Plans filed with the City of Columbus on January 28 propose converting a downtown office tower at 280 N. High St. Into residential apartments, according to documents reviewed by world-today-news.com. The building, previously known as Two Nationwide Plaza, is owned by Nationwide Realty Investors (NRI), the commercial real estate arm of the insurance and financial services firm Nationwide.
The proposed renovation would transform levels 0, 3-11, and 15-18 of the 18-story building into apartment units, ranging from one to three bedrooms. Five floors would remain dedicated to office space. Plans detail the addition of balconies, a lower courtyard featuring a fitness space, clubhouse, and lounge, fresh fencing along surrounding streets, and a pool.
The move follows Nationwide’s consolidation of its office footprint in Columbus following the COVID-19 pandemic. NRI submitted a similar site development application to the city in August 2025, as well outlining a conversion of part of the building into housing, according to ColumbusUnderground.com.
Currently, the building’s office tenants include the Ohio Farm Bureau and the law firm Carpenter Lipps LLP. The future of these tenants during and after the conversion remains unclear.
NRI declined to comment on the redevelopment proposal, stating that the project is currently under review by the Downtown Commission, as reported by 10tv.com. Nationwide Arena’s roof is also slated for replacement, with officials seeking $5 million in funding, but it is not yet determined how this will be financed without utilizing ticket tax revenue.
The potential conversion of 280 N. High St. Adds to a growing trend of office-to-residential conversions in downtown Columbus. The Downtown Commission’s review of the plans is ongoing.
