As they celebrate their 100th anniversary this year, State Auto Insurance Companies will complete significant renovations to their downtown landmark building. This demonstrates their commitment to being part of downtown.

“The overall goal of the renovations is to create a more energizing, collaborative workspace for our associates, one more in keeping with our evolved entrepreneurial culture,” explained Kyle Anderson, marketing & communications director for State Auto Insurance Companies.

The original State Auto building was built in the 1930s, with a large addition added in 1980. Floor-by-floor renovations began in 2016, but the most visible changes are now underway. The updates to the public entrance on the north side of the building and to the lobby space are designed to offer a more contemporary and welcoming space for the company’s associates and guests. In addition to nuts-and-bolts updates to HVAC and elevators, improvements include inviting community spaces with technological updates, as well as bike storage.

“We are excited about the opportunities for inviting the community in to host meetings and events,” added Anderson. “We have always done that but will now be proud to do so in such an inviting space, both aesthetically and technology-wise.”

Associates who biked to work had previously kept their bikes at their desks. After the renovation, they can utilize an enclosed bike storage. State Auto actively promotes alternative transportation, including early adoption of COTA’s C-pass (at another location) and offering a CoGo station on the property. The company believes it is part of what makes them an attractive place to work.

The same holds true for being located downtown. Having been part of the Discovery District since 1931, State Auto remains committed to downtown Columbus and sees the investment in their building as an investment in the neighborhood.

“Being downtown is part of being an attractive place to work,” explained Anderson. “We are proud to be part of the Discovery District, where exciting things are happening. It’s always changing and there is always something new within walking distance.”