Part 11/13:
The Loss of Columbus’s Architectural Identity
Today, Columbus is no longer widely recognized for its historic architecture; instead, it is remembered for what was sacrificed along the way. The city’s former status as a "world-class" city with remarkable palaces and civic buildings has largely faded, overshadowed by a landscape of modern expansions and commercial developments.
In stark contrast to cities like New York or Atlanta—where historic buildings have been adapted or preserved—Columbus’s architectural heritage has been gradually erased. For many, these lost structures symbolize not just architectural beauty, but a physical connection to the city’s ambitious past—an era of craftsmanship, wealth, and cultural aspiration.