June 17, 2026
From the Ohio Department of Administrative Services
Columbus — A cost-saving roof upgrade for the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in downtown Columbus has transformed into a tribute to the Buckeye State just in time to help celebrate America’s 250th birthday this summer.
After 50 years, the skyscraper’s original concrete slab on the rooftop needed to be removed and replaced to address some water intrusion issues, a project expected to cost about $4 million.
Instead, members of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services’ (DAS) Property and Facilities team researched and selected a PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate) polymer overlay system that cost much less, about $234,000.
“I am constantly challenging our team to come up with innovative ideas, and they hit this one out of the park — or should I say onto the roof,” said DAS Director Kathleen C. Madden. “This is a creative and cost-effective way to keep the Rhodes Tower in top shape for years to come, while proudly displaying its Ohio spirit.”
Most of the savings came by avoiding the labor and expense of removing the half century old concrete, hauling debris down 41 floors, installing new waterproofing, and lifting new concrete 629 feet to the roof.
The PMMA system starts out clear, however the manufacturer offers different pigment colors to handle various climate needs and building owner preferences. The original plan for the Rhodes Tower was to use a light gray color, but that plan changed when the idea arose to create the Ohio Burgee flag on the top of the roof using different PMMA colors.
The flag is not painted on top the Rhodes Tower but is built directly into the PMMA system using colored material. The manufacturer has provided a 30 year warranty for the entire PMMA overlay system, including the flag, and expects it to last even longer without fading or leaking.
Sam Rosenthal, CEO of Schooley-Caldwell, the architectural firm that provided design services to the state throughout the Rhodes Tower Modernization project, designed the flag pattern at no cost after consulting with local muralist Mandi Caskey.
