There have been several attempts over the last two decades to bring the historic Broadwin Building back to its former glory.
An early-2000s plan to convert the eight-story building at 1312 E. Broad St. into condominiums stalled and ran into legal difficulties, and subsequent attempts to renovate it have not been successful.
Built in 1924 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was purchased by developer Eli Adahan in 2017. Three years later, he was awarded state historic preservation tax credits to turn it into a 46-unit apartment complex, but never got started on the renovation and later put the building on the market.
Black Gold Capital, the local company behind the Garden Park on High mixed-use development proposal in the Short North, is currently looking into buying the building, and recently invited Columbus Underground along for a tour to explore some of its 85,000 square feet.
“The building is an icon…a legend that deserves to be restored,” said Ernie Malas, Managing Partner of Black Gold Capital.
Partner David Hunegnaw agreed, calling it “one of the most recognizable buildings in Columbus.” He added that Rio Rusch, of Rio Rusch Design – and who also toured the building recently – has been brought in to consult on a potential renovation.
“The Broadwin is a centerpiece of Columbus architectural history,” Rusch said. “How incredibly fortunate that it has stood intact waiting to be restored to its greatness.”
In 2019, the Broadwin was placed on Columbus Landmarks’ Most Endangered list. The organization’s description of the building states that it “was designed as a hotel/apartments in a fashionable Second Renaissance Revival style and represents an early use of reinforced concrete construction…[it] features a marble lobby and decorative trim that remain intact.”
Scroll down for pictures and more information from the tour. All photos by Brent Warren.