A Miranova penthouse

A retired CEO rides into town to create an updated living space that accommodates gatherings of family and friends.

Fifteen years is a lifetime when it comes to design trends and the updated choices incorporated into this Miranova condominium do not disappoint.

Keith Wandell, the retired CEO of Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson, rode into town back in 2013 to buy one of the final unfinished spaces in Miranova from developer Ron Pizzuti. Wandell and his wife, Deborah, Lima natives and passionate Ohio State Buckeye fans, have designed the space to reflect their style with the help of architectural firm Behal Sampson Dietz and a Hilton Head interior designer.

Even though the Wandells had retired to Bluffton, South Carolina, after several years in Milwaukee, they found themselves in Columbus' hotels so often they decided to buy a place here, too. Through the years, the couple has spent much time visiting five children who attended Ohio State University and three daughters who still live here.

"I never dreamed Columbus was so beautiful," Deborah says.

Inside, the penthouse's transitional design incorporates hand-scraped, engineered hardwood, dramatically coffered ceilings, curved walls and arched passages, giving this space the feeling of a single-family home. Approximately 3,000 square feet are divided into generous public spaces, a luxurious master suite and a separate guest wing including two ensuite bedrooms, as well as a powder room.

"We love the little den in the corner," Deborah says. Soft furnishings and a cozy fireplace, all surrounded by dramatic Downtown views, make it the couple's favorite space.

Walls of windows flood the home with light, while the organic textures selected for the interior design lend a rich patina. The couple has already hosted numerous gatherings here since its completion last year: a party for Red, White & Boom!, Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas celebrations and more.

Details in their new space are not lacking-framed mosaic artwork the couple purchased in Italy has recently arrived to be hung over the ventless gas fireplace and stone mantel. The mosaic theme is also carried out in the powder room's sink.

Large, round support columns injected into Miranova's original design have always provided a challenge for those in the architectural business. The architects, who have worked here before, chose to conceal one of those beams into kitchen cabinetry while another was used as a natural dividing point when the den was incorporated into the main space's design. A wooden ceiling was styled on the diagonal, better accommodating the curve of the end unit.

"We didn't want the contemporary look," explains Deborah. "We like the wood and the warmth."

Outdoors, a spacious balcony wraps its way around the penthouse, providing outdoor access points in four locations-perfect for viewing the city below and breathing in the fresh spring air.

Architect: Jim Dietz and John Behal, Behal Sampson Dietz

Interior Design: Shelley Wilkins of J Banks Design Group, Hilton Head, S.C.