The Edwards Family

The Edwards Family has undisputedly left an indelible mark on Columbus—not just on the city’s physical landscape, but also on its civic, artistic, cultural, athletic, and philanthropic infrastructure. As a family of builders, dreamers, and doers, the Edwardses have brought new development, character, and opportunity to central Ohio.

Before they were widely known as visionary developers and civic leaders, the Edwards Family—led by Suzie and Peter—were a young family in Upper Arlington raising their sons Pete, Jeff, and Michael. Several years later, they welcomed their daughter, Anne. Suzie and Peter, married for 67 years, instilled in their four children the importance of integrity, hard work, and community.

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Columbus is not only where Suzie and Peter chose to raise their family—it is also where they built their business, the Edwards Companies, which has played an integral role in many high-profile development projects in central Ohio, including the Brewery District and Tuttle Crossing. 

The company has also built thousands of housing units throughout the region, including student housing, multi-family homes, and condominiums.

While building a successful business, the Edwards Family has remained deeply involved in philanthropy, including through their longtime support of the Salvation Army of Central Ohio and the United Way of Central Ohio, among other organizations. The family’s generosity has also created enriching spaces for the community. For instance, in 2021, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium opened the Suzie Edwards Conservation Education Classrooms, a space dedicated to inspiring children through programs on sustainability and wildlife preservation.

Their three sons continue to have close ties to Columbus and are involved in various philanthropic and civic efforts. Suzie and Peter’s eldest son, Dr. Pete Edwards, and his wife, Dr. Chris Edwards, are well known for helping to Save the Crew, and their family is also supporters of Adaptive Sports Connection, an organization dedicated to providing recreational opportunities to people with disabilities. Pete and Chris recently chaired the organization’s Power of Ability Campaign to raise money for the Adventure and Wellness Lodge, which is currently under construction.

Groundbreaking ceremony for Adaptive Sport Connection’s Adventure and Wellness Lodge. Photo courtesy of Adaptive Sports Connection.

Jeff, who serves as Vice Chairperson of The Columbus Foundation’s Governing Committee, and his wife, Lisa, are involved with several organizations, including the Columbus Museum of Art. The couple has also been at the forefront of the revitalization and development of downtown Columbus, including at Gay and High streets, bringing new vibrancy to the neighborhood. Notably, Jeff is active in volunteer board service, including as past Chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, current Vice Chair of Downtown Columbus, Inc., and a current member of The Columbus Partnership’s Executive Committee, among others.

In 2024, Michael and his wife, Phaedra, gifted green space to the Upper Arlington Community Foundation in honor of Suzie and Peter, now known as Edwards Green. The park, which features floral gardens, walking paths, and spaces to enjoy nature, is located across from where the Edwards Family’s former Upper Arlington home once stood.

Edwards Green in Upper Arlington.

The family hopes to inspire future generations to give their time, talent, and treasure to uplifting others. “Each of us has our own gifts that can help in their own way, whether that gift is music, art, beauty, or friendship,” said Suzie. “I hope our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will continue to find what their gifts are and share them with others.”

In recognition of their many contributions to the Columbus region and their exceptional leadership, the Edwards Family has been selected as the 2025 honorees of The Harrison M. Sayre Award.