Michael Rosen

Michael Lee Rosen, AIA, NCARB, passed away peacefully, on Father’s Day, June 21, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by quiet excellence, deep commitment to family, and a lasting impact on the communities he helped shape.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Paulanne Rosen; his children, Robin Rosen; Lisa (Michael) Kott; David Hirschinger; Pamela (Joel) Bell; and Steven (Julia) Hirschinger.
He was a proud grandfather to Madison Syring, Alex Syring (Astrid), McKensie Syring, David Ju, and Christian Ju.

He is also survived by his sister, Joan Peters; his niece, Anne Montlack; and his nephew, Jed Erlichman (Magda).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Rose Rosen, and his son, Todd Rosen.

Born on February 15, 1935, Michael was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Gus P. and Rose Ann Schwartz Rosen.

Michael earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Illinois in 1959 and went on to build an extraordinary career spanning decades. He relocated to Columbus, Ohio in the early 1960s, where he built both his career and community.

In 1977, Michael joined the Schottenstein organization, where he served as Corporate Architect and later Development Director. Over the course of his career, he played a key role in custom designing homes and the planning and development of retail stores, shopping centers, distribution facilities, and office buildings across the country, carrying licenses in 18 states.

Following his retirement, he continued his work with Plaza Properties as Development Director and Architect.

Michael served on the German Village Commission for 36 years, including 22 years as chairman, helping to guide preservation efforts and development standards that remain in place today.

Those who knew Michael knew him as a loving and steady presence and who enjoyed peaceful weekends entertaining friends and family at home and at Buckeye Lake. His most beloved pastime was the quiet gatherings he shared while sailing on his boat on Buckeye Lake. He volunteered for far too many organizations to list but he was all about empowering people, preservation, and beautification of Columbus, the city he loved.

Michael’s legacy lives on in the buildings he designed, the communities he helped shape, and the family he loved.

We are respecting his wish, for privacy, and ask that you celebrate his life with the memories you hold. May your memories be a blessing.

Very special thank you to Creekside staff and residents and for all the activities he so enjoyed, especially Bingo and Happy Hour.