NOW OPEN: THE JUNTO

We are thrilled to announce, alongside our partners at Rockbridge Hospitality Development and OMFGCo, the official opening of The Junto Hotel in Columbus, Ohio!

When we first visited the project site in 2019, the Franklinton neighborhood—locally known as “the bottoms” for its historic flooding events—largely consisted of surface parking lots and single-story industrial buildings flanked by historic railroad tracks on the west side and the CoSI (Center of Science of Industry) to the east. The broad vision for the master plan of the nine-block, mixed-use development included residences, retail, offices and parking, with a hotel at the center of the development. Alongside this revitalization was a desire to preserve the character of Franklinton, with its history and spirit dominating our design story.

The Junto takes its name from a club founded in 1727 by Benjamin Franklin - a “club for mutual improvement,” which he styled The Junto. Ben’s club brought together people from diverse backgrounds to discuss issues and ideas of the time. From ground-floor boutiques and eateries to the hotel lobby bar and glassy second story ballroom, the hotel embodies Ben’s concept of the Junto – a place where visitors, locals, entrepreneurs and artists alike can come together, exchange ideas, and inspire one another.

The Junto is a multi-tiered, scaled structure that highlights the stunning sunrise and sunset views that span the city, Scioto River and the distant plains. With an internal mews, engagement with public plazas and a reinvigorated connection to the riverfront, a sense of connectivity from east to west was central to the project, including continuity with the preserved historic school building at the core of CoSI.

Follow the Junto Hotel on Instagram here and be sure to check it out for yourself if you’re headed that way.