonprofit community with the environment, space, and colleagues so
important to the good work that they do.
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