Lykens Companies is doing something we haven’t done since the Wonder Bread Lofts…
In May 2018, we will complete our revitalization of the historic EJ Thomas warehouse! A sister to the Wonder Bread Lofts, this Italian Village industrial site is another that we’ve converted into a collection of unique loft spaces and only our second renovation like this ever. Lykens Companies continues to spearhead the incredible transformation happening on the 4th Street Corridor. In 2018 alone, Lykens will introduce six projects to the Italian Village, adding to the exciting momentum started by great local businesses like Seventh Son Brewery, Fox in the Snow, The Market Italian Village, and more.
But back to EJ Thomas…
The History
This warehouse was built in 1924 during the great 1920s boom. In this decade after World War I, the U.S. saw its economy grow 42%. Mass production of goods changed the nation and the customer experience. Goods became more and more available, more and more quickly. In its own way, our Detroit Avenue warehouse played its part in producing and distributing goods to consumers.
It wasn’t until 1936 that EJ Thomas Co. became a business, 12 years after our property was originally built. The company created its own line of laundry and dry cleaning products, housing them in the Italian Village warehouse.
For years, EJ Thomas Co. operated successfully in Italian Village. Although the company still operates as a laundry supplier in other locales, its former warehouse had long gathered dust until Lykens took it over.
Our Vision
At nearly 14,000 square feet, the empty warehouse covered a significant portion of the Italian Village. A beautiful brick building, EJ Thomas is a hidden gem.
Since it sits off both 4th and Summit Street, not much traffic passes the historic building. It never got the attention it deserved! After all, it wasn’t until recently that the north end of Italian Village saw a cultural resurgence. More restaurants and more attractions mean more pedestrians, more cars, and more people wanting to move into the bustling neighborhood.
Soon, another gem will introduce itself to the neighborhood: Budd Dairy Food Hall (sorry for the shameless plug).
When we saw the old EJ Thomas warehouse sitting empty in a fantastic neighborhood, we anticipated a need for more luxury housing. The old warehouse was still in great shape. We know it wouldn’t take much to transform it into one-of-a-kind luxurious housing.
What did we do? We worked around the building’s original floor plan to fill the space with 20 1BR/1BA apartments.
As with every historical building that we restore, the former EJ Thomas Co. warehouse is renovated according to historical preservation standards.
Inside The Apartments
Lykens Companies prides itself in crafting the best rentals in Central Ohio. After all, why settle for less? To maintain such a high standard, we put our everything into making every apartment look and feel incredible. The EJ Thomas warehouse is no different.
The finished apartments in EJ Thomas tell their story with their design. Rather than cover up the building’s raw elements, we make every effort to highlight the beauty inside an almost-century-old warehouse. Residents should expect these apartments to express a rustic personality. Original beams and exposed brick add to the industrial flavors our residents love.
In addition to the unique interiors of the EJ Thomas apartments, residents will love the convenience of off-street parking in the Short North. For anyone who has hunted for an available meter during Gallery Hop, you know what a great bonus this is.
But there’s more we want to share…
The Standouts
Working around an original floor plan can make renovations harder. There’s no doubt about that, yet sometimes this extra effort gives us the best surprises.
When the EJ Thomas penthouse ran into an old elevator shaft, we had to get creative.
Instead of abandoning ship and drywalling the elevator shut, we opted to integrate the elevator shaft into a completely finished living space. Whether it ends up being a place to hangout with friends or the perfect spot for a unique candlelit dinner, this original element is one you won’t find anywhere else in Columbus.
Oh, and did we mention that the elevator shaft leads residents to private rooftop access of EJ Thomas? Residents can enjoy a tremendous view that few others have experienced.
In addition, the home chef might want to check out the EJ Thomas unit that features a drop kitchen. When finishing this unit, we ran up against staggered flooring. If you know Lykens Companies, you won’t be surprised that we saw it as an opportunity to highlight our fantastic kitchens. Along with its incredible appearance (thanks to granite countertops, high-end stainless steel appliances, and more), you can prepare dinners in a contemporary kitchen that kept the historical integrity of its floor plan.
Convinced Yet?
The apartments inside the EJ Thomas warehouse will soon be known as some of the most unique in all of Columbus. Leasing now, these 20 apartments are sure to go fast. Whether ready to lease, ask questions, or schedule a tour, you can email info@lykenscompanies.com and we’ll connect you to one of our fantastic leasing agents!
Experience one-of-a-kind living. Experience living in history.
