Columbus, Ohio is experiencing rapid growth, as it was identified as the fastest growing city in the country in a recent study by the Bank of America Institute. To accommodate this growth, various projects are in development in Downtown Columbus. One of these projects is The Capital Line, a two-mile bike and pedestrian path that will traverse through the heart of the city, connecting different neighborhoods and landmarks. Construction is set to begin in 2025, with the design stage scheduled to take place over the next year.
Another upcoming development in Downtown Columbus is the implementation of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in both Downtown and Franklinton. This initiative will allow individuals over the age of 21 to walk around the area with alcoholic beverages provided by participating businesses. The DORA is expected to go into effect in late May pending state approval. Additionally, the Columbus College of Art and Design is embarking on a $15 million project called The Center for Creative Collaboration, which aims to renovate Battelle Hall into a facility housing digital fabrication and design labs.
The Scioto Mile Fountain, a popular attraction in Columbus during the summer months, is currently undergoing a $15 million renovation and is slated to reopen in late May. The Pizzuti Companies are also expanding their Library Park apartments with a fourth phase, which will feature a seven-story building with 149 units and a parking garage. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is planning a $275 million project called the Center of Music Innovation and Education, which will provide performance and educational spaces for local and national music acts.
In addition to these projects, a 12-story apartment building with 221 units is expected to be constructed on a Downtown parking lot, with the building being named Dispatch Tower due to its location on the former Columbus Dispatch printing plant site. The City of Columbus is also considering significant changes to its zoning code, which could lead to the construction of 88,000 new homes in the next decade. The proposed changes include the creation of six zoning districts, prioritizing taller buildings, and reducing the emphasis on parking. This effort is aimed at reshaping the city for future generations and is currently open to public comment for a 60-day period.
