Huntington Bank plans on selling three large buildings in downtown Columbus the company hopes can be redeveloped for retail spaces, apartments and other uses.
The bank said in a news release the 12-story Huntington Bank Building at 17 S. High St., next to the bank's headquarters, the 11-story Wyandotte at 21 W. Broad St. and the 12-story Huntington Plaza Building at 37 W. Broad St. are all being offered in an invite-only request for proposal, or RFP, to redevelop the spaces.
Bank officials said leaders are working with the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation to try to revitalize the downtown office buildings to suit modern needs.
“Spurring new uses for these buildings signifies Huntington’s commitment to creating a more vibrant, livable city,” Huntington President and CEO Steve Steinour said in a statement. “Each of these buildings holds a rich history in downtown Columbus, and we believe redevelopment is key to ensure downtown Columbus thrives for years to come. As the hometown bank, we will maintain our large presence at Huntington Center.”
The Downtown Development group's CEO Greg Davies said in a statement former office buildings around the country are being remodeled to include retail and housing spaces.
Huntington said the bank is going to maintain a bank branch at its corporate headquarters in downtown Columbus and the 200 employees who currently work in these buildings will transition to one of the bank's other Columbus offices.
The bank said the RFP will remain open until suitable investors are identified.
