It was established in 1977 as a project of the Junior League of Columbus, Ohio, following the demolition of the city's historic Union Station.

[4] In 2018, the foundation changed branding, including the design of a new logo which features the Union Station arch.

[2] Activities include hosting about 75 tours and events each year and publishing an annual list of endangered sites in the city.

The foundation also awards the Ed Lentz Prize for history and preservation projects, created in honor of its Director Emeritus in 2019; he is considered the preeminent Columbus historian.

[2] The Columbus Landmarks Foundation has two funds for preservation of central Ohio buildings, both announced in 2020.

[8] Sites added to the list are left abandoned or at risk of demolition, are at least 50 years in age, and contribute to the value and culture of Columbus.

The Hilltop, Linden, Milo-Grogan, King-Lincoln Bronzeville and the South Side are prioritized on the list.