(COLUMBUS, OHIO) – Hines, the international real estate firm, announced today the completion of a $16 million repositioning and renovation at Huntington Center, a one million-square-foot, 37-story office tower in downtown Columbus. The renovations will promote tenant attraction and retention and are a testament to Hines’ unmatched ability to maintain an asset’s architectural heritage while projecting a contemporary image.
Originally designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and developed by Hines in 1984, the building’s common areas have been completely transformed and feature a host of new amenities including a two-story, 2,400-square-foot green living wall—which is among the largest and most impressive in the United States. The unique wall is covered in 8,500 lush plants of 14 varieties and contains 350 gallons of water. Six blue velvet banquettes flank the living wall and provide a naturally restorative location for tenant collaboration.
The lobby also features a new concierge console. Constructed by local artist and metal sculptor Mark Lagergren, the console is made from Muntz metal––brass and bronze alloy––and is a complement to the Muntz metal already integrated into the building’s elevator doors and door handles. The console is intended to be a sculptural point of arrival in the heart of the lobby.
The 36th floor has been converted to a first-class amenity space dubbed The Horizon. Complete with ample seating, a bar and four flexible conference rooms—three of which can be interchanged with various types of furniture—the 4,000-square-foot lounge creates a lively environment for interaction and is available exclusively to tenants. Outside of the Horizon is a rooftop terrace which boasts resort-style seating and impressive views of downtown Columbus and the Scioto riverfront. Perched 550 feet above ground, the terrace is the largest of its kind to be constructed at that height.
“Our goal was to maintain Huntington Center’s position as the top office building in downtown Columbus,” General Property Manager Tyler Steele said. “With more activated space and opportunities, we will meet our tenants’ evolving needs while promoting employee attraction and business retention.”
Additional renovations include the replacement of five escalators and 29 elevator cars, a four-year project that is currently mid-way to completion. Once finished, elevators will feature destination dispatching, modernized cab interiors and upgraded mechanicals to improve efficiency and performance.
Speaking on behalf of the ownership entity, David Setton, with Carlton Associates, said, “We pride ourselves in creating best-in-class assets. The newly completed renovations will prove to be a differentiator for Huntington Center and a game changer in the Ohio office market.”
LINK FOR IMAGES / Photo credit: Dale Clark - Arc Photography
About Carlton Associates
Carlton Associates, a privately held asset management firm established in 1992 following the sale of the family business Duane Reade Drugstores, and controlled by the Cohen family, has been active in real estate for over 50 years. Carlton’s diversified holdings include distinctive office, residential, and hospitality properties. In addition to real estate, the company also deploys assets in a variety of directed and managed strategies including: public equities, fixed income, private equity, as well as a strategic debt platform.
About Hines
Hines is a privately owned global real estate investment firm founded in 1957 with a presence in 214 cities in 24 countries. Hines has approximately $120.6 billion of assets under management, including $66.5 billion for which Hines provides fiduciary investment management services, and $54.1 billion for which Hines provides third-party property-level services. The firm has 128 developments currently underway around the world. Historically, Hines has developed, redeveloped or acquired 1,348 properties, totaling over 444 million square feet. The firm’s current property and asset management portfolio includes 512 properties, representing over 223 million square feet. With extensive experience in investments across the risk spectrum and all property types, and a pioneering commitment to sustainability, Hines is one of the largest and most-respected real estate organizations in the world. Visit www.hines.com for more information.
