In 1971, Columbus residents voted for a bond to fund a convention center, bringing the Ohio Center closer to reality. The Ohio Center was built on the former site of the Union Station arcade.

The end of the year gave the Hilton Columbus Downtown hotel and the Greater Columbus Convention Center unexpected boosts in revenue. The end of the year gave the Hilton Columbus Downtown hotel and ...

Ground was broken for the Ohio Center on Feb. 3, 1978, as Columbus sought to entice large conventions — and the resulting economic benefits — into central Ohio with a suitable venue.