It’s been some time in the making, but the first Bold Booth project, Coney Island, is now open and operational in the parking lot of the Westin Columbus Hotel. The Bold Booths Project is an extension of Finding Time: ColumbusPublicArt2012. These installations combine art and function in one-of-a-kind booths which are unique to downtown Columbus. The booths provide shelter for parking lot attendants, but also offer a touchpoint for a community dialogue about the role design plays in expanding the social capital within the city.

To celebrate the opening of the first Bold Booth, Capital Crossroads SID and The Ohio State University Office of Outreach and Engagement are hosting a Dedication and Lot Party on Sunday, June 7 from 2 - 4 p.m.

The event will be held in the parking lot of the Westin Columbus Hotel, and refreshments will be provided by The Westin Columbus and Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant. Speakers for the event include Malcolm Cochran, Project Manager, Bold Booths; Bart Overly, Blostein/Overly Architects; Steve Shoney, Director of Development, City of Columbus; Doug Kridler, President, The Columbus Foundation; Cleve Ricksecker, Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District; and Halley Karas, General Manger, The Westin Columbus - Great Southern Hotel.

Coney Island was designed by Blostein/Overly Architects; its name is an homage to the legendary Southern Theatre. Bold Booths is a partnership between Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District and The Ohio State University Office of Outreach and Engagement with support from The Columbus Foundation.