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The team of Schooley Caldwell and DesignGroup, both of Columbus, Ohio, announces the completion of a $74 million, 180,000-square-foot municipal building in Columbus. The building, named the Michael B. Coleman Governmental Center, serves as the centerpiece of the city of Columbus’ downtown campus and supports its emphasis on new and innovative approaches to customer service.
Located at 111 North Front Street, the building consolidates four city departments –Development, Public Services, Utilities, and Building and Zoning – in one accessible location, allowing streamlined convenience for patrons requiring assistance from multiple departments and operational efficiency for the city.
North of the governmental center, the team – which included DesignGroup, Schooley Caldwell and Messer Construction – also built an eight-story, 700-space parking garage. The new facility provides parking for city employees, city fleet vehicles associated with departments moving downtown and customers.
“The contemporary nature of the building’s design is sensitive to its surrounding historic architecture. It is defined by the prominent zinc and glass-skinned tower, yet is anchored with three stories of limestone that pay homage to City Hall,” said Michael Bongiorno, AIA, LEED, AP BD+C, managing director and lead designer at DesignGroup.
“The overall design vision for this project centered around unifying the customer experience while at the same time creating an iconic building for Columbus that leverages best practices in office design and transforms the way employees work,” said Robert D. Loversidge, Jr., FAIA, president and CEO of Schooley Caldwell.
The use of natural light in the interior’s open workspaces and the project’s integration of art fosters a dynamic and creative environment.
The forward-looking design goals for the center and parking facility included functionality, future-flexibility, sustainability, accessibility, maintainability and the incorporation of ongoing operational benefits for the city.
The team is seeking LEED Silver Certification for the Governmental Center.
