NEWS

The property is rebranding to ‘The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center’ and has undergone significant renovations to modernize ballrooms, meeting spaces, and guestrooms and add an additional outdoor gathering space elevating the guest and event experience.

Renovations are nearing completion at the storied property known as Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, a 20-acre hotel and event complex located in Lewis Center at the corner of Powell Rd and State Route 23. In conjunction, the property will be rebranded to The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center later this summer.

“As is typical in the life cycle of all great hotels and event facilities, it was time for a comprehensive renovation and rebranding,” said Brian J. Ellis, President of Nationwide Realty Investors, owner of the hotel and event center. “Dating back to the 1950’s, Nationwide acquired this site in what was considered a rural area. Today, there’s tremendous growth all around the hotel, including significant infrastructure improvements. The site just keeps getting better, and we’re thrilled to be enhancing the property to fit the exceptional location. The extensive work that’s underway will make this one of Ohio’s premier destinations.”

The newly completed event center renovations include renovated and modernized ballrooms with soaring ceilings and sweeping windows, expanded and refined pre-function and post-function spaces with improved connectivity and spectacular views, and a new private outdoor courtyard with multiple fireplaces connected to the ballroom for an extraordinary indoor/outdoor meeting and event experience.

“As Nationwide’s training activities have mostly shifted to our downtown headquarters location, we had the opportunity to open up the facility more widely to third-party events driving significant local, regional and national conferences and business meetings, special events, weddings and social gatherings of all sizes,” said Ellis. “The new Ohioan name is reflective of the facility’s history, rich character, and stately appeal, and the elevated facility and brand will anchor this location as a regional destination for Ohioans and beyond.”

Additional renovations underway include updates to the 193 guestrooms and suites, inspired by the property’s lush and tranquil setting, with interiors incorporating natural elements, rich textures, and sophisticated finishes appealing to both leisure and business travelers. The hotel will remain open throughout the phased renovations. The 2,000-square-foot pub will also be given a refresh later this fall complementing the new direction for the hotel and event center and giving guests yet another unique gathering space.

“This property has always had a stellar reputation, but our guests and long-time clients have often called it Columbus’ best kept secret – and that’s about to change,” said Kathyrn Burton, COO of Columbus Hospitality Management, the operations team that has managed the hotel and event center for nearly 15 years. “These renovations thoughtfully balance modern amenities with the property’s authentic and rich history, creating a perfect mix of timeless and elegant spaces, best-in-class technology and services, and an estate-inspired ambiance surrounded by nature where the walls seem to dissolve.”

As part of the renovations, Nationwide Realty Investors commissioned three Ohio-based artists to create original artworks for display throughout the event center. Columbus-based visual artist, Karen Rumora, created original artwork that reflects the interior structure of plant life as a nod to Ohio’s ecosystem, on display in the grand entry and north lobby. Columbus-based abstract painter, Anna Sokol, created The Golden Thread, a colorful series of four canvases linked by a playful line representing the relationship between self and connection, displayed along the main hallway. Cleveland-based abstract artist, Marti Higgins, created Changeling Field, a vibrant layered collage, serving as the focal point in the south lobby.

“It was important to select local artists to create these original pieces for The Ohioan,” said Ellis. “It’s an Ohio destination and our customers often have Ohio roots and connections, just like these talented artists. We’re extremely proud to have invested in local art by local artists for our Ohioan walls.”

The property has preserved its stately appeal, while offering a new and unique experience for guests with modernized facilities. The location’s sprawling and walkable layout, multiple buildings and flexible facilities, combined with its retreat-like environment and intentional landscaping for privacy, offers a distinct alternative to traditional urban conference centers. The village-like setting is the culmination of nearly 80 years of development and evolution.

What began as a radio station in the 40’s evolved into Green Meadows Inn during the 60’s, which later transformed into a training center for Nationwide insurance in the 70’s, and ultimately expanded into a full-scale conference and hotel destination by the early 00’s. Today, the property is a vibrant hub of progress and development. The site has become an anchor point in a thriving community — growing better and more dynamic with each passing year.

Personalized service remains a hallmark at the hotel and event center, with dedicated event planners that ensure guests and meeting hosts receive a seamless and tailored experience best suited to their needs. To learn more or to book an event at The Ohioan, please visit www.theohioan.com.