# @columbuslibrary on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DSzxj_0lI1F
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/38322012-columbuslibrary-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/ef64ad81f3.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-12-28T13:34:08.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Columbus Library (@columbuslibrary) — https://gondola.cc/columbuslibrary

## Caption

What will happen to this century-old school, frozen in time in Franklinton? ➡️

Its final students walked the halls in 1977, but the Bellows School still stands today.

Built in 1906, the former elementary is nearing 120 years old. For almost 70 of those years, it welcomed students in its beautiful halls and classrooms, large and modern for the time.

Then, the neighborhood changed.

As freeways were built in the 1950s and 60s, the area became  isolated. Population declined, enrollment dropped, and the school closed.

For nearly 50 years, the building has been mostly vacant. Water damage and a small fire have caused harm to the roof and interior.

Still, the building’s historic character remains, especially on the exterior. Its original brick walls, sandstone trim, and metal cornice have endured more than a century.

But what's next?

In 2008, the school was set for demolition as part of the I-70/71 highway development.

In 2014, it was nonetheless purchased by a developer, with plans to convert it to offices and apartments. The roof, floors, and windows were repaired.

In 2023, the building was officially nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, but its future remains uncertain.

What would you like to see in this historic space? 💬

#columbus #ohio #franklinton

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 514
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 13

## Tags

ohio, franklinton, columbus

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