In this blog, all photos were taken by Matthew Garsky (@matthewgarsky).
This fall, we’re bringing Ohio State’s campus something it’s never seen—never even thought of—before.
Again, we’ve decided not to knock down an old property just to build another brick cookie cutter. Nope. Instead, we’ve kept an old church intact and resurrected it into something heavenly.
Transformed from the inside out, every inch of this Indianola Avenue church with have the Lykens touch. Expect to find luxurious quality and our signature aesthetic throughout.
From the beginning, this renovation’s goal was to offer The Ohio State University’s campus an affordable once-in-a-lifetime living opportunity. Our finished product will feature seven (7) 1BR/1BA apartments and two (2) 2BR/2BA apartments.
Our Process
Our process begins with a slow walk through where we assess the state of the building in painstaking detail. While most developers approach renovations by deciding on their ideal design and then forcing the existing property to conform to it (often sacrificing the building’s personality and historical integrity) we take the time and creative energy to find out how the current state of the building informs and decides our final renovations.
During our demo, we discovered brick walls and concrete floors here and there. To some, these raw elements sound like the kind that need to be covered in drywall and carpet as quickly as their found. We couldn’t stop thinking about them. To us, they present a fun challenge. How can we take these original materials and use them to design an apartment that feels one-of-a-kind? Our answers? Expose brick walls to give industrial flavor to the apartment’s personality. Polish concrete floors in a way that makes a simple material feel incredibly chic.
Our Look
We’re giving each apartment a Lykens quality kitchen—the highest standard in Columbus rentals. For residents, that means stainless steel appliances, top-grade granite countertops, and custom fitted wooden cabinetry.
Our bathrooms feature premium tiling and elegant glass work. Sink fixtures use the same granite as our kitchen countertops, giving sophisticated continuity to each unit. Short North luxury meets campus convenience in these jaw-dropping apartments.

The church’s exterior is experiencing a major face lift, as well. Once covered in deteriorated pale blue siding, the building has been retouched and painted a sleek charcoal. A number of windows welcome visitors to explore the apartments within the old church and the building’s steeple harkens back to its rich history. Compared to other rental properties in the greater campus area, the Indianola Church is a standout, to say the least.
Our Community
The Indianola Church finds itself in the sweet spot between the Short North, Columbus’s trendiest Arts District, and The Ohio State University, one of the nation’s biggest and best public universities.
Additionally, the apartments are situated just a quick walk away from the Gateway. This collection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment offers plenty to do. It features Columbus favorites, ranging from the Gateway Film Center, an independent cinema passionate about sharing eclectic films, to Leo’s On The Alley, a locally owned “old school” bar, and all the way to Ohio State’s Barnes & Noble branch.
For university students, the apartment finds itself only a 10 minute walk from Ohio State and a 9 minute walk from the Short North! When you have a prime location and incredible access to two of the city’s best neighborhoods, it’s hard to top. There’s a word for it: priceless.

Your Next Move
This revitalized church offers the most complete living experience on campus. Its building is rich with history. Its interior is elegant and luxurious. Its location is prime. Its price is affordable for students and young professionals alike.
This property is leasing now for the fall of 2018—just in time for Ohio State’s Autumn Semester! Whether you’re ready to lease, have more questions, or want to schedule a tour, email info@lykenscompanies.com and we’ll connect you to one of our fantastic leasing agents! This church won’t be empty for long. Make sure that you’re one of the lucky ones living in it.