A new business has joined the vibrant Findlay Market neighborhood, filling a void in the area's offerings and breathing life into a historic building.
The Columns, a chic and modern rentable venue located at 109 W. Elder St. in Over-the-Rhine, serves as a sophisticated blank slate for a wide variety of events and is equipped with features that can be tailored to fit creative visions of all kinds.
Jake and Miriam Hodesh, owners of The Columns and other properties in the area, spoke with the market and the market's merchants prior to deciding on their concept to see what missing in the neighborhood.
"After speaking with Findlay Market, Findlay Kitchen and many of the merchants we realized that an event space was needed and could add real value to the area," says Miriam in an email interview. The venue hosted its first event in June of 2021.
Prior to its new life as an event space, the property has served many purposes since it was built in 1874, including operating as a toy knick-knack department store and most recently as a BBQ spot called Mr. Pig's.
According to the Hodeshes, the building was once four stories tall – the tallest on the block — before being restructured as a one-story building over the course of its history.
In 2020, the team began work on revamping the space, including building a second story (with a rooftop patio).
The venue's main event space is located on the first floor and features white painted brick walls and plenty of natural light from the windows facing the street and the windows on the second floor. The space ranges in capacity sizes depending on event type — 50-75 guests for intimate weddings, 100 guests seated or 140-150 guests for cocktail-style party — and boasts a bar space with customizable lighting, a Sonos sound system and projectors.
Additionally, the venue has a second-floor observation deck that overlooks Findlay Market, along with a seating area with bar and kitchenette and a lower level dressing room with private restroom.
The Hodeshes teamed up with local artist Pam Kravetz and other creators when carrying out the design for their bathrooms. Each restroom offers its own unique (and immersive) vibe — and is perfect for a fun selfie.
The Columns event space can be utilized for a multitude of purposes, including intimate weddings and rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings, birthday parties, and its positioning within the market means easy access to dozens of catering or vendors right at your fingertips — however the venue welcomes any chefs or caterers beyond the market into their space. The venue also has its own liquor license and bartenders provided for events.
For more information about The Columns, reach out to [email protected] or visit thecolumnscincy.com.
