Old Beechwold Historic District

Old Beechwold Historic District is a residential community with about 137 homes built from stone, brick, and stucco situated along tree-lined streets and natural ravines. The buildings date to the early 20th century and create a consistent picture of home design and landscaping from that era.

The area was originally forested and briefly housed a zoo in 1905 before Joseph A. Jeffrey purchased about 75 acres in 1906 and transformed it into a residential estate called Beechwalde. Over time it expanded into the neighborhood that exists and is preserved today.

The neighborhood reflects early 20th-century residential design where homeowners maintain stone, brick, and stucco exteriors that blend into the natural setting of ravines and mature trees. The carefully laid-out streets shape what you see today and show how homes here were designed to work with the landscape.

You can explore the area best on foot to fully take in the details of the homes and street layout. Keep in mind this is a private residential area where homeowners must follow strict guidelines for any exterior changes.

A former monkey house from the 1905 zoo still stands on West Beechwold Boulevard, now serving as a barn while keeping its original structure intact. This unexpected remnant connects the area's zoo past to its current residential character.

Location: Franklin County

Location: Columbus

GPS coordinates: 40.06167,-83.02306

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:20