New owner acquires former Rambling House in Columbus' Old North after October closure

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Old North building previously home to Rambling House Music Bar, the venue that welcomed Columbus artists for more than a decade before closing last month, has a new owner.

The venue's former building at 310 E. Hudson St. was acquired on Oct. 31 by a new owner under the name "Rambling House Hudson LLC," according to Franklin County auditor's office records. The transfer was recorded for $0 and marks the first time the property has changed ownership since 2019, when it moved to "Rambleon Properties LLC" for $270,000.

It's unclear if the new owner, whose listed address leads to an Upper Arlington home, is attempting to reopen the music bar or repurpose the building. Rambling House hasn't posted on social media since its closure.

The acquisition follows Rambling House's early September announcement that it would shut its doors for good in early October, after co-owner Geoff Wilcox said in June that the bar would be listed for sale. The announcement said Rambling was still searching for a buyer, and it would "provide favorable terms to anyone committed to reopening the music venue."

"Community isn't a building. It's the people that make it," the social media post said. "For 11+ years, Rambling House Music Bar has been a gathering place for some of those amazing individuals, indescribably talented artists and the most magical memories imaginable."

Shows at Rambling ran as scheduled through September, and those who purchased tickets for a concert past the closing date automatically received a refund. Rambling House Soda, the bar's affiliated craft soda company, remains open.

"We are overflowing with gratitude for you. Help us close this chapter the right way by coming out to show love to your favorite faces behind the bar, at the door and in the sound booth," the September post said.