Nationwide Realty Investors has detailed plans for a major renovation of the 18-story office tower at 280 High, formerly known as Two Nationwide Plaza, in downtown Columbus. As part of the repositioning, the property will be rebranded as The Centennial on High, a name selected to recognize Nationwide’s 100th anniversary.
Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker framed the project as both a nod to the companys history and an investment in the citys core, describing it as a transformative effort that connects the organization’s legacy with new momentum for downtown Columbus. The renovation marks a shift in how the building will be used, with a move toward a mixed-use program that incorporates both residential and office components.
Under the current plan, The Centennial on High will be reconfigured to include 148 upscale residential units spread over 15 floors. The program also calls for the creation of a new penthouse level, expanding the residential offering at the top of the tower. The residential component is designed to introduce additional living options in the central business district while leveraging the building’s existing high-rise structure.
Even as the tower adds a significant housing component, Nationwide Realty Investors intends to preserve and upgrade its office space. The redevelopment will maintain approximately 75,000 square feet of offices within the property. Existing office tenancy is expected to remain an important part of the project, with Carpenter Lipps LLP and the Ohio Farm Bureau identified as anchor tenants in the renovated building.
Nationwide Realty Investors President Brian J. Ellis noted that Columbus is experiencing sustained demand for high-quality downtown residential offerings in prime locations. He indicated that the project is structured to respond to that demand by rebalancing the building’s use mix, while still supporting an active office presence.
The announcement comes as industry stakeholders prepare for the Connect Midwest Multifamily Trends Conference, scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, June 2, 2026. The event will include recognition of JDL Founder Jim Leitchinger with the Changing Skyline Award, followed by a keynote interview offering perspectives on multifamily development across the region. While separate from The Centennial on High project, the conference underscores broader industry attention on multifamily growth and urban residential demand.
With The Centennial on High, Nationwide Realty Investors is moving an established downtown office address toward a mixed-use model that combines housing and office space, aligning the property more closely with evolving patterns of downtown use and occupancy.
