Berry, Richard Jr., House
Also known as: Tomko House
Approximate location: the National Park Service places this pin arbitrarily within the property, not at a surveyed point (stated accuracy ±12 m).
Why it's listed
Built in 1926 on a 1.34 acre lot in Columbus's Clintonville neighborhood, this sixteen-room Colonial Revival house was designed by architect Ray Sims for Richard Berry Jr., president of the family-run Berry Brothers Bolt Works. The frame house has cedar shake siding, a slate roof, a pedimented portico with Doric columns and a leaded glass fanlight, and an arcaded east terrace. It sits well back from East North Broadway, a street platted with unusually wide lots. Inside, the original oak floors, gumwood-paneled library, built-in closets and period bathroom tile remain. A small screened summer building and the original driveway survive on the grounds. The property was recognized for its architecture. It is a well-preserved example of Sims's residential work and of upper middle class Colonial Revival design in the city. Its high integrity offers an authentic view of family life in early 20th century Columbus.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is significant under Criterion C as a fine, exceptionally well-preserved example of the work of residential architect Ray Sims and of an upper middle class Colonial Revival home in Columbus. It survives virtually unaltered, with original form, windows, paneling, flooring and bathroom tile intact. It also reflects the lifestyle of a prosperous industrial family in the early 20th century.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 05000754, listed July 27, 2005. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 324 East North Broadway, Columbus |
|---|---|
| County | Franklin County |
| Listed | July 27, 2005 |
| Reference number | 05000754 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1926 |
| Architect / builder | Ray Sims, AIA |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and 20th Century Revival: Colonial Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still in use as a single-family residence; described as retaining a very high level of integrity, with only minor updates such as air conditioning, forced air heat and a refitted kitchen. |
| Acreage | 1.3 |
| Within district | East North Broadway Historic District |
| Coordinates | 40.03174, -83.00655 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 05000754.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q96401872
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.