Auction offers slice of Columbus radio history ahead of building demolition

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Fans of the former alternative radio station WWCD have a chance to own a piece of local music history as the Brewery District building long associated with the station prepares for demolition.

An online auction of nearly 500 items from the former station and the Big Room Bar, which operated above it, is underway ahead of the building's razing at 1036 S. Front St. The auction, hosted by Paul Delphia of AuctionByDelphia, began Oct. 9 and will close Oct. 30.

"Big Room Bar and radio station at site have ceased business," the listing reads. "Building to be razed so some of the items are of an architectural nature." Watch a previous NBC4 report on WWCD's closure in the video player above.

Items up for bid range from practical kitchen equipment, including griddles, deep fryers, refrigerators and dishwashers, to more unique memorabilia such as neon beer signs, a piano, disco balls, flat-screen TVs, a Big Room Bar-branded chalkboard, and a large WWCD sign. Also listed are desks, office chairs, storage units, a ping pong table and even bathroom stall dividers.

The building served as home base for WWCD -- know to listeners over the decades as CD101, CD102.5, and, most recently, CD92.9FM -- before the station shut down in April 2024. The locally owned alternative station had already transitioned to an online-only format earlier after losing its frequency.

"The time has come that we must announce with heavy hearts that WWCD Radio has played its last song," the closure announcement read. "It has been an incredible journey, one that legend can be told with memoires and cherished moments shared with you that will never be forgotten. Thank you to each and every one of you."

The building is set to be demolished to make way for a six-story apartment complex by real estate firm Arcadia development. The project, approved in September by the city's Historic Resources Commission, will include 106 residential units, a second-floor pool deck and a parking garage.

The commission approved the demolition in a 5-2 vote.