Short North Arts District in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Fireproof Building

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 5, 2016

1. The Fireproof Building Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1909 and renovated for residential and commercial use in 2014, The Fireproof Building was originally home to Fireproof Warehouse and Storage Co. and was first used to protect personal possessions. With steel doors & solid concrete walls, The Fireproof Building was synonymous with security, and was designated a Civil Defense Fallout Shelter during World War II.

On June 2, 1922 the facade of the original Fireproof building was cut back 10 feet due to the widening of High Street for increased automobile use along with cable cars. This created the beautiful front structure we see today.

As the moving & storage industry changed, the building transitioned into secure storage for business assets. For over 30 years it served as headquarters for Fireproof Records Center one of the country’s largest information storage companies.

The Fireproof Building spans over a century of industry development and change personifying the vibrant spirit of strength and innovation abundantin Columbus’ Short North Community.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 39° 58.994′ N, 83° 0.273′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio

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, in Franklin County. It is in the Short North Arts District. It is at the intersection of North High Street and Aston Row Lane, on the right when traveling north on North High Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1026 N High St, Columbus OH 43201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Scioto Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pride Circles (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stonewall Union (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Makers Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); Father Rocco Petrarca (approx. half a mile away); Chiesa Italiana u San Giovanni Battista (approx. half a mile away); Chiesa Italiana di San Giovanni Battista (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Other markers no longer nearby. Emerson Burkhart (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Circus (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); Short North Murals (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed); “Arch City” (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed); Gallery Hop (was about 800 feet away but has been permanently removed); Elijah Pierce (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Garden Theatre (was approx. 0.2 miles

The Fireproof Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 5, 2016

2. The Fireproof Building and Marker

away but has been permanently removed); Thurber (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been permanently removed); Union Station (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been permanently removed); The Short North (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. The marker mentions “cable cars” on High Street. It should read “streetcars” as cable cars never ran on High Street. Electric powered streetcars, also known as trolleys, ran on High Street up to Clintonville from 1899 to 1948.

Regarding The Fireproof Building. Today the building houses loft-style apartments ranging from 785 square-foot studios to 2,350 square-foot two-bedroom units.

Also see . . . From Horse-drawn to High Tech, Fireproof Storage Spans the Century. 2000 article by Jeff Bell is about the building’s previous uses. “Ed James says its sturdy, fireproof concrete construction appealed to the city's more affluent residents who would put their furniture, Oriental rugs, fine crystal, works of art and other valuables in storage while spending the winter in warmer climates. One room, heated by steam radiators, was set aside for pianos.

The Fireproof Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 5, 2016

3. The Fireproof Building

A large, bank-style vault in the front office held the diamonds, gold, silver and other jewels that didn't make the trip south with their wealthy owners.” (Submitted on September 2, 2016.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2016, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 902 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 2, 2016, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.