Nationwide Arena District

The plan for this 100-acre mixed-use district expresses the historic, industrial texture of Ohio’s capital city and has transformed its downtown. The New York Times called it “one of the Midwest’s most successful urban redevelopment projects.”

The 2000 opening of the HOK-designed Nationwide Arena served as the catalyst for the creation of the Arena District, a mixed-use development that continues to expand two decades later. The district’s buildings, public gathering spaces and infrastructure are integrated seamlessly in a timeless, pedestrian-friendly tapestry.

In collaboration with developer Nationwide Realty Investors, HOK has provided design services for projects throughout the district, including more than 1.5 million square feet of office and retail space, the Arena Grand Theatre, Express Live! Amphitheater, Huntington Park, Burnham Square and Northbank Condominiums, Arena Crossing Apartments and four parking garages.

The design features tightly knit infrastructure, street-level architectural details, wide brick sidewalks, inviting green spaces and hospitable storefronts. Pedestrian routes conform to city grids and maintain visual connections to the arena.

New district buildings share a strong industrial reference to the warehouse structures that dominate the cityscape. Their detailing and form emphasize simplicity, with large rhythmic windows and tall ceilings.

Columbus-based MKSK developed the district master plan.