Historic Huntington Bank skyscrapers sold to Columbus nonprofit for redevelopment

View a previous report from when the buildings were listed for sale in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A more than 100-year-old Columbus skyscraper is among the three Huntington National Bank buildings that have been sold for redevelopment.

The Wyandotte Building was purchased by Downtown Columbus Inc., it announced with Huntington on Thursday. In addition to the skyscraper that's one of the city's oldest, the nonprofit purchased the Huntington Plaza building at 37 W. Broad St. and the Capitol Square building at 17 S. High St.

“Huntington's decision to sell these buildings fosters local development, supports civic growth, and increases downtown vitality,” said Steve Steinour, Huntington Chairman, President and CEO. “Downtown Columbus, Inc. is a perfect partner to ensure their use will be consistent with a shared, community-driven vision for a vibrant downtown core."

Downtown Columbus Inc. is a nonprofit with the mission of making Columbus a better place to live, work and play. With these buildings, it plans to redevelop what it calls "historic mainstays" into "dynamic spaces." It wants these buildings to help increase visitors, workers and residents in the city.

"The vision is to honor [the buildings'] important role in Columbus’ history while creating active spaces befitting of downtown’s future growth," said Alex Fischer, Chair of the Board at Downtown Columbus Inc.

Plans for the buildings are expected to be announced by Downtown Columbus Inc. later this year. Current ground floor tenants visible from outside the collection of buildings include a State Farm insurance office, Subway and Potbelly sandwich shops, Pizza Rustica and Mexican restaurant Cinco.

In 1972, the Wyandotte Building was added to the National Register of Historic places. It was first erected between 1897 and 1898. Huntington Bank was founded in 1866, and is listed by Zippia as having 25,693 employees.

The Huntington Center at 41 S. High St. directly across the street from the Ohio Statehouse will remain open as the bank's corporate headquarters. Nearly 200 employees will be relocating to the bank's other corporate offices.