- Attraction: Longaberger Company Home Office (World’s Largest Basket)
- Location: 1500 E Main St, Newark, OH 43055
- Industry: Outdoor Attraction
- Website: N/A
Picture this: you’re driving down State Route 16 in Newark when suddenly you spot what looks like a colossal picnic basket rising seven stories into the sky.
This isn’t a mirage.
It’s the famous Longaberger Basket Building, a 180,000-square-foot architectural marvel that served as the headquarters for the once-mighty Longaberger Company.
Built in 1997 for $30 million, this isn’t just any novelty building—it’s an exact replica of the company’s Medium Market Basket, scaled up 160 times larger.
World Record Architecture
The Massive Scale: Standing 192 feet long and 126 feet wide at the base, expanding to 208 feet long and 142 feet wide at the roofline, this building holds the official world record as the World’s Largest Basket Building.
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They weigh nearly 150 tons combined and are equipped with heating elements to prevent ice from falling onto the glass atrium below—a detail that shows just how thoughtfully this unique structure was designed.
Engineering Marvel: The building’s construction challenged architects and engineers in ways no traditional office building ever could. Each floor is wider than the one below it, creating a true basket shape that defied conventional building logic.
The second floor spans 20,000 square feet while the top floor stretches to 25,000 square feet. The cherry wood trim throughout the interior was harvested from a nearby Longaberger-owned golf course, adding authentic local character.
Basket-Weave Details: Every element screams basket craftsmanship, from the exterior’s woven stucco design to the undulating cabinets and “woven” brass informational plaques inside.
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Discover MoreThe architects suggested building a traditional structure with a basket shell, but founder Dave Longaberger insisted on the real deal—pointing to his favorite basket and declaring “This is what I want!”
The Longaberger Legacy Lives On
From Humble Beginnings: The Longaberger story began in 1919 when J.W. Longaberger started apprenticing at The Dresden Basket Factory. After the company failed during the Great Depression, his son Dave launched J.W.’s Handwoven Baskets in 1973, eventually growing it into a Fortune 500 company with $1 billion in sales by 2000.
Tourist Magnet: During the company’s heyday, 15 to 20 tour buses daily would drop off basket enthusiasts to tour both the headquarters and nearby manufacturing facilities. The building wasn’t just a workplace—it was a marketing masterpiece that sold products simply by existing.
Hollywood Recognition: The company’s baskets even graced the Academy Awards, with Longaberger gift baskets presented to winners at the 72nd Oscars when “American Beauty” took Best Picture.
What You’ll Experience Today
Architectural Photography Paradise: Even though the building currently sits empty, it remains one of Ohio’s most photographed landmarks. The best viewing spot is from Wilson’s Garden Center nearby, where you can capture the full majesty of this basket-shaped wonder without obstruction.
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Keep Exploring →Emotional Connections: When Heritage Ohio held the first public tour since 2016, over 600 people showed up—many driving four hours just for the experience. Former employees served as volunteer guides, and visitors were literally moved to tears seeing their old workplace again. The building clearly holds deep meaning for central Ohio residents.
Future Hotel Plans: The current owners purchased the building for $1.2 million in 2017 and have announced plans to convert it into a luxury hotel, ensuring this architectural treasure will welcome visitors once again.
Other Considerations
Basket Trail Adventure: You can make this part of a larger “basket tour” through the region. The World’s Largest Apple Basket (29 feet tall) stands at the original Longaberger Homestead in Frazeysburg, while Dresden features a house-sized basket that was the company’s original headquarters. Each offers unique photo opportunities and pieces of the Longaberger story.
Easy Highway Access: Located just off Route 16 about 30 minutes east of Columbus, the building is perfectly positioned for a quick roadside attraction stop or as part of a larger central Ohio adventure. Free parking and easy viewing make this an effortless addition to any itinerary.
Collector’s Market: While you’re in the area, you might spot original Longaberger baskets at local flea markets and antique shops. Though not worth what they once commanded, they’re functional pieces of Ohio history that many locals still treasure.
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Discover MoreLongaberger Company Home Office (World’s Largest Basket)
📍 1500 E Main St, Newark, OH 43055
