For Sarah and Rosemary of S.R. Kissler Press, printing in new places has become a summer adventure. With their friend, Excelsior, 20 destinations will host the team, enjoy the art of letterpress, and make a unique postcard.
Read MoreA keen eye and a coat hanger can do a lot. That keen eye belongs to our property manager, Allegra. She saw a hint of old painted letters under plaster as she walked the third floor of 2000 South High’s unfinished space. That same day, she joined Fort tenant artist Mandi Caskey as they chipped at the plaster with a coat hanger…
Read MoreWe sat down with Ujjo owner Lauren D’Souza because we had one hot (and spicy) question to ask (see below). And spoiler alert… Lauren’s creations are delicious…
“Lolly Lolly Ceramic pieces are a fresh take on a centuries-old craft. My pieces are incredibly simple, but they are also intricately complex. I love teetering that line.”
Read MoreFifty businesses have said Yes to this genuine old factory space. We had no idea that would happen. Or that our spaces would be home to so wide a variety of Makers. Like the landscape architecture firm, Foreground Studio. Their studio at The Fort retains the 19th Century factory aesthetic, focuses on Mid Century Modern, and adds 21st century design and function.
We sat down with Noah Mabry to hear more about he and Singleton Hicks’ thriving business…
Read MoreSpoiler: With over 240,000 square feet of space, there are no secret rooms here (as far as we know). But the humble gray door you see below opens to a delightfully big haven for ceramic lovers. It’s Eric Rausch’s Kiln Room. Read Eric’s short interview below, and scroll down for more photos.
Read MoreWe looked for nearly a year for a new space and finally found The Fort. There is such a lack of affordable work space in Columbus, and the stuff that does exist has no character. The Fort has character in spades.
Read MoreThe photos below were taken inside his studio at 2000 S. High, and other areas around The Fort. Nick continues to amaze, shot after shot—enjoy!
Read MoreWhy? Because Bill has been here for over 30 years. Long before The Fort was named. He has seen businesses come and go, and has stories to tell. There’s a glimmer of knowing in his eyes.
You’ll find Bill, Rick and Bill’s daughter Olivia in their 6000 square foot space, on the north side of 2000 South High. They have an enviable location: plenty of parking, below the street sounds. A large loading dock. And daily entry through The Fort’s beautiful sandstone viaduct. The shop is a machinery dream, with a variety that spans old and new. Drill bits so big they make you stop and stare. Everything here is brutally heavy duty. But not Bill. He’s quick to listen, with a friendly smile. Same is true of his crew, Rick and Olivia.
Here’s our Q&A with Bill (followed by photos):
We are a small business, that is a tool & die machine shop. CNC milling/turning, general machining, tool & die making. We specialize in general job shop machining, short run prototype work.
I feel that my job is more like a form of art and I am able to show my talents with the quality products that I produce.
Basically, location. Most of our customers are within or have quick access to the I-270 outer belt. Also, It has given us the option to expand our business and our workspace. When Roof Die Tool first started, they had 2000 square feet and now we have been able to expand to 6000. So, if the opportunity arises there is plenty of space still available if we would like to expand more.
Mainly, the history of the building; the people who have come and gone. Listening to the elders and their stories of being here. When I started out here my boss, Robert Roof, who started Roof Die Tool taught me so much! He had so many incredible stories of his time here. William Neal of Weldon Tech. was a great Engineer and he taught me a lot about die sets. Ed & Bill Eubanks of DeFabco are Fabricator and Welders who helped introduce us to many new customers. I have gotten to meet some customers who have been around this area since the 50's-60's that have shared a lot of old stories about the building and area.
Thanks for joining us! Follow Roof Die Tool & Machine Inc.
Prema Designs is a a full service wedding and event design company that handles every aspect of creating the esthetic of an event and making our clients inspirations come to life.
We are a team made up of individuals that are bursting with creativity and an eagerness to push floral boundaries. Our goal and reason for doing what we do is the "goosies moment": when our clients see the space for the first time (untouched by guests) filled with all the dreams and custom designs made just for them. It’s one of the most gratifying moments you can witness.
During our creative process you will find us taking dance breaks or singing at the top of our lungs. Our light and fun-filled environment is necessary while making pieces made to celebrate whichever special event our clients hired us for. And we are the place filled with the snacks! Snack breaks are a must in life in general.
This space is the space of my dreams. It embodies the exact feel of what Prema is with the opportunity for growth. The Fort is a community filled with creativity and small businesses that just want to do what they do and have fun doing it. Plus the owner Justin is probably one of the best landlords I have met. You can tell he loves this building and wants his tenants to be comfortable, successful and happy. Never leaving.
Meet Rita, owner of Prema Designs
TEAM PREMA
Learn more about Rita and her services: Prema Designs
If altitude equals excellence, Sergei Parfenov’s top floor shop is the right place for his uncommonly stellar work.
Read MoreNick Fancher is quick to listen, and slow to brag about authoring books, or drop client names like Apple or IBM. They don’t just hire him because he’s a nice guy. It’s what he can do “in-camera,” without Photoshop.
Read MoreIf you enter The Fort’s courtyard, you can’t miss the green doors of Aiden & Grace. Once inside, you’ll love the warm natural light that pours into their beautiful showroom.
Read MoreWith dozens of tenants, it’s getting harder to track the Who, What and Where of life at The Fort. Which is why we’re happy to introduce Allegra Angelini, our property manager.
Read MoreIf you haven’t heard, The Fort is a big place. There’s a large empty wing above one of our tenants, Aiden & Grace, with lovely natural light. After meeting artist Andrew McNamara, we had an idea: Let’s use the space for a short-term artist residency.
Andrew said Yes.
Read MoreMark your calendars for October 19th. Chilljoy Frozen Treatery will be there with other food trucks. Plus beer, wine, and pumpkins. Tour our factory and see maker spaces. And if weather permits, see beautifully restored Seagrave fire trucks!
The Millennial Suite is a full service photography studio that specializes in content creation. From creative videos to epic photos that showcase what your brand is all about, they help their clients establish a voice for their brands.
In their search for the perfect space, The Millenial Suite team landed at The Fort because it offered them character, heritage and the flexibility to create their own space.
Sisters Nasteha & Nuni Yusuf, with photographer Matelli Graves
Shawn & Elisa have founded Ohio’s first organization devoted to the practice and advancement of photography and printmaking as influential contemporary art forms.
Read MoreWith their work embodying the spirit of the West, owner Todd Holbrook believes that making furniture is a vehicle for storytelling.
Read MoreWelcome to the The Fort—245,000 square feet of commercial space with heritage & character. Home to 21st century entrepreneurs and makers.
