As the Ohio Chamber of Commerce grew, it was necessary to reshape the newly acquired third floor to support their growth and day-to-day operations. When interviewing the client, there were two key components: maximize office spaces and creating an elevated event space. Their offices lie in the former Columbus Dispatch Building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. No stranger to adaptive reuse projects, The Studio understood what it would take to support the modern user. Having previously partnered with The Chamber on their past office TI’s the team held a strong understanding of the necessary programming and adjacencies that would be required. 

Needing to accommodate flexibility and company growth, there was an emphasis on maximizing the number of offices for the client. One of the other driving forces behind the plan was The Studio’s philosophy of Good Design, which asserts that every user should have access to natural light and healthy circulation. Offices were arranged around the perimeter wherever possible, with additional offices strategically placed along the interior corridor. Full-height glass storefronts allowed daylight to filter into interior offices, ensuring that even the core spaces felt bright and open. Through strategic programming, the space provided 18 private offices, a communal hoteling space, a podcast and Peloton room, as well as a spacious conference room.

The second design component was an upscale game and event space—one that could transition seamlessly from daytime work gatherings to evening receptions hosting Statehouse members, staff, and partners. While the client initially referenced a Pins Mechanical–style environment, collaboration during the conceptual phase revealed a stronger pull toward the intimacy and intrigue of a speakeasy. Drawing from the speakeasy narrative as “a place where deals get done,” the design team layered rich hues and plush, tactile materials to create warmth and atmosphere. The goal was to achieve this elevated experience while maintaining the functionality required for workplace use.

A warm, deep green envelops both the walls and ceilings, creating an intimate backdrop that complements the exposed brick. At the center of the room, the bar acts as a visual anchor. Deep glossy vertically stacked green tile paired with a leathered gray quartz brings in a modern edge. Bronze accents through lighting components introduce warmth and reinforce the layered material palette throughout the space. A careful balance between light and dark was essential, as the space shifts based on time of day and its occupants. Statement pendants over the game areas help define zones while providing task lighting, while ambient light from sconces and bar pendants establishes a moody, refined atmosphere. Furthering the design and aesthetic, the designer assisted in the procurement of furniture to ensure the mix of textiles, patterns, and fabrics elevated the experience.

This palette carried into the adjacent cantina, where much of the existing kitchen and booth seating was retained for efficiency. Continuing the subtle herringbone LVT provided texture without overwhelming the space. To create a sense of cohesion, the brick and sconces from the bar were placed on the wall, viewable from the event space. The banquets were originally from the previous tenants but reupholstered with green velvet to tie in the tile from the bar. The continuity of materials and colors throughout the space creates a seamless transition between workday functions and after-hours events.

A Thoughtful Approach to Adaptive Reuse

The reimagined floor plan supports the Chamber’s growth, enhances daily operations, and reflects its position as a hub for connection. It provides the goal of partnering together the Chamber’s work by day and becoming a destination for connection by night. By combining strategic workplace planning with layered, atmospheric interiors, The Studio delivered a solution that honors history while quietly inspiring its future, all the while preserving the historic character of one of Columbus’s most iconic buildings.