I have lived in Hilliard for more than 40 years, and I see a pattern in our community. Each time there is change – we build a new school, a new housing development, a new business – first comes resistance, with overwhelming support from the community to follow. 

That resistance is important. It leads to thoughtful consideration every time a change is proposed and has led to development that maintains the integrity and hometown feel of our city. The culture of the Hilliard community is deeply rooted in the history of our town. Many Hilliard residents were born and raised here. They choose to stay in Hilliard because they have strong ties to the tight-knit community, and nostalgia is important to these residents. 

Downtown Hilliard has evolved in recent years. Change is shaping Hilliard into a destination. While Hilliard’s convention and visitors bureau has been known as Destination Hilliard for quite some time, the name is becoming increasingly fitting. 

With steel beams from the twin towers, Hilliard’s First Responders Park elicits a powerful response from visitors as they reflect on the events of 9/11 and the sacrifices made by local, state and national police, firefighters and other first responders.  

Just steps away, Hilliard’s Station Park provides a place for young families to splash and play. It is also a venue for community events, such as Celebration at the Station, the annual tree lighting and Saturday Morning Motivation at The Station for yoga and workouts. Center Street Market further elevates this space as a place for visitors of all ages to experience our signature “everyone’s hometown” feel. 

Destination Hilliard:Sweet treats and frozen feasts can be easily found this summer

A recent change to the downtown Hilliard landscape is the transformation of 4055 Main Street, the space known to most locals as “Mel’s,” into the new Shoppes by Westwood. Nestled next to Ketchum’s and Abner’s, The Shoppes at Westwood will offer four unique and innovative retail spaces: Birch Tree, Urban Market, MAK Home Furnishings and Old Hilliard Mercantile.

These shops will offer everything from apparel and home furnishings to modern-day general store merchandise. The work of local artisans will fill the shelves, providing an opportunity to shop local. 

Developer and Hilliard resident Andy Warnock’s transformation of this space incorporates Hilliard’s charm and hometown feel into a retail shopping destination.  

Mid-September, after the opening of each individual shop, The Shoppes by Westwood will hold an open-air market to celebrate their grand opening. The Shoppes plan to host events throughout the year to appeal to residents and visitors alike, creating a small-town, local shopping experience. 

Hilliard is changing and growing, and the landscape ahead is exciting. 

Yes, change is hard. But change can be beautiful. 

Samantha Brill is the tourism marketing coordinator for Destination Hilliard.