If you ever find yourself looking for something new and exciting to do on a rainy Saturday afternoon, head down to 400 West Rich Street Columbus, just west of downtown Columbus, to check out a massive collective of artists now known as 400 Square.
400 West Rich Street Columbus was started in 2009 when the old D.A. Ebinger Sanitary Manufacturing Co. building was purchased by a developer named Urban Smart Growth. D.A. Ebinger had previously been a manufacturer of toilet fixtures and some of the first refrigerated drinking fountains.
The revitalization of this building to create 400 West Rich Street is part of a larger movement to revitalize East Franklinton. This movement also includes businesses like Strongwater, Land-Grant Brewing Company, and Rehab Tavern. There are also plans to add new mixed-use residential projects, such as the recently announced six-acre River and Rich development, which will feature eight buildings and 230 townhouse and flat-style apartments.
At the time of purchase, the building had fallen into total disrepair, with live plants even growing inside. Following the purchase, the building was renovated—but not gutted—so that the space could maintain its authentic, rustic charm.
By July 2011, the first wave of artists began to occupy the space. Over time, the complex has grown into a 100,000+ square-foot arts complex, comprising nearly 100 artist studios, art galleries, rehearsal rooms, and co-working spaces. Several buildings now make up the complex, including Strongwater, Chromedge Studios, The Vanderelli Room, and more.
I personally love this place. It’s such a cool collection of local artists, each with their own rented stall.
As you walk through the front doors, you immediately sense the artistic atmosphere that exists here. This is no cookie-cutter mall scene. The structure of the building itself is that of a high-ceilinged warehouse from the early 20th century, painted flat white. While everything feels clean and up to date, you can immediately sense that you are in an old, repurposed space.
Inside the main area, the individual artist stalls are separated by white drywall partitions that rise only about eight feet. This provides separation, security, and privacy for each tenant, but as you look up at the structural steel rafters above, you are reminded that you are in a historic building. As you move throughout the various stalls and locations, your sense of adventure is continuously stimulated by what each artist has on display. Most of the time, the artists themselves greet you warmly, telling you a little about what they are currently working on—and sometimes inviting you to make a purchase.
You can browse through and check out the latest pieces that the artists are working on, as well as their other works displayed around their stalls. You can ask questions to learn about their creative process.
Several local food vendors sell a variety of goodies, which you can sample on-site or take home to enjoy later. In the past, I’ve enjoyed homemade chocolate chip cookies and homemade sausages—the aroma alone is enough to draw you in.
There’s always something happening at 400 West Rich, especially during the holiday season and on weekends.
Once a month, there’s Franklinton Fridays, held on the second Friday of every month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. During this event, you can move from spot to spot, checking out what each artist has to offer, while enjoying plenty of food and entertainment along the way.
Around mid-December each year, a special event called the Festivus Holiday Market takes place, designed to provide an outlet after the holiday shopping hustle and bustle. During this event, many studios and galleries at 400 West Rich and Chromedge Studios open their doors. In addition to open studios, there are usually several food trucks, hands-on workshops, and live performances. Many vendors also offer handmade goods for sale.
Over time, as is the case with most things, rental fees for artists have increased. Back in 2011, artists were paying around $300 per month, but today rates can reach $900 or more. For some artists, this becomes unsustainable. However, scholarships are available for those experiencing hardship, which can reduce the monthly rent to “actual cost” to help relieve the burden. The reality is that even art must operate like a real business, and unfortunately, some artists’ studios or businesses do not survive under these conditions.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a curious explorer, or simply looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon, 400 West Rich Street is well worth a visit. Strolling through the studios and galleries gives you a chance to witness the creative process firsthand, chat with artists, and take home one-of-a-kind works or tasty treats from local vendors.
The complex is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is free, making it an easy and accessible outing for individuals, families, or groups. Special events like Franklinton Fridays and the Festivus Holiday Market offer extended hours and added entertainment, making any visit feel like a celebration of the local arts community.
A trip to 400 West Rich Street is more than just browsing artwork—it’s an opportunity to experience a vibrant, living creative hub and support the artists who bring East Franklinton to life.
Explore galleries and murals in the Short North.
Grab local eats at The North Market.
Visit the Columbus Art Museum nearby.
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