Columbia/Larrimer Easement

3161 N High St.
Columbus, OH 43215

In December of 2012, Heritage Ohio received a conservation easement on the historic Columbia/Larrimer Building, a commercial property located on High Street in downtown Columbus. If you’ve ever walked past the building you probably know it from its unique storefront windows: a recessed entry decorated with elaborate stained glass panels, with two domed storefront windows that advertise the former “BOTT BROS CIGARS” and “BOTT BROS BILLIARDS.” Although Bott Brothers has been out of business now for many years, the signage has gained historical significance in its own right, and that historical signage is a critical element that tells the story of building, and therefore, is an element protected by the easement.

Today, that area within the building once home to cigars and billiard tables is now home to Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus, and has been for many years. The history of the building itself is fascinating as it has undergone a number of changes and alterations over the years, including the removal of its top two floors at one point in the past.

Executive director Joyce Barrett commented on the unique aspects of the Columbia/Larrimer Building, “Sometimes, elements of a building, like its signage, really contribute to the feel of character, and the Bott Brothers signage here certainly does. And while the building has seen alterations over the years, at its core it’s still a historic building, listed in the National Register, and a vibrant part of the downtown Columbus streetscape.”