I have a thing for old buildings. It’s not just the fancy architecture or the creaky floors that get me (although, who doesn’t love a good creak?). It’s the sense that these places have seen some things. A faded sign painted on a wall hints at long-forgotten businesses. Scuff marks on a staircase whisper of the thousands who walked there before me. And sometimes, let’s be honest, there’s a lingering smell that suggests maybe a raccoon family took up residence sometime in the 1950s. Old buildings have character, the good and the slightly musty kind.
Columbus has its share of these storied structures, particularly old commercial spaces. They’ve transformed from bustling department stores to hip condos and from abandoned train stations to thriving local markets. These buildings aren’t just relics – they hold the spirit of Columbus’s evolution, complete with a side of quirky history. Let’s take a slightly irreverent tour of a few of these gems and see what they can teach us about resilience, community, and the odd charm of bygone eras.
Lazarus: Where Sequined Gowns Met Tech Startups
Remember Lazarus? That downtown behemoth where getting lost in the perfume department was a rite of passage? I still dream of their Christmas window displays and the hypnotic escalators that took approximately a decade to reach the toy floor. But changing tastes and the rise of stores where you could buy socks and a kayak in the same aisle took their toll. The once-grand Lazarus closed in 2004.
Thankfully, instead of a wrecking ball, it met with innovative developers. Now, the old floors hum with a different energy. Office workers sip lattes where sequined gowns once shimmered. There’s even a nod to the past with a few shops. The spirit of Lazarus lives on, proving that a building’s legacy can outlast whatever fad merchandise it once peddled.
Union Station: From Choo-Choos to Chorizo
The majestic arches of Union Station in the Short North are a reminder of a time when trains were the epitome of cool. Opened in 1897, this bustling hub welcomed folks to our growing city. But as cars zoomed into fashion, the station fell into disrepair. In the 1970s, much of it was demolished (history buffs wept, I’m sure).
Today, those iconic arches frame a different scene. The surrounding area is a haven of art galleries and restaurants with more exposed brick than a hipster picnic. Where steam engines once chugged, there are now public green spaces and brunch crowds debating the merits of avocado toast. Union Station proves that old doesn’t mean obsolete; it means a really cool backdrop for your Instagram photos.
North Market: The Antidote to Big-Box Blues
Our beloved North Market, established in 1876, is a survivor. Fires, threats of closure, and the lure of supermarkets where you could find toilet paper and exotic fruit all in one stop couldn’t take it down. Why? Because Columbus loves its market. The vibrant stalls, the banter with the fishmonger who knows your name, the intoxicating scent of fresh bread –this isn’t just shopping, it’s an experience. North Market proves that supporting local businesses is an act of delicious defiance in our mass-produced world.
The Horseshoe: Proof That Big and Loud Can Be Beautiful
Ohio Stadium, our beloved “Shoe,” is more than a football mecca. Built in 1922, its seen its share of iconic moments, from legendary games to concerts where I’m pretty sure the whole city could hear the bass thumping. The Shoe is a testament to Columbus’s love of spectacle and a reminder that sometimes going big and a little bit over-the-top is totally the right choice.
Why Old Buildings Matter
These revitalized spaces remind us that cities are ever-evolving organisms. They show us that progress and preservation can tango beautifully together. But most importantly, they’re about community. It’s the shared memories, the bustling markets, and the cheers echoing in a stadium that make Columbus feel like home.