When Creativity Meets Community
Blending historic preservation with modern design, we help Edwards Companies reimagine three landmark buildings in the heart of Columbus.
As Columbus experiences rapid downtown growth, the High and Gay Street corridor emerged as a natural nucleus for entertainment, dining, culture, and community. Yet, the area lacked spaces that could reflect the sophistication and energy of its evolving identity.
Amidst this urban momentum stood three historic buildings, architecturally rich but functionally outdated. Edwards Companies envisioned transforming them into contemporary art galleries that could serve as a cultural anchor for the district. However, they faced several layered challenges.
Hicks Nurseries
Original Integrity & New Energy
Our solution focused on three key dichotomies:
Preservation vs. Progress: How to retain original architectural details, the tilework, brick, and flooring, while introducing modern systems and flexible layouts.
Circulation & Flow: The buildings had disconnected front and rear access points, limiting intuitive traffic patterns for public use.
Creating Identity: Each gallery needed to feel distinct yet cohesive, fitting within a broader vision of revitalizing the downtown experience.
To achieve this, we kept the structural honesty of the building with exposed cement, brick, key highlights of historic original finishes. Each gallery featured gallery specific lighting, and we developed space plans that make the galleries visitor friendly while optimizing flow. Each space is intuitively planned to accompany various exhibitors and host events. Overall, the galleries fit the aesthetic, feel, and energy that the High & Gay Street corridor is looking for during its evolution.
Hicks Nurseries
Let’s Create Something Incredible Together
