Local hero helps revival of downtown Columbus with “Walk & Shop” initiative
Rollyn Yost’s grassroots effort sparks new energy in Columbus square
COLUMBUS - What began as a simple day off for Rollyn Yost turned into the spark that reignited Down -
town Columbus.
In April 2025, Yost-
founder and broker of RCR PROPERTIES INC with over 50 years of real estate experience-set out for a quiet day of shopping in the downtown square. But what she saw deeply concerned her: empty sidewalks, quiet storefronts and a noticeable
decline in foot traffic. To someone with Yost's expe - rience, the warning signs were clear.
"I've seen too many towns lose their identity when the heart of their com- munity-the downtown-
starts to fade," Yost said.
Rather than walk away, she took action.
Yost launched the "Co -
lumbus Downtown Walk & Shop," a grassroots initia - tive that has since brought fresh life to the square. Uniting all 13 downtown businesses-seven retail shops, six restaurants, and five museums-she coordi nated the creation of a trifold brochure featuring each business. These brochures were then distributed within
the businesses themselves, encouraging shoppers to ex - plore all that the area has to offer.
But she didn't stop there. Understanding the pow - er of collaboration and vis - ibility, Yost organized the downtown business group to join the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, enhancing their collective social media reach and tying in promo -
tions with the city's outdoor Columbus Market Day. Lo - cal retailers now participate in a monthly "Sidewalk Sale" flyer, giving both res - idents and visitors a reason to return again and again.
Perhaps most impressive of all, Yost found a way to bring the crowds-literally.
By partnering with churches, YMCAs, and community centers, she has coordinated transportation to downtown Columbus. By the end of 2025, 12 bus - es will have brought eager shoppers and diners into the heart of the city, directly supporting local businesses.
"The foot traffic and en - ergy have picked up signifi - cantly," said one downtown business owner. "Rollyn has given us hope-and results." And she's not finished yet. Yost is currently spear - heading the development of a new website designed to promote downtown Columbus's retail stores, restaurants, and short-term rentals like Airbnbs and VRBOs. The goal? To make downtown not just a local attraction, but a regional destination. RCR is now sponsoring an Indoor Mar - ket at Ro-Manor Venue, Dec. 10-11. "This isn't about me," Yost said. "It's about our community-our neighbors, our businesses, our future, and our property values. I just saw a need and decided to act on it."
Thanks to her dedication and vision, along with oth - ers who feel the same way, Downtown Columbus is no
longer quietly fading-it's making a comeback.
