American Electric Power is considering leaving its namesake Downtown office tower.
Built in 1983 on the corner of Marconi Boulevard and West Long Street, the 31-story building is one of Downtown’s tallest and most recognizable buildings.
“The AEP building has been a fixture of the Columbus skyline,” company spokesman Scott Blake told The Dispatch.
“However, like any building its age, it will require significant renovations to continue to be a safe and engaging environment for our employees. Currently, we are evaluating our options, which include investing in our current facilities or finding a building in or around Columbus that better meets the needs of our workforce.”
Blake added that “no decisions have been made, and we are committed to working with the city as we move forward.”
Blake did not say how many people worked in the 760,000-square-foot building or what share of it is occupied.
If AEP were to move, the tower would be the latest of several Downtown high-rises to undergo a change.
Two Downtown office towers, the former PNC building and Continental Centre, have been entirely or partially converted into apartments. A third, Two Nationwide Plaza, may be heading in the same direction.
Several other Downtown towers have struggled financially or changed hands since COVID sent many workers home more than five years ago.
Real estate and Development Reporter Jim Weiker can be reached at jweiker@dispatch.com and at 614-284-3697. Follow him @JimWeiker
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: AEP considering leaving its Downtown office tower
Reporting by Jim Weiker, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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