Columbus, Ohio, is undergoing a transformative shift as new developments enhance its urban landscape, creating more inclusive and vibrant communities. Investments in mixed-use spaces, workforce housing, and affordable living options are expanding opportunities for residents, fostering economic diversity, and revitalizing historic sites. These projects address the growing demand for housing and strengthen community connections, improve accessibility, and contribute to a more dynamic and sustainable future for the city.
Here’s a closer look at the projects transforming city life in Columbus:
Rise of Assembly: This Kroger Bakery Site is Transforming Columbus
The Kroger Bakery redevelopment, known as Assembly, is being developed by a partnership of Casto, Kelley Cos, and The Robert Weiler Company The project, located on Cleveland Avenue in Columbus, will transform the historic 10-acre site into a mixed-use development featuring 49,000 square feet of office space, and retail areas, with a total investment of around $125 million. Construction is set to begin in 2025, following the project’s receipt of a $3.5 million Transformational Mixed-Use Development tax credit from the state of Ohio. This redevelopment is expected to revitalize the area, preserve local history, and create a vibrant urban community that connects more people to live, work, and play in downtown Columbus
Refugee Road: A New Era for Workforce Housing
The $44 million Refugee Road redevelopment is a workforce housing project spearheaded by the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), which will feature 222 apartments across 10 buildings, along with a clubhouse and pool, targeting households earning 80% of the area’s median income. As CMHA’s first entirely self-financed project, it marks a significant milestone in the agency’s efforts to expand its housing portfolio and push the boundaries of traditional housing authority work. This development will provide much-needed affordable housing options for middle-income workers, enhancing community stability and meeting growing housing demands in the region.
From Gym to Homes: Woda Cooper’s Vision for the Former YMCA Building
The former Columbus YMCA building, a historic landmark in downtown Columbus, is set to undergo a transformative redevelopment by Woda Cooper. The project, known as the Lofts at 40 Long, will convert the vacant YMCA building into a 121-unit affordable housing development, targeting households with incomes ranging from 30% to 80% of the area’s median income. This adaptive reuse project, slated to begin construction in spring 2025, will offer a mix of efficiency and one, two, and three-bedroom units, along with amenities such as a community room, media room, daycare, and fitness facilities. The redevelopment is expected to increase economic diversity in downtown Columbus, aligning with the city’s 2022 Downtown Strategic Plan and revitalizing a key urban site.
