Sky Bridge Named in Honor of Mayor Michael B. Coleman

The award-winning Hilton Columbus Downtown has another feather in its cap: National recognition for its unique sky bridge, a dazzling steel and faceted glass corridor that allows pedestrians to walk above High Street directly to the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Additionally, the sky bridge has a new name in honor of the Columbus mayor who provided significant input during its planning: the Michael B. Coleman Sky Bridge.

At an Aug. 26 dedication of the sky bridge, which opened along with the hotel in 2012, Larry Flynn of the American Institute of Steel Construction presented partners in the sky bridge’s design and construction with the organization’s coveted 2015 IDEAS2 Award. Chosen in a juried competition, the award recognizes projects for which structural steel has been used in an innovative way.

The ultramodern sky bridge is 105 feet long and supported by a 48-inch-diameter steel spine. Fabricated steel ribs form the sides and floor of the bridge. The steel spine was manufactured in Turkey and the ribs and glass on the sides of the sky bridge in Germany. Opaque glass along the floor was made in Spain.

Also on hand for the award were HOK architects, which designed the sky bridge; Turner Construction, which oversaw construction; Roschmann Steel & Glass, which was responsible for steel and glass fabrication; Halvorson and Partners Construction; and Hilton leadership.

Sally Bloomfield, board chair for the FCCFA, which owns the Hilton, surprised Coleman with the sky bridge’s new name.

“Mayor Coleman not only has been a staunch ally in growing Columbus into an event destination, but he provided thoughtful and valuable input into the plans resulting in one of the nation’s best hotels,” Bloomfield said.

“As he nears the end of his 16th year as mayor, it is important and fitting that he is recognized in some lasting way.”

In accepting the award, Mayor Coleman noted the importance of the Hilton to the city’s future.

“The Hilton Columbus Downtown is a showcase for our city and a catalyst for further development,” he said. “It helps make Columbus a destination city.”

Mayor Coleman has elected not to seek re-election after his current term ends at the end of the year.