October 25, 2004

The first bricks have started falling on an old textile warehouse in Uptown Columbus that will soon see a stunning transformation.

Crews are meticulously taking down about a third of the building to make room for a complex that will house Columbus State University's departments of art and theatre. The building sits between 10th and Dillingham streets and between Bay and Front avenues.

Two new teaching theatres and a spectacular lobby overlooking the park and the river will be built where demolition is currently under way. The rest of the building will be renovated into chic art studios.

One Arsenal Place next door will also be renovated to make room for faculty offices and classrooms on the bottom floor. Other floors will remain for commercial space.

Construction on the complex should begin in early 2005. The city's Uptown Facade Board recently approved the designs for the new building.