Downtown Columbus building with historic ties to NFL reinvented into modern office space

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Downtown building that was once home to NFL headquarters has been reinvented into a modern office space its owner calls "the future of work."

The Hayden -- a new development by The Tomko Company -- is a 20,000-square-foot center with private office space, co-working and meeting rooms, a rooftop patio, valet parking, and more. The two-building complex is at 20 E. Broad St., across from the Statehouse.

Construction on The Hayden's first building was completed in 1869, making it the oldest building on Capitol Square. In 1920, it became the NFL headquarters for nearly 20 years. Marzetti's Restaurant was later located on the ground level.

The second building was the tallest in Columbus when constructed in 1901. Michael Tomko, President of The Tomko Company, said a major part of the project was combining the two historic buildings.

"As part of our historic redevelopment, we joined the two buildings," Tomko said. "There's a lot of history here."

Inside the development is "Spaces," a partnership with hybrid-working company IWG that features 66 private offices. Tomko said these units are smaller to keep up with changing demands. He said a similar building next door also operated by IWG quickly reached 95% capacity.

"Because of the shifts in the market, we are really seeing tenants value flexibility, we're seeing them prioritize quality of space and quality of amenities," Tomko said. "Five to 10 years ago, it was very common to see people with 20,000-square-foot requirements, 10,000-square-foot requirements. We've really seen a shift in the market. There are a lot more firms looking for smaller spaces."

Tomko said developments like The Hayden are the future of work. He said with its accessibility, location and amenities, tenants find it easier to get their employees to return to in-person work.

"That's what we hear from a surprising number of our tenants," Tomko said.

Coming soon next to The Hayden, The Tomko Company has leased out three ground-floor retail spaces, to Three Bites Bakery and Little Cat, Black Kahawa Coffee Roastery and one other, unidentified business.