The Ohio National Bank building at 167 S. High St. has been sitting pretty in Downtown Columbus for over a century. But after two decades of collecting dust, this historic gem is finally getting its glow-up!
Built in 1914, this neoclassical beauty was once a bustling bank, but it’s been empty since 1999. Now, thanks to historic tax credits and a big push from the city, the Ohio National Bank is ready to become one of Downtown’s coolest spots.
Plans for the renovation are ambitious yet respectful of the building’s original grandeur.
The main floor is set to transform into a food hall or restaurant, where locals can enjoy bites and drinks under its towering 40-foot ceilings. Downstairs in the basement, developers are considering a bar or speakeasy vibe, perfect for Downtown nightlife. And above it all, the upper floors will become residential units—either as apartments or short-term rentals—making this a lively hub for both locals and visitors.
Columbus Landmarks, an organization dedicated to preserving the city’s historic sites, has long advocated for the bank’s revival. For them, this project is about more than just restoring a building—it’s about honoring a piece of Columbus history and turning it into something that’ll serve the community today. The renovation will serve as an excellent example of adaptive reuse, which breathes new life into old structures.
So, as the Ohio National Bank prepares for its new life, it’s exciting to see a piece of Downtown history ready to open its doors again—not as a relic, but as a place where people can gather, enjoy, and live. The building may be over a century old, but it’s primed to become one of Downtown Columbus’s coolest destinations.
