The Pythian Temple was designed in the Colonial Revival architectural style by Samuel Plato, an African-American architect, and is his only work in Columbus.

[3][1] It was financed by the Knights of Pythias, a Black fraternal organization, and opened in 1926 and could accommodate roughly 1,000 people with a theatre, retail, offices, and lodge rooms.

It quickly became the center of entertainment in the neighborhood, hosting performers including Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and the Cotton Club Dancers.

[1] In 1987, the temple was renovated by African-American owned architecture firm Moody Nolan to combine with Garfield Elementary School.

[6] In July 2021, the temple was entered a purchase agreement with the owners by Maroon Arts Group, a Black-led nonprofit based in the neighborhood.