Nationwide Realty Investors Ltd. kicked off leasing for its Buggyworks office project by signing a high-profile Columbus brand in Cameron Mitchell Restaurants LLC.

NRI President Brian Ellis expects the restaurant holding company to lead a flurry of activity as Nationwide Realty wraps up work on two historic buildings that will bring a combined 145,000 square feet of office space to the Arena District.

“We’ve had a lot of activity on this building,” Ellis told me while touring the larger building at 400 W. Nationwide Blvd. “I’m really pleased with the interest.”

The larger, 114-year-old building will have 115,000 square feet of offices on four floors, with exposed brick interiors, original wood-beam ceilings and views of downtown.

Ellis said the former Columbus Buggy Co. complex – which includes condos and offices at 440 W. Nationwide Blvd. renovated by Kyle Katz – will offer the type of creative space preferred by many employers.

“Everybody’s competing for talent, especially young talent,” he said.

Nationwide Realty also will be able to accommodate a variety of office sizes.

“We have a lot of flexibility in that. I expect we’ll have some tenants that are 2,000 to 2,500 square feet,” he said.

Both buildings are expected to be open by fall. Turner Construction is managing the project.

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