Video 0:32
Video
Demolition filed for 1920 warehouse to build East Franklinton music pavilion
Read the full articleDevelopers seek to raze the 1920 building at 373 W. Rich St. to create an outdoor music amphitheater beside the planned Blu Note jazz venue, citing structural deterioration. Demolition approval remains pending before Columbus historic review officials.
How we know this
The sources and records behind this story, with the facts they support.
COA2601006 · Certificate of Approval/Appropriateness — 373 W RICH ST
Supporting evidence (1)
The Certificate of Appropriateness application, designated COA2601006, was filed Sept. 16, 2026, by attorney Mike Shannon of KMCY Law on behalf of property owner Derrick Pannell to demolish the building at 373 W.
Read supporting passage
373 W Rich St Demolition Demolishing the building located at 373 W Rich St.
COA2601006 · Certificate of Approval/Appropriateness — 373 W RICH ST
Supporting evidence (1)
On Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, the applicant supplemented the filing with current exterior photographs and interior photographic records from 2022.
Read supporting passage
Document: Applicant Submitted Materials · 373 W Rich Current Photos.pdf · attachment 5396556 · 2026-10-07T00:00:00Z · 28.53 MB
Supporting evidence (3)
Demolition of the structure would clear space for an outdoor amphitheater pavilion, outdoor restrooms, and a 22-space parking lot.
Read supporting passage
SDC1 - Level 1, Option 3Blu Note - Franklinton Music Pavillion
Rich St., which developers plan to rehabilitate as the Blu Note Franklinton Music Pavilion jazz club and cafe.
Read supporting passage
SDC1 - Level 1, Option 3Blu Note - Franklinton Music Pavillion
Schematic designs prepared by Design Collective outline an indoor and outdoor bar, kitchen, and main stage on the first level; a second-floor mezzanine and bar; a third-floor speakeasy; and a fourth-floor rooftop patio and bar.
Read supporting passage
SDC1 - Level 1, Option 3Blu Note - Franklinton Music Pavillion
Supporting evidence (1)
Schematic designs prepared by Design Collective outline an indoor and outdoor bar, kitchen, and main stage on the first level; a second-floor mezzanine and bar; a third-floor speakeasy; and a fourth-floor rooftop patio and bar.
Read supporting passage
Mezzanine
Supporting evidence (1)
Schematic designs prepared by Design Collective outline an indoor and outdoor bar, kitchen, and main stage on the first level; a second-floor mezzanine and bar; a third-floor speakeasy; and a fourth-floor rooftop patio and bar.
Read supporting passage
Speakeasy
Supporting evidence (1)
Schematic designs prepared by Design Collective outline an indoor and outdoor bar, kitchen, and main stage on the first level; a second-floor mezzanine and bar; a third-floor speakeasy; and a fourth-floor rooftop patio and bar.
Read supporting passage
Roof Top Patio & Bar
Supporting evidence (1)
Rich St., which was constructed in 1920 and historically housed the Columbus Physicians and Druggists Supply Company.
Read supporting passage
Columbus Physicians and Druggists Supply Company
Supporting evidence (3)
Black concluded that years of vacancy and roof failure resulted in severe water infiltration that compromised structural stringers, rafters, and interior floors.
Read supporting passage
years of vacancy compromised the building’s historic integrity and public safety.
Black concluded that years of vacancy and roof failure resulted in severe water infiltration that compromised structural stringers, rafters, and interior floors.
Read supporting passage
The deteriorated conditions of the main roof structure allowing ongoing water infiltration to the stringers, rafters, plates, and interior ceilings and floors is significant.
He also found that the exterior brick and mortar had been parged and stuccoed corner-to-corner and grade-to-eaves with inappropriate cementitious materials, destroying the building's historic integrity and rendering it ineligible for historic register listing.
Read supporting passage
The existing exterior brick and mortar have been previously parged and/or stuccoed corner-to-corner, from grade-to-eaves with inappropriate materials not in accordance with the Standards for Rehabilitation. Therefore the building is no longer eligible for listing.
Supporting evidence (3)
To mitigate the loss of the historic structure, Black recommended completing full Historic American Buildings Survey documentation for city and state preservation archives and the Columbus Main Library.
Read supporting passage
Prepare and provide full Historic American Building Survey (HABS) documentation
Black also recommended conducting 3D photographic scanning of the building's interior and exterior and salvaging its sound structural timber 'Y' arms, lateral bracing, and wooden columns for reuse in the new venue.
Read supporting passage
Prepare 3D Photographic scanning of the interior and exterior of the brick and wood frame structure located at 373 West Rich Street.
Black also recommended conducting 3D photographic scanning of the building's interior and exterior and salvaging its sound structural timber 'Y' arms, lateral bracing, and wooden columns for reuse in the new venue.
Read supporting passage
Recommend saving the existing large structural wooden ‘Y’ arm, lateral bracing and wooden columns where in sound existing condition for adaptive reuse in the new development plans.