The Colosimo Builders Inc. Story

In 1973 the Victorian Village Historical District was established to restore and reinvigorate the turn of the century neighborhood located on the west side of what is now known as The Short North just north of downtown Columbus. Battelle Memorial Institute was instrumental in creating the initial momentum in the newly created historic district.  They restored the exterior of dozens of old rundown homes and sold those homes to  adventuresome individuals who were willing to take on the task of interior renovation of the long neglected classic turn of the century homes. Battelle’s efforts culminated in the late 1970’s when they actually moved a half dozen brick Victorian style homes onto land adjacent to Battelle and created a small cluster of totally restored classics. They then sponsored a mini “parade of homes” at the King Ave. location.

I developed an interest in classic architecture growing up in Cleveland. A favorite activity in Cleveland in the 1950’s was to take a drive on a nice Sunday afternoon and explore different parts of the city.  I loved the old homes.

As fate would have it while working for a data communication computer company in 1981 I was presented with the opportunity to purchase a totally un-restored home on Dennison Ave in Victorian Village. The project was more than a challenge to say the least.  Living in the home while working and renovating in spare time was not an ideal situation.

Finally, the home was completed and with only minor changes. It had been restored as close as possible to its original condition.

Again, as fate would have it, in 1993 I found myself in a position to purchase a lot in the newly developed Katherine’s Wood subdivision on Olentangy River Road.  I decided to build a new home for myself. The plan was to incorporate classic, turn of the century features into a more updated floor plan. The home was completed and I moved in 1995.

The rest is, as they say, history.  I gave up my day job and started building. Since, I have built Patio homes (empty nester) in developments like Courtney Place, Lindworth Village and Marble Cliff and family homes in developments like Campden Lakes, Wedgewood, and Loch Lommond.

I have purposely kept my company small. This allows me to personally supervise each home from beginning to end. More than fifty percent of the homes I build are “spec” homes. This allows me the opportunity to incorporate a few of my own creative ideas into the homes. I am not a low end builder that competes on the lowest cost per square foot.  My typical customer enjoys upgrades and the classical style I try to incorporate in each home.

Bruce Colosimo

Colosimo Builders Inc.