CHALLENGE

A once-grand Columbus School for Girls dormitory sat abandoned in the Olde Towne East neighborhood — a historic structure at risk of being lost forever unless thoughtfully reimagined as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization while preserving its architectural significance.

WSA approached the Bryden Road renovation as both an architectural preservation challenge and an opportunity to strengthen a community in transition. Working collaboratively with investors and preservation authorities, the design team developed a vision that would honor the building's elaborate historic detailing while creating contemporary living spaces that would attract residents to this emerging neighborhood.

Rather than imposing contemporary aesthetics onto the historic structure, the design celebrates the building's inherent beauty — restoring ornate details, preserving character-defining elements, and allowing the structure's original grandeur to shine through. Each apartment is thoughtfully configured to maximize natural light and showcase historic features while providing the amenities and functionality that modern residents expect.

Throughout the project, the team balanced preservation requirements with the practical needs of a modern apartment community. High-quality building systems were integrated discreetly to avoid competing with historic elements, while thoughtful material selections complement the original architecture. This approach creates living spaces that feel simultaneously historic and contemporary.

The transformed Bryden Road Historic Residences have become a vital component in Olde Towne East's ongoing revitalization, demonstrating how thoughtful adaptive reuse can preserve architectural heritage while supporting neighborhood growth. The project has contributed to a positive cycle of investment in the area, attracting residents who value both historic character and urban connectivity.

Beyond providing quality housing, the renovation has strengthened community pride by preserving a significant architectural landmark that tells an important part of Columbus's story. The project, recognized as a finalist for the Columbus Landmarks James B. Recchie Awards, stands as a testament to the power of preservation-minded development to uplift communities while creating spaces where residents genuinely connect with both place and history.