Linden neighborhood

Columbus city leaders formally broke ground Tuesday on a $19 million project to rebuild Hudson Street between I-71 and Cleveland Avenue.

Construction crews have broken ground on two three-story buildings considered the hearts of what Columbus officials call the Downtown Linden project. It’s an effort to add affordable housing and retail space in a neighborhood with a rich history but not much investment from developers.

With funding from the city of Columbus, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Columbus Next Generation Corporation and a couple nonprofits, the Linden Fresh Food Market now provides free food and pharmacy access to residents who qualify.