THE BASKET BUILDING
The Basket Building in Ohio was an iconic structure in Newark, Ohio, designed to resemble a giant picnic basket. It was originally the headquarters of the Longaberger Company, a famous handcrafted basket manufacturer.
Key Facts:
Built: 1997
Height: 7 stories (approximately 180,000 square feet)
Design: Modeled after the Longaberger Medium Market Basket, complete with two massive handles on top.
Architects: NBBJ and Korda Nemeth Engineering
Closure: The Longaberger Company faced financial struggles, and the building was abandoned in 2014.
Current Status: In 2017, it was sold, and renovations began to turn it into a luxury hotel.
As of February 2025, the Basket Building in Newark, Ohio, remains unoccupied. Originally constructed in 1997 as the headquarters for the Longaberger Company, the seven-story structure was designed to mimic the company's signature woven basket. After the company vacated the premises in 2016 due to financial difficulties, the building has seen various ownership changes and proposed redevelopment plans.
In December 2017, developer Steve Coon purchased the building for $1.2 million, intending to convert it into a luxury hotel. However, by January 2021, these plans were abandoned, and the property was listed for sale at $6.5 million. As of October 2022, the building remained empty, with no confirmed redevelopment plans.
Despite its vacancy, the Basket Building continues to attract attention for its unique architecture and stands as a notable landmark in Ohio.
