Once the fifth-tallest building in the world, the 47-story LeVeque Tower is one of the most recognizable, iconic buildings in Columbus. The building served as an aerial lighthouse for pilots, as an annex to the largest hotel in America, and as an observation tower and corporate headquarters of the American Insurance Union, which commissioned its construction. The tower opened in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
However, by 2011, when an investment group purchased it, LeVeque was experiencing the effects of time, deferred maintenance, and economic difficulty, among others. The building was almost half vacant and had trouble attracting tenants, and was in serious need of repair and revitalization to restore it to its former grandeur.
Schooley Caldwell designed the renewal of this iconic building and enhanced its curb appeal to reposition this landmark structure in today’s marketplace. We first developed a master plan for the project, and subsequently designed the interior and exterior renovations, which involved a wholesale revitalization of the 425,000 SF building and streetscape.
The LeVeque Tower is now a home for many, a welcoming spot for visitors, and an inspiring, active workplace. The building is well-positioned to remain competitive in a growing marketplace. Perhaps most importantly, it’s a place that once again evokes excitement and pride, and it will remain an iconic piece of the skyline.
Recipient of numerous awards, including the Harrison Smith Award and the Most Beautiful Hotel in Ohio by Architectural Digest.
