Posted November 15, 200519 yr This is my first post. For months, I've enjoyed the skylines and streetscapes, especially appreciating the historic architecture. I wanted to see some recognition of greats who are not widely known -- such as Frank L. Packard (1866-1923). Early in his career, he was part of Packard & Yost, with Joseph W. Yost, and they were prolific architects with a focus on institutional buildings: Schools, university buildings, courthouses, hospitals, etc. From about 1900 on, Packard was a civic leader in Columbus and continued his institutional (and commercial and residential) work, with some 3,400 buildings to his credit, including over 100 in Columbus. This is just a sampling of his work. It does not include his OSU buildings, such as the venerable Orton Hall (of bell tower fame), Lord Hall, Hayes Hall and others. It does not include departed buildings such as the Virginia or Chittenden hotels. It does not include all of his schools or churches, or the many buildings scattered around the state and the Midwest. This is just a brief celebration of an unsung master. Toledo & Ohio Central train station, with elevated tracks in foreground (tracks were at street level when the station was built in 1896). Broad Street front facade Pagoda-like tower Memorial Hall (1906). Facade was covered in dark glass for nearly 40 years when the building housed Center of Science and Industry (COSI) In context with modern office tower East side view Seneca hotel, awaiting renovation Built in 1917, largely as a residence hotel. In 1970s, was first HQ of Ohio EPA. Soon to be student housing Seneca detail Ornate Atlas Building, 1905. Originally a bank, now assorted offices Atlas building cornice Atlas building detail Frank Packard's twin towers, both opened by 1906. Building at right housed NFL headquarters in 1920s and 1930s Final additions to Huntington Bank building, mid-1920s (completed after Packard's death) Masonic Temple, 1898 -- original portion The rest of the building. Packard did not do the addition. Threatened with demolition, the building now is renovated as a conference center, the Columbus Atheneum. The exclusive Columbus Club downtown. I don't know the date. Columbus Club in context with modern towers Governor's Mansion, built in 1904 as private residence. Home to Ohio governors 1911 to 1957. After a variety of uses, it now is home to The Columbus Foundation Governor's Mansion Fair Avenue School, 1891 School tower. Building is still in use as a school North High School, 1924 Part of a major school building project in early 1920s -- five new "modern" high schools. Now adult ed center. Sells Mansion, 1897 Corner view of home built for the local owner of a circus Garage (carriage house) of Sells Mansion Carriageway, with Goodale Park entrance arch in background First Methodist Episcopal Church, 1900 Methodist Episcopal detail St. John the Evangelist. One source says this was a Packard building; another attributes it to David Riebel, a contemporary. St. John Rectory reminds me of the front view of Toledo & Ohio Central station (minus the tower) St. John detail Wood County courthouse, a Richardsonian Romanesque gem
November 15, 200519 yr Wonderful thread and welcome! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
November 15, 200519 yr Wiow! Mr. Packard had a remarkable talent and a distinctive style. I love the railroad station! Excellent photos!
November 16, 200519 yr Excellent photos, and excellent first post! Packard seems to have done a really interesting collection of buildings in a plethora of styles.
November 17, 200519 yr So...how many Packard buildings has Columbus managed to destroy? :wink: But seriously, I really enjoyed your post, especially of the churches. Also, I've always thought the Sells Mansion was a cool-looking residence, nice to know who designed it.
November 17, 200519 yr I know of a dozen or so Packard buildings demolished and few more more burned. But it's surprising how many are saved -- and even renovated for contemporary use and re-use. and how many of those are prominent even today. Check this link for more info: http://ghmchs.org/Packard/
November 17, 200519 yr I wish they would find a new use for the pagoda building!!! Asian restaurant? :-D
November 17, 200519 yr I wish they would find a new use for the pagoda building!!! Asian restaurant? :-D How about railroad station?
November 18, 200519 yr I wish they would find a new use for the pagoda building!!! Asian restaurant? :-D How about railroad station? There is a thread floating around here about making it a Museum of Columbus History (because Columbus doesn't care about it's past). IIRC, a union now owns the station and was going to make it into a union hall (anyone from Columbus can correct me on that, if they know more)
November 18, 200519 yr I believe the city still owns the building, but the union is interested in buying it after other plans -- including the history museum -- fell through. The Columbus Historical Society does not have deep pockets, but a building like that could put the society on the map. There was also some talk about some sort of transit use, including office space for rail- and transit-advocacy groups. That could have been done in conjunction with museum space. Incidentally, the interior of the station is as impressive as the exterior, with ornate woodwork and friezes. The building has endured floods and fires, but was kept up well by the Volunteers of America, which occupied it from the late 20s until about 2003.
November 18, 200519 yr I believe the city still owns the building, but the union is interested in buying it after other plans -- including the history museum -- fell through. The Columbus Historical Society does not have deep pockets, but a building like that could put the society on the map. There was also some talk about some sort of transit use, including office space for rail- and transit-advocacy groups. That could have been done in conjunction with museum space. Incidentally, the interior of the station is as impressive as the exterior, with ornate woodwork and friezes. The building has endured floods and fires, but was kept up well by the Volunteers of America, which occupied it from the late 20s until about 2003. It's been owned by the VoA since the 1920s?!?! Not to besmirch the VoA, but I'm surprised that they would of kept the interior the same for all these years.
April 7, 200817 yr Correction. I have recently learned that the Columbus Club was not a Packard, or a Yost, creation. The building may even predate Packard's birth.
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