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

August 2025 Edition

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Central Ohio's business development momentum continues with landmark construction milestones, major restaurant openings, and significant retail expansions. This month's highlights include the $292 million Merchant Building's continued progress, Astra Rooftop Restaurant's grand opening, and Parlor Doughnuts' second Central Ohio location launch. The region demonstrates sustained growth across hospitality, retail, and residential sectors, with projects representing hundreds of millions in private investment and thousands of new jobs.

MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS & PROJECTS

Landmark Construction Progress

Merchant Building Downtown Columbus The 32-story, ~$292 million mixed-use high-rise adjacent to North Market continues construction toward its 2026 completion. This transformative project includes 174 residences, a 162-room hotel, ~65,000 sq ft office space, 11,000 sq ft expanded market space, retail, rooftop bars, and parking, representing one of downtown's most significant development investments.

Highpoint on Columbus Commons Completion The $50 million mixed-use development has been completed, delivering 301 apartments and ~23,000 sq ft of street-level retail on High Street at Columbus Commons. This project adds substantial housing stock and commercial space to the downtown core.

Pharmavite Facility New Albany The $250 million, 225,000 sq ft industrial facility by Pharmavite was completed in June 2025, constructed by union trades. This major manufacturing investment strengthens New Albany's position as a premium industrial development hub.

Major Venue Renovations

Nationwide Arena Renovation Planning Ownership is seeking ~$400 million for comprehensive upgrades including a new entrance, rooftop terrace, team store, expanded concessions, and acquiring adjacent office space for team operations. This significant investment will modernize the arena and enhance the fan experience while creating substantial construction opportunities.

RESTAURANT & DINING EXPANSION

Major New Openings

Astra Rooftop Restaurant JUST OPENED Astra officially opened July 11, 2025, at 517 Park St., Columbus, transforming the former Lumin Sky Bar into an elevated rooftop dining destination with stunning skyline views and specialty cuisine. This premier venue creates a new destination for special occasions and events, strengthening Columbus's upscale dining landscape. Website: astracolumbus.com

Goodfellas Pizzeria NEW TO COLUMBUS This New York-style pizzeria opened in June 2025 at 608 N. High St. in the Short North Arts District, bringing stone oven thin-crust pizzas and an extensive bourbon bar to the area. With 174 seats and hours until 3 AM on weekends, it's filling a long-vacant storefront with authentic Italian-American cuisine. Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11am-3am Website: goodfellaspizzeria.com

Upcoming Openings

Parlor Doughnuts OPENING SOON The artisan doughnut chain opens its second Central Ohio location on August 9, 2025, at 5915 Evans Farm Drive, Suite F, Lewis Center. The location features small-batch layered doughnuts in signature flavors like French Toast and Turtle Cheesecake, plus breakfast sandwiches and specialty coffee, bringing premium breakfast options to the growing Lewis Center market. Sources: 614Now | WhatNow Columbus

Restaurant Reopenings & Renovations

Cava COMING SOON

Location: 1370 Polaris Pkwy (former Shake Shack location) | Status: Renovating The Mediterranean chain tapped as the nation's best healthy chain by USA Today voters is opening its first Columbus location House of Creole Cleveland Restaurant - Cleveland, OH | OpenTable. According to a building permit filed with the city of Columbus, Cava is planning its first-ever Central Ohio storefront House of Creole Cleveland Restaurant - Cleveland, OH | OpenTable. The concept offers contemporary Mediterranean bowls, pitas, and sides like Hot Harissa Pita Chips. Cava first opened in Rockville, Maryland in 2006, and has now expanded to hundreds of locations in nearly 30 different states House of Creole Cleveland Restaurant - Cleveland, OH | OpenTable. An opening date has not yet been announced. Source: 614Now

House of Creole JUST OPENED

Location: 1026 N. High St., Short North | Opening: Soft opening throughout July 2025 House of Creole, a popular Cleveland-based restaurant, is ready to serve guests Southern-inspired Cajun food, like chargrilled oysters, pasta, seasoned Creole wings, jambalaya, beignets, and more. This marks the second location for House of Creole, with the first being in Cleveland. Originally from Cleveland, House of Creole has arrived in the Short North with a full menu of Southern and Cajun-inspired dishes including shrimp and grits, blackened salmon, and cornbread, plus a cocktail list that leans bold. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Thursday from 4 – 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 – 11 p.m. and Sunday from 4 – 9 p.m. Source: Columbus Underground

Big Chicken STATUS UPDATE

Status: Delayed expansion plans Big Chicken, a fast-casual chain created by Shaquille O'Neal in 2018, announced in April 2023 it would expand with 36 more eateries across Ohio, beginning with locations in Columbus. However, nearly two years later, Big Chicken's first Ohio restaurant that opened in 2022 near Dayton remains the only Ohio location. The Louisiana-style fried chicken concept has not provided updated timelines for Columbus expansion despite initial announcements of multiple Ohio locations starting in 2023. Source: NBC4i

RETAIL & SHOPPING DEVELOPMENTS

Premium Retail Expansion

Todd Snyder & Peter Millar Coming to Easton SUMMER 2025 Two premier menswear brands are bringing their first Ohio locations to Easton Town Center at 4174 & 4172 The Strand. Peter Millar will showcase luxury performance sportswear, golf apparel, and sophisticated tailored pieces. Todd Snyder combines Savile Row tailoring with vintage military and American workwear aesthetics. Both stores join other upscale men's retailers like Faherty and Suitsupply, establishing Easton as a destination for premium menswear. Source: ReBusinessOnline

Major Retail Renovations

Walmart Whitehall Remodel Complete The location at 3657 E. Main St., Whitehall has completed its transformation as part of Walmart's $9 billion "Stores of the Future" initiative. The renovated store now features wider aisles, expanded pharmacy services, improved online pickup, and modern design elements. Five other Central Ohio locations are also receiving similar upgrades. Source: 614NOW

Additional Business Openings

Grocery Outlet Grand opening July 10, 2025, at 749 Bethel Road, Columbus

Dick's House of Sport Grand opening July 2025 at Polaris Fashion Place

H&M Easton Town Center Grand Re-Opening July 31, 2025

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS

Downtown Mixed-Use Progress

Major Construction Activity Downtown & Grandview Multiple significant projects are underway including Fifth by Northwest Apartments (1350 West Fifth Avenue) nearing completion, new Grandview parking deck supporting expanding residential developments, River & Rich Phase Two, Elevate 340, and 100 N. High Street mixed-use projects adding substantial downtown housing and retail space. Source: Columbus Underground Construction Roundup

Former Columbus YMCA Redevelopment UPCOMING Woda Cooper plans to transform the former downtown YMCA into workforce and affordable housing units, with construction expected to begin in spring 2025, further densifying downtown residential options and creating construction opportunities.

Suburban Residential Expansion

Easton Place Homes Phase 2 Opens Homeport and The Georgetown Company have opened the second phase of this affordable housing development at Easton Loop West and Easton Commons, adding 100 apartments near Easton Town Center. The project will total 200 units across three phases, providing workforce housing with convenient access to major employment centers. Sources: Ohio Housing Finance Agency | Columbus Business Journal

Residential Development Projects

Flores Development 27 new scattered-site homes across Near East Side and West Side, with 6–7 scheduled for 2025 completion Starling Yard, Franklinton Mixed-use housing project includes 52 new units Broadleigh Lofts (Near VA Medical Center) 84 affordable units delivered Q2–Q3 2025

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES & FINANCIAL EXPANSION

Banking Sector Growth

Northwest Bank Columbus Expansion The Pennsylvania-based bank continues expanding its Columbus operations at 3 Easton Oval, Suite 500, with plans for additional offices and approximately 50 new jobs, focusing on mortgage lending and business banking services for Central Ohio's growing market. Source: Columbus Region

Nationwide Acquires Markel Reinsurance Rights Columbus-based Nationwide has agreed to acquire renewal rights to Markel Insurance's Global Reinsurance business in a $1.2 billion premium deal expected to close in August 2025, significantly expanding Nationwide's reinsurance footprint and demonstrating the strength of Columbus-based financial services companies. Source: Reinsurance News

Business Expansions

Rogue Fitness Expansion The Milo-Grogan neighborhood company plans to add 270,000 sq. ft. to headquarters/manufacturing with a $48.3 million investment, creating at least 30 new jobs and strengthening Columbus's position in the fitness equipment manufacturing sector.

INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Transportation Infrastructure

LinkUS / COTA Bus Rapid Transit The $8 billion mobility plan includes dedicated BRT lanes, new bus lines, sidewalks, and trails. Timeline includes late 2025 groundbreaking for West Broad Street BRT line, expanded service hours by 2029, three BRT lines operational by 2030, with trails and sidewalks rolling throughout 2025–2030.

Capital Line Urban Pathway The ~$100 million pedestrian/bike loop connecting Scioto Mile and Capitol Square will begin construction in 2025, creating opportunities for construction contracting, landscaping, public art installations, and lighting services.

I-70 Regional Improvements $433 million in transportation upgrades between downtown Columbus and eastern suburbs, creating substantial construction opportunities and improving regional connectivity.

Infrastructure Projects

Columbus Neighborhood Sewers (Downtown Area) Major sewer rehabilitation projected operational July 2025 Franklin County Drainage (Clinton Township, Case Road Area) July 2025 to May 2026 construction timeline Marion-Franklin Branch Library (2800 Lockbourne Road) Groundbreaking July 29, 2025

HOUSING & ZONING INITIATIVES

Policy Developments

ADU Policy Reform (Accessory Dwelling Units) The city is preparing to allow standalone independent units in backyards and garages with simplified zoning. Public hearing scheduled September 10, 2025; City Council vote expected November 2025. This policy change could significantly impact residential construction and property development opportunities.

REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Major Redevelopment Initiatives

Eastland Mall Redevelopment ("Eastland for Everyone") Plans unveiled in March 2025 outline housing, small business, and community-centered uses for the former mall site, representing a major transformation opportunity for the east side of Columbus.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES

Business Support Programs

Small Business Grant Opportunities The Columbus Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Small Business Resilience Fund offers grants up to $2,500 for qualifying small businesses facing unexpected costs or growth opportunities. Additionally, the JobsOhio Small Business Grant provides up to $50,000 for expansion-related investments. Details: Columbus Chamber Foundation

Major Industry Events

Cultivate'25 Green Industry Event This major green industry trade show took place July 12-15, 2025, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, connecting horticulture businesses, suppliers, and contractors while generating significant economic activity and B2B opportunities throughout the region. Website: cultivateevent.org

MARKET ANALYSIS & OPPORTUNITIES

Key Investment Trends

Mixed-Use Development Acceleration: Aggressive downtown residential development addresses housing demand while creating substantial commercial opportunities and construction jobs.

Premium Retail Growth: Easton Town Center's addition of luxury menswear brands demonstrates market appetite for high-end retail and strengthens the center's position as a regional destination.

Restaurant Sector Innovation: New rooftop dining concepts and artisan food offerings show continued evolution in Columbus's dining landscape, creating demand for specialized contractors and suppliers.

Industrial Expansion: Major manufacturing investments like Pharmavite demonstrate confidence in Central Ohio's industrial capabilities and workforce.

Emerging Business Opportunities

Construction Services: Sustained residential and commercial construction creates demand across specialties from framing to interior finishes, with multiple major projects advancing simultaneously.

Property Management: New residential developments require ongoing management services and maintenance contractors, creating recurring business opportunities.

Hospitality Support Services: Restaurant openings and renovations generate demand for specialized equipment, ingredients, and maintenance services.

Infrastructure Services: Major transportation and utility projects create opportunities for civil contractors, landscaping, and specialized infrastructure suppliers.

Direct Economic Impact

Thousands of construction and service jobs from ongoing residential and commercial projects Hundreds of new permanent positions from restaurant openings, retail expansions, and business relocations Substantial property management opportunities from new residential developments Regional expansion opportunities for Columbus-based businesses

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Development Momentum: The $292 million Merchant Building and multiple downtown residential projects demonstrate unprecedented investment in Columbus's urban core, creating substantial employment and business opportunities.

Retail Evolution: Premium brand expansions at Easton and major retailer modernizations indicate strong consumer confidence and spending, supporting related service industries.

Restaurant Innovation: High-profile openings like Astra Rooftop Restaurant and continued expansion of established brands show a dynamic, growing dining sector with room for supporting businesses.

Infrastructure Investment: Major transportation and utility improvements support continued development and enhance commercial accessibility across the region.

Policy Support: ADU reforms and zoning updates demonstrate city commitment to facilitating business growth and housing development.

LOOKING AHEAD

The combination of major construction milestones, premium retail expansions, and innovative dining concepts indicates Central Ohio's economy is firing on all cylinders. The $292 million Merchant Building represents a new scale of downtown investment, while suburban projects like Parlor Doughnuts' Lewis Center location show balanced regional growth.

Major infrastructure investments in transit and utilities will support continued expansion, while policy reforms like ADU allowances create new development opportunities. The diversity of projects across sectors—from luxury retail to affordable housing—suggests a robust, resilient economy positioned for sustained growth throughout 2025 and beyond.

These developments collectively represent hundreds of millions in private investment and demonstrate Central Ohio's continued evolution into a major regional economic hub. The combination of downtown density projects and suburban commercial growth creates opportunities for businesses across construction, hospitality, professional services, and specialty retail sectors.

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