Named in honor of the late Benjamin Franklin, the town of Franklinton was built on the low-lying shores of the Scioto River, east of present-day Columbus, Ohio. Established in 1797, it was the first settlement of Franklin County. Years of flooding kept the town in a state of pause, but the building of a flood wall in 2004 unlocked what would become a new era of unprecedented growth and vibrancy. With artists taking up residency in the area’s long-forgotten factories and new restaurants popping up nearby, Franklinton is transforming.We were tasked with creating a brand and interiors concept to anchor this burgeoning neighborhood, authentically reflecting its creative, industrial, and small-town spirit. We drew inspiration from the Junto Club, a “club for mutual improvement,” founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1727. This group brought together people from diverse backgrounds who shared a spirit of inquiry to discuss issues and ideas of the time.With an emphasis on public gathering spaces, The Junto was designed as a modern space imbued with the spirit of the original club, giving locals and visitors alike a place to come together, exchange ideas, and inspire one another. The hotel is divided into three public gathering areas—a lobby library, café, and rooftop bar. A grand introduction to the hotel, the lobby library is inspired by the first American lending library, founded by the Junto Club. Designed as a communal workspace, it provides an extensive collection of inspiring books and seating that encourages conversation. The Junto’s brand is a tribute to the area’s industrial heritage and the city’s enduring industriousness. Its bold, minimal aesthetic is infused with unconventionality, capturing the distinctive visionary spirit that makes Franklinton unique. The wordmark is strong with an element of intrigue, while the supporting typography can easily move between structured to more dynamic. Adjacent to the lobby is Maudine’s, a café named for Maudine Ormsby. This award-winning milk-producing Holstein cow was also the Ohio State University Homecoming Queen of 1926. The tale of her queen nomination, an irreverent prank, feels like an anecdote straight from a meeting of the original Junto Club. Inspired by the legacy of our award-winning cow, the Maudine’s brand radiates friendliness and confidence. It balances bold and soft design elements, creating a modern yet warmly familiar feel, much like Maudine herself.
Perched above the city is Brass Eye, the hotel’s rooftop bar, which offers inspiring views of the Downtown Columbus skyline. The name, “Brass Eye,” is a nod to Franklin’s “The Drinker’s Dictionary,” where it appears as one of 228 terms for drunkenness—a fitting allusion to the original Junto Club’s culture of spirited gatherings. Echoing their inventive and rebellious nature, the bar’s design sparks curiosity, camaraderie, and lively discourse among its guests. Brass Eye’s brand uses intentional imperfections—an off-kilter wordmark, playful “drunken” language, and subtly skewed typography—to cultivate a humorous and relaxed atmosphere, reflecting the bar’s convivial spirit.