Set in the heart of a rapidly evolving downtown Columbus, Ohio, The Pembroke offers a fresh take on urban living—while honoring the architectural legacy of its site through a thoughtful approach to historic preservation. Located at 195 East Broad Street, this 15-story community blends past and present, pairing modern, Bauhaus-inspired design with preserved stonework from two century-old buildings that once housed WCOL, the first country western radio station in the U.S.
As the site holds deep local significance, our team, in collaboration with Edwards Urban, took a meticulous approach to honoring that history. As it proved too difficult to build a new structure around the existing buildings, the limestone façade was carefully dismantled, with each piece protected and stored during construction, and then reinstalled along the base of the new building. Relief in the new brickwork and thoughtful returns around the preserved facade create the illusion that the new tower rose around the existing buildings as originally planned.
The Pembroke also provides amenities and parking for its sister property, Preston Centre—the former PNC Tower, now home to a mix of offices, apartments, and restaurants. The two buildings are connected by an elevated walkway over Fourth Street, which is currently being transformed into Preston Park, a vibrant open-air greenspace. Plans are underway to extend the walkway to Third Street, creating a unique connection and shared experience between the two communities.
From the street, The Pembroke makes an immediate impression. Its architecture—rooted in Bauhaus principles to pay homage to the legacy of its architectural surroundings—is wrapped in a deep, modern brick that contrasts beautifully with the restored limestone base. A dramatic two-story glass form defines the entry, while salvaged artifacts, including the WCOL keystone have been reimagined within the Young Street elevation, enriching the pedestrian experience with texture, memory, and meaning.
Inside, The Pembroke lives up to its promise of providing an inspiring sanctuary. Residents are welcomed into refined spaces featuring modern amenities, high-end finishes, and expansive views of the downtown skyline. Just steps from restaurants, offices, and cultural landmarks, it offers the vibrancy of city life with the soul of a building deeply connected to its place.
With leasing underway and final construction details wrapping up, The Pembroke is ready to open its doors—a project that honors the past while shaping the future of urban Columbus.
To learn more, visit thepembrokecolumbus.com or call us at 303-832-4474.
