The Ohio State Reformatory is more than stone, steel, and tile. It is a tangible link to the past, recounting stories not only of inmates and wardens, but also the community around it. This towering structure is a physical way of observing history and the events that have led us to where we are today. The restoration of a historic site such as this preserves the past in a way that will allow future generations to experience and learn from authentic spaces and the tales they carry.
Restoration is rarely a simple task, and at 250,000 square feet and 140 years old, the halls of the Reformatory pose a special challenge. The natural aging of materials, harsh impact of Ohio’s northern climate, and sheer size of the building lead to difficulties accurately and effectively restoring parts of the Reformatory.
Despite these challenges, our restoration team works tirelessly to progress projects through the winding rooms of OSR. They revitalize spaces in both major and minutely detailed ways. One of the most striking features of the building are the tiled floors throughout the living quarters. Each tile is original to the building. Damaged pieces are repaired or replaced, allowing for safe, easy navigation. Entire spaces such as the Shawshank Museum have been restored to their former glory and are now capable of hosting some of the film’s beloved artifacts.
One of the largest undertakings has also been one of the most critical. The windows lining the cell blocks require replacement. Some have been completely replaced and sealed, while others are currently solutioned with plexiglass that does a fairweather job of keeping out the weather and wildlife of Ohio. While everyone (including us!) enjoys the original, shiver-inducing, monumental cell blocks, the only way to preserve, is to restore.
Through the striking changes such as new windows or a functioning straplock door system, or the less glamorous structure repairs and HVAC installation, it is a constant effort to retain the beauty and history of the Ohio State Reformatory.
Investing in historic preservation and restoration is ultimately an investment in the education and experience of generations to come. The Ohio State Reformatory carries lessons of resilience, identity, growth, and reform, and by restoring a building that helps define history, we ensure it’s, and the people it represents’, stories endure for centuries to come.
