On the east side of Columbus lies a home filled with a treasure trove of African American heritage and artistic brilliance, Aminah Robinson’s House. This historic residence has become a beacon of creativity and storytelling. The late local artist left her home to the Columbus Museum of Art where they wanted to preserve her legacy through the artifacts that were left behind, her art. The preservation process is how The Studio and residential architect Brenda Parker crossed paths with one of the most unique projects in its portfolio.

The Columbus Architectural Studio had the distinct privilege of being involved in the preservation and renovation of this iconic landmark. When the call came in, it quickly became apparent that this project would be vastly different from any Brenda had encountered prior. “Usually, I get the call because you want to change the characteristics of the house, this was not that way. They wanted to change as little as possible”, stated Brenda. With a clear mission in mind, CMA gave swift guidelines to honor the artist’s legacy. To do so, the renovation team would work closely with the archaeologists to preserve the artifacts both inside and out. Walking up Brenda imagined sprucing up the front with new flower beds and shutters, but her job was to preserve all the brick walkways and stone paths that remained, along with the recognizable glass bottle art out front. Progressing into the artist’s home and studio, she quickly immersed herself into Aminah’s world.

Per the wish of Aminah, the home would become a creative space for the lucky yearly scholarship winner. With great care, the museum wanted to preserve the ambiance of the home.  Reflecting on the preservation process, Brenda states, “They wanted it in the state as when she owned it”. As the museum team and designer moved through the home, they came across thousands of artifacts, all of which needed to be documented, evaluated, and stored. “You could tell they were trying to figure out which pieces meant the most to her and should be shown at the museum or left at the home”, Brenda stated. While they went through that process of refining her work, the pieces of art that had been painted onto the interior walls all had been deemed essential to the new renovation. It was with careful planning and through the expertise of archaeologists that these tokens of work would continue to adorn the walls. Working closely with the museum, the designer meticulously noted and documented which pieces would remain and how to work around them so as not to damage anything.

Whereas there were many incredible paintings and sculptures, and moments to capture around the house, some required additional care. Taking into account these magnificent and pieces, Brenda had to get creative in incorporating “modern living without disturbing the art”. The kitchen held some of the most notable artifacts, but also where a good amount of work was needed. Unable to move any of the cabinets as they had murals from the artist, bringing in a new stove and range required thoughtful space planning. Utilizing the smallest appliance she could find along with an equally tiny range, the home was now equipped with a functional stove and oven. In the living room, there were paint splatters that were to be preserved, along with a larger mosaic on the kitchen floor, both of which are still there.

One of the more notable undertakings of this project was adding an additional full bath. What was previously the restroom had been transformed into what was nicknamed the sacred room, which was Aminah’s quiet place. Upon examining the room, Brenda immediately felt the warmth and safety of the small space, recalling how she must have gone in there for peace and quiet. Filled with art and belongings, it would never operate as a restroom again, but instead be preserved as she had once left it. In order to provide modern appliances for the future artist occupants, she had to rework the square footage while paying special attention to flow and the artwork on the walls. The solution came in the form of opening up one of the bedrooms to have a bath and a more public walk-through to access the back room.

Reflecting on her role in the project, Brenda humbly states, “I’m just their pencil. I connect the client’s thoughts through to the contractor’s plan”. Indeed, her role was one of stewardship, translating the museum’s vision into reality while preserving the essence of Aminah’s home. From updating the kitchen’s appliances to adding a full bath and ensuring the house met modern building codes, every decision was made with the utmost care and consideration. Today, Aminah’s House stands as a living tribute to the artist and her enduring legacy. Thanks to the dedication and expertise of all those involved, visitors can experience the magic of Aminah’s artistry firsthand, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of African American culture and history.

In the end, our journey with Aminah’s House was about more than just renovation; it was about honoring a legacy, preserving history, and celebrating the power of art to transcend time and space. As Aminah herself once said, “Art is to uplift the human spirit.” In that spirit, may Aminah’s House continue to inspire and uplift all who have the privilege of crossing its threshold, ensuring that her remarkable legacy endures for generations to come.