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Your Weekly Guide to Central Ohio's Commercial Growth & Investment Landscape
July 2025 Edition

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Central Ohio's business development activity shows continued momentum with major new industrial investments, innovative residential projects, and retail expansion. This week's highlights include Amgen's $900 million biotech expansion, Anduril's massive advanced manufacturing facility progress, and diverse restaurant openings from Italian to Asian cuisine. The region demonstrates strong growth across multiple sectors, with particular strength in advanced manufacturing and mixed-use development projects totaling over $2 billion in announced investments.

MAJOR INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING DEVELOPMENTS

Biotech & Advanced Manufacturing Lead Investment Surge

Amgen Expands Columbus Biotech Operations
Amgen has announced a $900 million expansion of its New Albany biotech manufacturing campus, creating 750 new jobs. This significant investment reinforces Central Ohio's position as a critical hub for pharmaceutical production and biotechnology innovation.

Anduril's "Arsenal 1" Advanced Manufacturing Plant
The defense technology company's massive facility near Rickenbacker International Airport in Pickaway County represents one of the region's largest industrial investments. The 5 million-square-foot plant on approximately 500 acres requires a $910.5 million capital investment, with targeted opening in July 2026. The facility will create 4,008 direct hires with a $530 million payroll, establishing a new anchor for Central Ohio's advanced manufacturing sector.

Distribution & Manufacturing Expansions

Coca-Cola Consolidated is developing a $90 million, 60-acre distribution and warehouse campus at Rickenbacker Industrial Center, featuring automation and sustainability infrastructure while creating 35 new jobs.

Ohashi Technica USA in Sunbury is investing $11 million in facility expansion, adding 20,000 square feet and 20 jobs to support automotive component manufacturing.

Anheuser-Busch is establishing a $5 million technical training center at its Columbus Brewery as part of a $300 million national investment program.

Additional manufacturing growth includes Lake Shore Cryotronics in Westerville expanding to add 36 jobs, and Ohio Steel Industries in Delaware creating 52 new positions through facility expansion.

RESIDENTIAL & REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS

Mixed-Use Innovation Drives Urban Growth

Italian Village Final Phase at Jeffrey Park represents the culmination of a long-term mixed-use development on a 41-acre site, with groundbreaking expected shortly. This project exemplifies the region's commitment to integrated residential and commercial development.

Student Housing Market Expansion

Blume on 16th represents a $40 million investment by Chicago-based Up Campus Living near Ohio State University. The 74-unit, 325-bed complex features premium amenities and is scheduled to open for the 2026 school year, addressing continued demand for high-quality student housing.

Luxury & Multifamily Communities

The Courtyards on Concord in Dublin showcases Epcon Communities' boutique neighborhood approach at 10204 Concord Road, opening Summer 2025. The luxury ranch homes are priced from the low $500,000s to high $600,000s, targeting Central Ohio's growing affluent market.

Greenway Vista by Vista Residential Partners features a 25-acre, 312-unit multifamily community under construction near Rickenbacker Airport, strategically positioned to serve the growing industrial workforce.

Affordable Housing Innovation

Starling Yard opened July 8, 2025, as a 97-unit development by Woda Cooper Companies in Columbus's Franklinton neighborhood. The project combines historic preservation of the former Starling Middle School (built 1908) with new construction, offering rents from $401 to $1,295 per month.

Easton Place Phase II at 3792 Easton Commons adds 100 new affordable units, with a third phase forthcoming, while Franklin Park Modular Housing ("Rainbow Park") provides 102 units in a modular apartment building at Oak & Kelton.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

Major Mixed-Use Projects Transform Downtown

The Merchant Building/North Market Expansion represents downtown Columbus's largest mixed-use development with a $292 million investment. The 32-story, 700,000-square-foot tower will feature office space, a 162-room hotel, 174 residential units, restaurant space, and a 15,000-square-foot North Market expansion, with completion expected in Q4 2026.

Technology Infrastructure Investment

Cologix is developing a $1 billion AI-focused data center campus in Lewis Center, supporting advanced computing and cloud infrastructure needs for the growing technology sector.

Retail Development

Smiths Mill Retail in New Albany offers 15,116 square feet across 6 units at 5065 Forest Drive, with three of four main retail spaces already leased in the 2024-built center.

Lincoln Property Co. is proposing a 155,000-square-foot warehouse facility near Rickenbacker International Airport, further expanding the region's logistics capabilities.

RETAIL & DINING EXPANSION

International Cuisine Diversification

Bar Italia has opened at Easton Town Center, featuring fresh pasta and artisanal sauces, while Tai Fung Asian Bistro brings authentic Hong Kong dim sum and Southeast Asian dishes to Grandview Yard under Chef Ho, Freddie.

El Rey opened at 5525 New Albany Road W, offering upscale Mexican cuisine inspired by Puebla and Veracruz in the former Local Cantina space.

Specialty Food & Beverage Expansion

East African Coffee House at 4359 Morse Road specializes in traditional East African beverages, while Playa Bowls opened its fifth Central Ohio location at 1515 Gemini Place in Polaris, focusing on smoothie bowls and juices.

Roots Natural Kitchen at 808 Grandview Avenue serves health-focused customizable bowls, and UA Pizza at 3794 Fairlington Drive offers tavern-style pizza with subs and salads.

Major Retail Chain Expansion

Grocery Outlet opened its first Central Ohio location at 749 Bethel Road on July 10, 2025. The California-based discount chain is operated locally by Leonel Galeano and Wendy Tabora-Galeano, offering brand-name products at up to 60% below regular prices.

Wawa is entering the Ohio market with its first 10 stores opening in 2025, part of long-term plans for 60 statewide locations.

INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

Transportation & Connectivity Improvements

The I-70/I-71 Highway "Split" Project represents major highway improvements impacting downtown and eastern suburbs access, while Refugee Road receives $3.1 million in sidewalk and curb expansion to enhance commercial access.

Multiple streets are receiving new sidewalks and shared-use paths, including Medina Avenue, Northtowne Boulevard, Sharbot Drive, and Tussing Road, supporting pedestrian and cycling connectivity.

Major Facility Upgrades

Nationwide Arena is planning a $400 million renovation targeting roof, HVAC, concessions, entrance, offices, and rooftop terrace improvements. Planning and stakeholder discussions are currently underway.

COTA Bus Station Redevelopment involves the Greyhound station purchase for demolition and redevelopment into a multi-use transit hub, enhancing regional transportation connectivity.

The Easton Police Sub-Station represents a $14 million investment to enhance safety and support continued growth at Easton Town Center.

MARKET ANALYSIS & OPPORTUNITIES

Key Investment Trends

Advanced Manufacturing Growth: Anduril's massive facility anchors the southern Columbus growth corridor, creating unprecedented opportunities for specialized contractors and suppliers.

Biotech Manufacturing Renaissance: Amgen's $900 million expansion reinforces Central Ohio's strategic importance in pharmaceutical production and domestic supply chain resilience.

Mixed-Use Development Innovation: Large-scale projects integrating residential, commercial, and office space demonstrate sophisticated urban planning approaches.

Residential Market Diversification: Projects spanning luxury, affordable, student, and senior housing demonstrate healthy market segmentation across demographics and price points.

Emerging Business Opportunities

Advanced Manufacturing Support: Specialized contractors, equipment suppliers, and logistics providers can capitalize on the region's industrial expansion.

Construction & Design Services: Sustained demand for residential construction materials, interior design, and property management services across multiple market segments.

Food Service Supply Chain: Asian and Mediterranean ingredient suppliers and restaurant equipment services benefit from new dining concept entries.

Data Center Support: Technology infrastructure and specialized services providers can leverage the growing AI and cloud computing sector.

Direct Economic Impact

• 4,008+ direct hires from Anduril facility alone

• 750+ jobs from Amgen expansion

• 350+ jobs from Wawa expansion

• Hundreds of construction and service jobs from ongoing projects

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Manufacturing Renaissance: Nearly $2 billion in biotech and advanced manufacturing investments reinforce Central Ohio's strategic industrial importance

• Residential Market Strength: Diverse projects spanning luxury, affordable, student, and mixed-use housing demonstrate healthy market segmentation

• Retail Evolution: New dining concepts and established brand expansions reflect consumer preference shifts and market confidence

• Infrastructure Investment: Major transportation and facility upgrades supporting continued growth trajectory

• Investment Momentum: Over $2 billion in announced projects underscores Central Ohio's continued economic expansion

LOOKING AHEAD

Central Ohio's development landscape continues to demonstrate remarkable diversity and resilience. The combination of major industrial investment, innovative residential projects, and evolving retail concepts positions the region for sustained growth through 2025 and beyond.

Stay connected with the opportunities shaping Central Ohio's business future. Forward this newsletter to colleagues who would benefit from these market insights, and contact us to discuss how these developments might impact your business strategy.

This report covers major developments and business activity in the Columbus metro area for the specified period. For ongoing updates, local business journals, city planning departments, and economic development agencies remain key resources.