Rhodes Tower

Rhodes Tower is a 41-story government office building in Columbus featuring a bold brutalist design with a granite exterior. The structure rises approximately 190 meters and houses offices for multiple state agencies in a consolidated administrative center.

Construction began in 1971 and finished in 1974, reflecting the expansion of state administration during Governor James Rhodes' time in office. The project represented a major investment in centralizing government offices in downtown Columbus.

The ground-level plaza functions as a public gathering space where visitors can encounter the massive structure up close. The space shows how state buildings create areas for people to pause and experience architecture as part of their daily surroundings.

The building features an accessible plaza at ground level where visitors can walk around and view the structure up close. The public areas remain open during business hours, though interior access is limited to government staff and official business.

The exterior uses Milbank granite, a stone more than two billion years old that gives the building an exceptional durability. This ancient material was chosen deliberately to reflect the permanence and strength expected of a state government center.

Location: Ohio

Inception: 1971

Official opening: September 21, 1971

Architectural style: brutalism

GPS coordinates: 41.50320,-81.67560

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:00