Renovations could revive Columbus buildings
$1.8M in state tax credits sought for downtown offices.
The owner of COLUMBUS — the oldest building on Capitol Square and an adjoining building is seeking $1.8 million in state historic tax credits to combine the two into renovated offices.
The combined building, known as the Hayden, would fill long-vacant storefronts at 16 and 20 E. Broad St., just east of High Street.
“To have two vacant buildings right at the crossroads of the city, at Broad and High, isn’t good for downtown,” said Michael A. Tomko, the Columbus-based developer of the Hayden.
Tomko recently bought and renovated a historic building for offices on Rich Street near Columbus Commons. He also is seeking about $2.6 million in federal tax credits for the project.
The buildings, which are within the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District, also qualify for a city tax abatement.
The overall project will have about 103,000 square feet of office space and involve an investment of roughly $18.5 million. It will also have a shared rooftop deck on the shorter, fourstory building, along with historic decorative finishes.
The tax credit application states that the building has “commitments from a diverse group of office users including firms specializing in design and branding, financial services, marketing and technology ... (that) ensure full occupancy of the building.”
The buildings, which Tomko bought in May for $4.8 million, have no parking. Tomko said they plan to offer valet parking for executives and guests. He said other workers can use one of several garages within a two- to three-block walk.
The four-story Hayden building, 20 E. Broad St., opened in 1869, and is said to be the oldest existing building on Capitol Square. Tomko hopes to begin renovations in January, and complete work before the end of 2019.