The South Wind Motel finally got the makeover it deserves.
This mid-century gem opened in 1959 and it has stood out on South High Street since the day it opened. Now, a new owner has restored the motel to its former glory, with a vintage, boutique motel vibe.
The building was purchased in March 2021 for $535,000 and Michael Kelley, of the Kelley Companies, presented initial renovation plans to the Brewery District Commission the following May.
The motel was originally designed by a prominent local architect, Harold Schofield. When the motel opened in 1959, it was a modern dream, offering color televisions, wall-to-wall carpeting, and a continental breakfast. Originally owned by golfer Benny Newpoff, the motel has been through a lot in its 63 years.
Motel amenities include free on-site parking, contactless check-in, complimentary wifi, EV charging ports, pet-friendly rooms, and more. Each room features lush Parachute bedding, stylish décor, and thoughtful touches from many local Columbus businesses, including coffee from Emmett’s Cafe, sustainable skincare products from Koko, and custom furniture from TY Fine Furniture.
Most of the electricity at South Wind Motel recently installed solar panels on the roof. The vintage building has been outfitted with new, energy-efficient HVAC, doors and windows, and low-VOC furniture coatings and paint.
The motel has a variety of room options, with the most popular being the Classic Queen. The South Wind Motel describes the Classic Queen as:
“This stylish and comfortable room with queen bed and walk-in shower is a refreshing mix of vintage and contemporary. The custom-made walnut furniture winks to our mid-century roots, while the dramatic and moody floral wallpaper reminds you: this isn’t your parents’ motel. The aqua blue shower tile is new, but identical in color and size to the shower tile in the original 1959 rooms.”
The motel is located at 919 S. High Street, nestled on the border of German Village and The Brewery District. If you’d like to make a reservation, or for more information, you can visit southwindstay.com.
