Columbus Historical Society Readies First Phase of Franklinton Headquarters Renovation | Columbus Historical Society

Story Highlights

• Columbus Historical Society unveils initial renovations of Engine House No. 6 headquarters.
• Initial $900,000 project includes new systems and renovated meeting spaces.
• Future phases will create ballroom and research library.

The Columbus Historical Society is set to unveil the first phase of the renovation project for its Franklinton headquarters in July.

Nestled on Broad Street near Brett Kaufman’s Gravity complex and a planned mixed-use residential project from Grateful Dev, sits the society’s historic brick building at 540 W. Broad St., known as Engine House No. 6.

The group purchased the property in November 2021 from the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, the site’s neighbor, and began work to transform the two-story, 3,632-square-foot building.

The engine house was built in 1890 and served the fire department for the area until 1966, according to the historical society. It was later Jimmy Rea Electronics store.

For phase one of the preservation project, the nonprofit started work on the back area of the building, with help from architect Schooley Caldwell and Miles-McClellan as general contractor. Other upgrades include a new roof, HVAC system, plumbing, electricity, internet and a security system.

A room that previously had housed horses and wagons for the fire station was renovated to be used as a general meeting area and a second room was turned into a reception desk area and office space.

The initial project cost around $900,000, with 30% coming from private donors and 70% from city and state money, Jack Benjamin, Columbus Historical Society board president, estimates.

He hopes to welcome small groups to experience the building for an opening event next month.

In a subsequent phase, the group plans to turn the ground-floor main entrance into a large gathering space for programming.

On the second floor, plans include the transformation of a great room into a ballroom event space and the creation of a research library.

Benjamin expects each additional phase will require $1.5 million in funding.

The Columbus Historical Society, established in 1990, previously had its headquarters at COSI and then later moved to a rental property on West Town Street.

“We were worried that we’re the 14th largest city in the country but the only one that doesn’t have a permanent home for their historical society,” Benjamin told Columbus Business First.

Benjamin, along with the society’s board, said they hope to preserve historic architecture and artifacts so future generations understand the roots of the city.

“There’s so much history that people don’t know about … some people don’t think Columbus existed before 1982,” he said, adding he hopes amid economic growth residents hold onto the “social heritage of the area.”

For more information contact Aimee Briley abriley@columbushistory.org