Part 10/13:
Throughout the mid-20th century, Columbus experienced rapid growth. Urban renewal projects prioritized economic development over preservation, resulting in the destruction of many historic structures. The rise of automobile culture, suburban expansion, and commercial development led to abandoning and demolishing many buildings that once defined the city’s architectural identity.
While some buildings were saved or repurposed, the majority of Columbus’s architectural gems did not survive. Brick structures, mansions, and civic buildings—constructed to last centuries—were often replaced with parking lots, shopping centers, and modern office blocks. This relentless push for progress, though economically beneficial, came at a profound cultural and historical cost.