In this blog, all photos were taken by Matthew Garsky (@matthewgarsky).
It’s no secret that Lykens Companies is obsessed with finding Columbus’s most beautiful historic buildings and revitalizing them into the most unique rental properties on the market. In 2018 alone, we’ve already announced our plans to turn Budd Dairy into an incredible office space and a one-of-a-kind food hall with Cameron Mitchell; we’ve already given you the behind-the-scenes look on how we’re turning EJ Thomas’s historic Italian Village warehouse into 20 jaw-dropping lofts; we’ve even shown how we’re making an old church into Ohio State’s newest rental attraction. That doesn’t even include the new-builds we’re introducing to Italian Village: Fourth Crossing will hold 36 luxury one-bedroom apartments and we’re adding four massive townhomes across the street from EJ Thomas.
Long story short, we’ve been busy.
But guess what?
We’ve still got something else.
Leasing now, 1374 East Broad Street is another set of four townhomes, but instead of building new units like we did in Italian Village, we’ve opted to restore an already existing property in the heart of the iconic Olde Towne East. This 1950s build has all the charm and aesthetic that you’d expect with the livability and spaciousness that you didn’t. Each time we explore these one-story townhomes, we can’t help but feel that we’ve walked into a time machine that took us back to the era of drive-ins, Elvis Presley, and the Jitterbug. And we don’t mind that at all.
Playing our part in Olde Towne East
Our followers know that Lykens Companies renovations aren’t off-the-cuff, shot-from-the-hip ideas: they’re well thought out and well executed decisions that we make as a response to the neighborhood, culture, and history that surround our buildings. That means that we shoot to avoid the cookie-cutters you might expect from other big developers.
Our aim is cultural enrichment, not diminishment.
So, when we walked around Olde Towne East, a neighborhood we’ve invested in for years, we recognized it as one of Columbus’s most historically rich and culturally diverse neighborhoods. A quick walk around the block highlights an endless number of elegant homes with rare craftsmanship, unmarred apartment buildings with East Coast touches, wonderful parks for walks in the evening, and even the tracks from the city’s long gone streetcars that sit like artifacts.
Unfortunately, much of Olde Towne East’s beauty has been left to decay. Too many once immaculate homes are left vacant, waiting to erode with time. Without the proper attention and investment, we aren’t sure how many more generations the neighborhood will be intact before it’s stuck in a state of complete disrepair. We want to play our role in salvaging this important neighborhood and bringing it back to full health. For us, the restoration process happens building by building. We’re committed to helping this once booming area enrich our city as a whole once more. That happens when each building returns to a state of livable beauty.
Olde Towne East’s cultural revolution has already begun. Dozens of small businesses fill the streets. From coffee shops to pizza parlors and even to chiropractors and art galleries, Olde Towne East offers something for everyone. This walkable and fun neighborhood is lively both day and night. Residents say there’s never a dull moment. We’re inclined to agree. So if Olde Towne East is a great place to live, our Broad Street townhomes need to be great places to live, too.
We got lucky
Usually, a unit like this demands to be gutted. Its tiling can be compromised by mold and cracking, its hardwood flooring can bow more than a limbo dancer, and its overall appearance is just too dated to be attractive. Our standard approach in a unit like this might have been to respect the historical integrity of the building while revamping its kitchen with top-grade granite countertops, introducing premium tiling to the bathroom, and more. It’s what we’re known for and it’s what we do best.
However, in 1374 East Broad Street, this is not the case. We’re fortunate enough to have found this unit in prime health. Original hardwood floors and wooden detailing remain in place while the property even keeps its vintage tiling, offering an aesthetic that’s never been seen in a Lykens unit before. Residents will fall in love with an unmistakable 1950s flavor throughout the townhomes.
What to expect
Lykens Companies recently finished refurbishing these units and they’re ready to lease. In all, we’re offering two (2) 2BA/1BR and two (2) 3BD/1BA townhomes. These townhomes ended up being a special project for us.
If you’re looking for an elegant living opportunity with plenty of room for another living area or plenty of storage space, then you’ll need to walk through these units and check out their completely massive basement spaces. If you’re like us, you might just whisper, “Whoa…” These spacious areas are fully finished and offer premium flooring. We’ve been able to either maintain the original tiling or we’ve replaced it with a sophisticated hardwood floor that preserves the room’s essence.
Upstairs, residents will appreciate the ways we’ve blended modern updates with the home’s original materials and personality. For instance, the kitchen’s stainless steel countertop is the home’s original, but doesn’t clash with the unit’s brand-new appliances despite its age; in fact, it enhances them. A few steps away, designer light fixtures contrast 21st century style to the living room’s mid-century wooden elements. We’ve seen a lot of rentals in Columbus. Trust us. There’s nothing else like this.
Live here now
This isn’t just an announcement. It’s an introduction. The townhomes at 1374 East Broad Street are ready to be leased. If you’re hoping to find a one-of-a-kind living experience in the heart of Olde Towne East, then we’ve got good news for you. You just did.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact info@lykenscompanies.com today and we’ll connect you with one of our fantastic leasing agents! Like most rentals that are affordable, unique, and in a great location, availability will not last long. Make your mark and be a part of this historical experience.
