Columbus Landmarks

Historic preservation foundation in Ohio

For local landmarks in Columbus, see Columbus Register of Historic Properties.

Columbus Landmarks Foundation

Foundation office

Established| 1977
Location| 57 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio
Coordinates| 39°57′55″N 82°59′06″W﻿ / ﻿39.965336°N 82.985137°W﻿ / 39.965336; -82.985137
President| Peter Krajnak
CEO| Rebecca F. Kemper
Website| columbuslandmarks.org

U.S. National Register of Historic Places

Designated| December 2, 1982
Part of| Jefferson Avenue Historic District
Reference no.| #82001459 [1]

Columbus Register of Historic Properties

Designated| December 12, 1983
Part of| Jefferson Avenue Historic District
Reference no.| CR-23

The Columbus Landmarks Foundation, known as Columbus Landmarks, is a nonprofit historic preservation organization in Columbus, Ohio. The foundation is best-known for its list of endangered sites in the city and its annual design award, given to buildings, landscapes, and other sites created or renovated in Columbus. It was established in 1977 as a project of the Junior League of Columbus, Ohio, following the demolition of the city's historic Union Station. It is headquartered at 57 Jefferson Avenue, a contributing structure in the Jefferson Avenue Historic District in Downtown Columbus.

## History

[edit]

The organization was founded in July 1977.[2] It had its origins with the demolition of Union Station, the Daniel Burnham-designed train station torn down in the 1970s.[3] Local residents were disappointed with the destruction of numerous iconic buildings, which had set the city apart from others of its size, including Union Station, the Central Market, the second Franklin County Courthouse, the Deshler Hotel, and the Peruna Building.[4]

Around 1980, the organization was headquartered at 22 N. Front St., a small office space decorated with photographs of Union Station and desktops adorned with terra cotta remnants of the train station arcade. It had about 650 members, three part-time, and two full-time staff, as well as a large group of volunteers.[4]

In 2018, the foundation changed branding, including the design of a new logo which features the Union Station arch.[4]

## Activities

[edit]

As of 2019[update], the Columbus Landmarks Foundation has 1,500 members and corporations.[2] Activities include hosting about 75 tours and events each year and publishing an annual list of endangered sites in the city. The foundation also awards the Ed Lentz Prize for history and preservation projects, created in honor of its Director Emeritus in 2019; he is considered the preeminent Columbus historian.[2]

The Columbus Landmarks Foundation has two funds for preservation of central Ohio buildings, both announced in 2020. Its endangered properties fund is for purchasing or securing options for historic buildings at risk of demolition, and is funded by a $200,000 bequest made in 2009 from a family fund at the Columbus Foundation. Properties purchased are to be resold along with a preservation easement to owners aiming to preserve the property. Proceeds from the resale are to be returned to the fund. The other fund, for home preservation loans, provides loans with low interest rates to homeowners wishing to repair and maintain historic houses. The fund is aimed toward affordable neighborhoods, rather than upper-class areas like Victorian Village and German Village. The initial funding was $100,000 from a personal estate.[5]

The organization's first revolving fund for rehabilitating buildings was initiated around 1980. The first project using the fund was rehabilitation of 1063, 1065, and 1435 Oak Street, National Register-listed properties.[4]

### Headquarters

[edit]

The organization is headquartered at 57 Jefferson Avenue, part of the Jefferson Avenue Center in Downtown Columbus,[6] and a contributing building to the Jefferson Avenue Historic District. The building is a two-story residential-style structure with a mansard roof. It has narrow windows with incised lintels, similar to other buildings in the historic district. Towards the building's cornice are small rectangular frieze windows. The south façade includes a full bay window. An addition to the building's south side is of an unknown age. The property is separated from the sidewalk by an iron fence with limestone posts.[7]

### Endangered properties list

[edit]

Columbus Landmarks publishes an annual list of the most endangered properties in the city. The list is aimed to raise awareness to the sites' history and redevelopment potential.[2] The endangered site list was first released in May 2014.[8]

Sites added to the list are left abandoned or at risk of demolition, are at least 50 years in age, and contribute to the value and culture of Columbus. The organization recognizes five priority neighborhoods – areas that have faced historical disinvestment, and with the greatest historic building losses. The Hilltop, Linden, Milo-Grogan, King-Lincoln Bronzeville and the South Side are prioritized on the list.[9][10]

### Design award

[edit]

Columbus Landmarks also hosts the annual James B. Recchie Design Award, given to quality urban designs for new and existing buildings, parks, public art, and other spaces. The award was first given in 1984, in memory of one of the organization's founding trustees.[11]

Award winners include:[12]

Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Library Columbus Museum of Art Ohio Statehouse

* Municipal Light Plant (2022)
* Lower.com Field (2021)
* Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Library (2019)
* Columbus Metropolitan Library Northside Branch (2018)
* Nationwide Children's Hospital (2017)
* Columbus Museum of Art (2016)
* Columbus Metropolitan Library Driving Park Branch (2015)
* The Jack (2014)
* Scioto Mile and Main and Rich Street bridges (2012)
* Lincoln Theatre (2011)
* Franklin Park Residence and Gardens (2010)
* Thompson Library (2009)
* Community Properties (2008)
* North Bank Park and pavilion (2007)
* New Village Homes (2006)
* The I-670 Cap (2005)
* Ohio Judicial Center (2004)
* Central Ohio Fire Museum (2003)
* Arena District (2002)
* Smith Bros. Hardware Building (2000)
* Ohio Statehouse (1999)
* Topiary Park (1995)
* Greater Columbus Convention Center (1993)
* St. Turibius Chapel, Pontifical College Josephinum (1992)
* Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Library (1991)
* United States Post Office and Courthouse (1990)
* Son of Heaven exhibit (1989)
* St. Mary's Church interior (1988)
* Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Performing Arts (1987)
* Short North, Wood Companies (1986)
* Ohio Theatre's Galbreath Pavilion (1985)
* Trott & Associates (1984)

## See also

[edit]

* Columbus Historical Society

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
2. ^ a b c d Comstock, Paul (December 29, 2019). "Columbus Landmarks prize lauds historian, columnist Ed Lentz". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
3. ^ Wiggins, Michael De Bonis, Leticia (October 31, 2019). "Romance Out Of The Rubble". radio.wosu.org.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
4. ^ a b c d "New Look for Columbus Landmarks – Columbus Landmarks". The Columbus Dispatch. March 18, 1980.
5. ^ Weiker, Jim (November 24, 2020). "Columbus Landmarks launches two funds to preserve historic buildings". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
6. ^ "57 Jefferson Avenue". The Jefferson Avenue Center.
7. ^ "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form". National Park Service. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
8. ^ "The Gunning House Removed From Most Endangered Buildings List". June 25, 2014.
9. ^ Walsh, Maeve (May 27, 2022). "Where are the 'most endangered' sites in Columbus?". NBC4. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
10. ^ "Columbus Landmarks to help historic preservation in five neighborhoods, including Hilltop".
11. ^ Buchanan, Doug (October 4, 2018). "Columbus Landmarks names winner of city's best urban design project". Columbus Business First.
12. ^ "Past Recchie Design Winners – Columbus Landmarks".

## External links

[edit]

* Official website

Portals:

* Architecture
* History
* NRHP
* Ohio

* v
* t
* e

National Register of Historic Places in Ohio

Lists
by county|

* Adams
* Allen
* Ashland
* Ashtabula
* Athens
* Auglaize
* Belmont
* Brown
* Butler
* Carroll
* Champaign
* Clark
* Clermont
* Clinton
* Columbiana
* Coshocton
* Crawford
* Cuyahoga
* Darke
* Defiance
* Delaware
* Erie
* Fairfield
* Fayette
* Franklin
* Fulton
* Gallia
* Geauga
* Greene
* Guernsey
* Hamilton
* Hancock
* Hardin
* Harrison
* Henry
* Highland
* Hocking
* Holmes
* Huron
* Jackson
* Jefferson
* Knox
* Lake
* Lawrence
* Licking
* Logan
* Lorain
* Lucas
* Madison
* Mahoning
* Marion
* Medina
* Meigs
* Mercer
* Miami
* Monroe
* Montgomery
* Morgan
* Morrow
* Muskingum
* Noble
* Ottawa
* Paulding
* Perry
* Pickaway
* Pike
* Portage
* Preble
* Putnam
* Richland
* Ross
* Sandusky
* Scioto
* Seneca
* Shelby
* Stark
* Summit
* Trumbull
* Tuscarawas
* Union
* Van Wert
* Vinton
* Warren
* Washington
* Wayne
* Williams
* Wood
* Wyandot

Lists by city|

* Akron
* Cincinnati
* Cleveland
* Columbus
* Dayton
* Sandusky

Other lists|

* Bridges
* Cuyahoga Valley National Park
* National Historic Landmarks

* Keeper of the Register
* History of the National Register of Historic Places
* Property types
* Historic district
* Contributing property

* v
* t
* e

History of Columbus, Ohio

Historical timeline

Significant events|

* 1910 streetcar strike
* Great Flood of 1913
* AmeriFlora '92
* COVID-19 pandemic

Historic sites|

* National Register listings
* Columbus Register listings

Notable former
landmarks|

* Alfred Kelley mansion
* Central Market
* Chittenden Hotel
* Christopher Inn
* Columbus Auditorium
* Columbus City Hall (1872–1921)
* Columbus City Prison
* Columbus State Hospital
* Deshler Hotel
* Elijah Pierce Properties
* 1840 and 1887 Franklin County Courthouses
* Hartman Building and Theater
* Kahiki Supper Club
* Lucas Sullivant House
* Neil House
* Ohio Institution for Feeble-Minded Youth
* Ohio Institution for the Deaf and Dumb
* Ohio Penitentiary
* Ohio State University Armory and Gymnasium
* Park Hotel
* Peruna Drug Manufacturing Company Building
* Santa Maria Ship & Museum
* Union Station

Organizations|

* Ohio History Connection
* Columbus Historical Society
* Columbus Landmarks

Museums|

* Central Ohio Fire Museum
* Kelton House Museum and Garden
* Ohio History Center
* Ohio Village

* v
* t
* e

Columbus Register of Historic Properties

Co-listed on the
National Register of Historic Places|

* 18th & E. Broad Historic District
* 21st & E. Broad Historic Group
* Bryden Road District
* 120 S. Central Avenue
* Broad Street United Methodist Church (Columbus, Ohio)
* Captain Edward V. Rickenbacker House
* Central High School (Columbus, Ohio)
* Central Ohio Fire Museum
* Charles S. Barrett Building
* Columbia Larrimer Building
* Cristo Rey Columbus High School
* Cultural Arts Center
* East Town Street Historic District
* Felton School
* First Congregational Church (Columbus, Ohio)
* Franklinton Post Office
* Gen. William Henry Harrison Headquarters
* Gilbert H. Hamilton House
* Great Southern Hotel & Theatre
* Greater Columbus Arts Council
* H.A. Higgins Building
* Hamilton Park Historic District (Columbus, Ohio)
* Indianola Junior High School
* Iuka Ravine Historic District
* Jefferson Avenue Historic District (Columbus, Ohio)
* Jeffrey Manufacturing Company Office Building
* King Arts Complex
* Krumm House
* LeVeque Tower
* Lubal Manufacturing & Distributing Company
* Market-Mohawk Center
* New Indianola Historic District
* North High School
* North Market Historic District
* Ohio Baptist General Association Headquarters
* Ohio Moline Plow Building
* Ohio Statehouse
* Old Beechwold Historic District
* Old Port Columbus Terminal
* Orton Memorial Laboratory
* Richard Berry Jr. House (Columbus, Ohio)
* Schlee-Kemmler Building
* Second Presbyterian Church (Columbus, Ohio)
* Seneca Hotel
* South High Commercial Historic District
* Standard Building (Columbus, Ohio)
* Sullivant Land Office
* The Hamlet (Columbus, Ohio)
* Thurber House
* Trinity Episcopal Church (Columbus, Ohio)
* United States Carriage Company
* United States Post Office and Courthouse (Columbus, Ohio)
* Valley Dale Ballroom
* W.H. Jones Mansion

Columbus Register
historic district contributing properties|

* Broad Street Apartments
* Broad Street Christian Church
* C. E. Morris House
* Cambridge Arms
* Charles Frederick Myers house
* Columbus Landmarks Foundation
* Erwin W. Schueller House
* Hanna House
* Heyne-Zimmerman House
* Joseph Warren Yost House
* Kelton House Museum and Garden
* Lazarus House
* Linus B. Kauffman House
* North Market
* Scofield-Sanor House
* Sharp-Page House
* Shedd-Dunn House
* Soloman Levy House

Solely Columbus Register-listed|

* 1379 N. High Street Apartment Building
* Avery Pontiac Building
* Broad-Brunson Place Condominiums
* Citizens Building (Columbus, Ohio)
* The Clifton
* Columbus Dispatch Building
* Dan's Drive-In
* Dr. Lewis M. Early Residence
* E.O. Snyder Grocer
* Engine House No. 7 (Columbus, Ohio)
* First Avenue School (Columbus, Ohio)
* Gale House Condominiums
* Graham Elementary and Middle School
* Indianola Forest Historic District
* Joseph Henderson House
* Macon Hotel
* McClure-Nesbitt Motor Company
* Nagy Brothers Shoe Repair
* Northmoor Engine House
* Northwood Park (Columbus, Ohio)
* Old Oaks Historic District
* Reeb Avenue Center
* Scioto River Bridge Group
* Southwood Elementary School
* St. Joseph Cathedral (Columbus, Ohio)
* St. Mark's Masonic Temple No. 7 of the Prince Hall Free & Accepted Masons
* Weisheimer House
* White Castle Restaurant

see also: National Register of Historic Places listings in Columbus, Ohio
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