The Columbus Inn - Bed and Breakfast

	The Columbus Inn, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was formerly the Columbus City Hall. Built in 1895 as a multi-purpose facility, the City Government Offices were located on the main floor. The Lower Level was occupied by a community farmer's market. On the second floor, there was a municipal auditorium used for basketball games, ballroom dancing, and a variety of civic activities. In fact, in 1908 a week long poultry show was held there. Truly a versatile building for the community. The Columbus Inn is designed in a Romanesque style by Architect C. F. Sparrell. Architectural features include: the tower which is the building's principal feature. (Columbus is noted as being a city of towers and spires); the circular brick-banded windows; large circular limestone arched entries, rock-faced limestone walls on the lower level and smooth brick on the upper levels.



	In early 1981, a new city hall was ready for occupancy and the Sparrell structure's fate had to be determined by the city council. The Council questioned whether the building should be torn down and used as a city parking lot or saved. After some deliberation, the council voted to have the building placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Cummins Engine Company, Inc. purchased the building and used it until it was sold to the Cranston Development Company. Cranston Development Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania purchased the building to renovate the structure into a bed and breakfast lodging in 1985. The Cranston Development Company is known for restoration of historic buildings such as the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky; the Old City Hall in Richmond, Virginia; and Station Square in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a 65-acre riverfront project. The Architect selected by Cranston to restore the Sparrell building was Landmarks Design Associates located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cranston choose Morewood Interiors from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the interior designer. Morewood Interiors left the original terracotta tile flooring exposed and used beautifully designed wool carpets strategically placed to give the lobby warmth and a hint of elegance. The tin ceiling was totally stripped and repainted. The original handcarved woodwork is solid oak. Furnishings picked to adorn the lobby and halls were antique Victorian, to go along with the style of the building. When entering the lobby notice the Antique Victorian Loveseat, the Victorian Gothic chairs, and the marble top table suspended by original antique griffins. These griffins were manufactured in 1861 at the Edinburgh Cabinet Factory in Edinburg, Indiana. The chandeliers are a replica of the gas lights popular in the early 1900s. Originally, the building was lighted with gas lights because concealed electric wires were thought to be dangerous.


	The Columbus Inn's Breakfast Hall

	As you enter the lobby and climb the stately stairs to the main hall, you'll note an unusual registration office. Its multi-paned arched window spans 10 feet in length and 10 feet in width. Light from the window gives a warm and inviting feeling to those who enter. Outside the window, the parking lot has been designed with the ecology of Columbus in mind. Seasonal plantings and trees hedge the parking area.



	The Inn offers warm hospitality and comfort for the visitors to Columbus. It provides the perfect setting for a small business meeting or a weekend retreat. The Business traveler will find ample space in his room or suite, as well as fully equipted meeting rooms, all within walking distance of most major businesses and attractions in the heart of downtown Columbus. And when it's time to relax, the elegant lobby space will make any guest feel like a VIP. Browse our library or enjoy tea or a heartland breakfast in the informal atmosphere of our lower level.

	The Sightseer will be immersed in the richest most concentrated collection of significant contemporary architecture in the world. The Cummins Foundation has maintained a thirty-year program to sponsor internationally known architects for major public buildings in Columbus. Over 50 nearby attractions represent a Who's Who of contemporary architects, designers, and sculptors. And the Visitors Center across the street will provide all you need to make the most of your tour to Columbus.



This Website best viewed at 800x600 with True Color Settings