Nationwide employees begin move into new Arena District building
December 10th, 2011
Steve Wartenberg, The Columbus Dispatch
The first 300 of 1,000 Nationwide employees scheduled to move into the company’s new office in the Arena District did so this
morning, filling the top floor of the five-story building.
The $37 million building was developed by Nationwide Realty Investors.
The remaining employees, most from the company’s offices in Dublin, will move in gradually over the next month, according to company officials.
The office will be the primary site for Nationwide Financial’s retirement-plans business.
“Everyone is excited about moving Downtown,” said Larry Hilsheimer, president of the company’s retirement plans operation. “It’s such a vibrant area. We’re near Nationwide’s headquarters (which are across the street) and it’s a brand-new building.”
When all the employees are moved in, the total number of Nationwide employees Downtown will reach 9,200, said Brian Ellis, president of Nationwide Realty Investors.
“This will have a great impact Downtown and add to the vibrancy of the area,” said Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, who
toured the building this morning with other city and Nationwide officials.