Town / Franklin Neighborhood Association
586 East Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43216
keltonhouse@cs.com • www.keltonhouse.com
614-464-2022
A restored residential neighborhood within the inner belt, Town/Franklin
is bounded by Washington Avenue, Rich Street, Lester Street and Oak
Street. Many residents withstood the urbanization of the 1960s to preserve
their 19th century architecture.
The original residents of Town/Franklin were rather wealthy, civic-minded,
hard-working individuals who took a special pride in their achievements
reflected in homes that were sturdily built and finely furnished with
materials from around the world. Currently, the neighborhood is a mix
of these original structures and well-built apartments from the 20th
century.
Two organizations spearheaded historical redevelopment. In 1951, Kappa
Kappa Gamma Fraternity restored the 1850 Snowden home at 530 East Town
Street, a fine example of the Italianate style, which also served as
the Governor’s Mansion during the Civil War. In 1976, the Junior
League of Columbus restored the Kelton House at 586 East Town Street,
built in 1852, and established a museum of local history and the decorative
arts with tours and educational programs, including activities related
to the new Underground Railroad Learning Station. Imagination is everywhere
in the delightful and unique Topiary Garden which recreates Georges
Seurat’s “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of Grande Jatte”
on a grand green scale.
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