Julie Andres was introduced to Columbia City in 1999 when she was hired as chef for La Medusa, a popular restaurant known for its Sicilian Soul Food. She fell in love with the neighborhood. In 2002 she and her husband Evan bought their first home here, encouraged by the area’s strong real estate market.

The following year, Julie and Evan further solidified their investment in the community by becoming the new proprietors of La Medusa. The original owners were moving on and they offered it to the couple. The two jumped at the chance. To keep the excitement going, Evan, a baker, has opened a bakery four doors south from La Medusa, adding yet another tasty amenity to the neighborhood.

As a Columbia City home and business owner, Julie has immersed herself in the community, supporting local artists, non-profits, and events such as Beat Walk. One of the community events Julie is especially fond of is the Farmers’ Market. Each week during open season, she shops at the market for her restaurant, catching up with friends and neighbors at the same time.

Of her neighborhood, Julie notes, “There’s a real sweetness about Columbia City — you have your own butcher shop, post office and neighborhood bookstore. Everything you need is within a three block area. Plus the community is so culturally diverse and the residents are really respectful and supportive of each other’s cultural uniqueness. It’s a very special neighborhood.”

There are over 90 languages spoken in Columbia City, and Julie’s words ring true in every one of them. Columbia City is a neighborhood of people of all nations united in community spirit and pride.