 History Built in 1895, the building was originally the Toledo and Ohio Central Railway Station. Designed by noted architects Joseph Warren Yost and Frank L. Packard, the pagoda-style roof and tower have become Columbus icons. Packard was America's foremost institutional architect, designing over 3400 buildings, including over 100 business and residential buildings in Columbus alone. Packard also drafted one of the first master plans for the Ohio State University campus which included the (controversial at the time) concept of the Oval. He also designed OSU's Armory which was the architectural inspiration for today's world-renowned Wexner Center for the Arts.
By 1900, the Toledo and Ohio Central Railway was
purchased by Hocking Valley Railroad. In 1911, the tracks were elevated
above Broad Street. During the construction of the elevated tracks, a fire burned the roof off the depot. Over the years, the depot served as a major transportation terminal. Recruits boarded trains here with the onset of World War I, and veterans returned from war to victory parades. Similarly, Ohio State University football teams boarded trains here for their away games as the Buckeye Band (TBDBITL) played them aboard. Here's a bit of OSU trivia: The Ohio State Alma Mater "Carmen Ohio" was written on the train ride home to Columbus following the 1902 OSU v. Michigan contest. OSU lost to Michigan, 86-0. The lyrics and melody (Spanish Chant) have remained largely unchanged since its conception. Ohio's worst weather disaster, the flood of 1913 brought the Scioto
River up five feet. Water flooded the Toledo & Ohio Central
Railway Station (Station 67) Grand Lobby. Today, a small brass plaque on
the side of the balcony staircase shows the highwater mark. In
addition to flood damage, major
fires in 1910 and 1975 also required restoration of the building.
The building was placed on the
National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
The New York Central Railroad took control of the station around 1920 and used the location for passenger travel until Union Station took over the service in 1930. At that time, the station became the headquarters for the Central Ohio Volunteers of America and the organization remained there until 2003. The station is now the home of Columbus Professional Fire Fighter's Union, IAFF Local 67. The Local 67 have taken a specific interest in historical restoration and upkeep of the 115-year-old Columbus landmark, making it the fabulous host of many Columbus weddings and events. |
| Historic
Atrium Square Footage: 1690 sq.ft. Capacity Banquet Seating: 80 Theatre-style Seating: 160 Cocktail-style: 150 Features Grand Staircase Restored Plaster Cupid Frieze Lighted Arched Ceiling Marble Floor Fabulous Woodwork Original Antique Clock Original Ticket Window Great Backdrop for Photographs * Atrium rental available only until 2pm on Saturday. |  |
 | Main
Hall Square Footage: 3000 sq. ft. Capacity Banquet Seating: 175 Theatre-style Seating: 300 Cocktail-style: 250 Features City Skyline View Built-In Bar Oak Parquet Dancefloor Vaulted Ceiling Modern Light Fixtures |
The following items are included with
the rental fee: 60" round tables, 8' buffet tables (8), upscale padded
chairs (250). The space can be setup in any configuration, give
us a call or stop by for a tour. Labor charges may apply. Discounts may be available for
full facilty rental. For wedding pricing and package information please see our wedding packages page. |