Candidate’s Biographical Sketch

Joaquin Serantes
33 E. Oakland Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43201
District: #1

Length of time living in the University Area: 23 years

Number of years as a resident or years involved with the neighborhood: 23 years

Occupation: Practicing designer in the field of Architecture

Commissioner Statement – Please state in 200 words or less, what particular experience and qualifications you can offer the University Area Commission. Please write information about your issues, concerns, goals for the neighborhood, personal information, etc. This section will be limited to 200 words.

I am a graduate from The Ohio State University with a Masters Degree in Architecture and I have been a resident and home owner in the University Area over 20 years. As a practicing designer in the field of Architecture, I bring special insights to the commission relative to the issues of design and urban planning. In addition, I bring expertise in sustainable design and LEED qualifications.

As the University District becomes denser, the challenges only become more concentrated. In recent years, the district has gone through many changes; some of these changes have initiated cultural shifts within the area. In the northern boundary of District 1 (Northwood Historic District), the population of home ownership has declined. This in conjunction with the increase of transient population has lead to the deterioration of sense of neighborhood.

Among the reasons why I joined the commission is to re-establish a sense of place to an area that is currently devoid of an environment which is conducive to establishing family life. The commission serves many purposes, along with facilitating the foundation of which to collaborate with a group of individuals that exhibit commitment and pride about their community.

UAC Committees/Positions – If a current or past commissioner, please list the committees that you serve on and any positions you hold or have held in the past with UAC.
Current member of UAC Zoning and Planning Committees