Luvcbus

Franklin County No. 3 in Site Selection's best counties for economic development "Central Ohio is home to one of the best counties for economic development, according to Site Selection magazine. Franklin County racked up 2,347 points to take the No. 3 spot in the U.S., behind only Maricopa County, Arizona (Phoenix) and Harris County, Texas (Houston). The publication awarded points based on the number of projects between January 2023 and March 2024, capital investment and jobs created. Selection’s recognition of America’s Best Counties for economic development performance on one level is a measure of the capital investment they attracted in 2023 and through the first quarter of this year," the magazine wrote. "On another level, it’s an opportunity to credit counties and their personnel who work tirelessly to attract projects and to help grow investment already in place." Franklin County bested No. 4 Fulton County, Georgia (Atlanta), as well as Dallas County, Texas (Dallas) and Cook County, Illinois (Chicago) – both tied for fifth." https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/18/franklin-county-economic-growth-site-selection.html

Mixed-use development anchored by more than 300 housing units proposed in Delaware "A mixed-use project anchored by more than 300 housing units is planned for an agricultural property in the city of Delaware. Fincon Epic Ventures Ltd. submitted a rezoning request with the city for a project located at the northeast corner of South Section Line and Marysville roads. The Delaware-based company wants to develop 40 duplexes, 52 single-family homes, 216 apartments and three commercial outlots on the site, which would be divided into four subareas. Plans also call for an extension of Poppy Place, two new public roads and a private road off U.S. 36 that would provide access to the commercial area. In addition, the district would have multi-use pathways along U.S. 36 and South Section Line Road. The Delaware Planning Commission unanimously approved a rezoning amendment for the project at a meeting Wednesday." https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/18/fincon-epic-ventures-simpkins-property-delaware.html

Columbus City Council will officially vote on new zoning code this month "Columbus City Council will officially take a vote on a new zoning code on July 29. City council will consider several pieces of legislation around the zoning code as a first reading on July 22 and vote the following week. The new zoning code recommends six new mixed-use districts, all along busy corridors. In the most dense of the newly proposed districts, developers could put up buildings as tall as 16 stories. The new code would reduce the need for variances because more types of developments would be allowed within the districts. Increasing housing stock and streamlining the building process is something the city has said will be the most important result of updating the zoning code. This new code would allow for about 14 times more housing to be built in these areas, the city said." https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/19/columbus-zoning-code.html

There's a interactive map in here if you want to take a closer look at any other areas: https://zone-in-columbus.hub.arcgis.com/

Fourth Zone In Public Hearing The Zone In Initiative is a multi-phase effort to comprehensively update the City’s Zoning Code and map for the first time in more than 70 years. Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans, chair of the Zoning Committee, and Council President Shannon Hardin are hosting a fourth public hearing regarding the proposed new Zoning Code and map. This hearing will cover the final proposed Zone In legislation, including changes to the proposal based on public feedback. Wednesday, July 24 5:30 PM Council Chambers City Hall - 2nd Floor 90 W. Broad St

Pataskala OKs two more Etna Parkway warehouses "The Pataskala Corporate Park is continuing its growth spurt. The speculative buildings are the fifth and sixth distribution-style structures built by South Carolina-based Red Rock Developments, which built the 1.1-million-square-foot building now home to solar panel manufacturer Illuminate USA. Red Rock is also building a warehouse on Mink Street and two more on Etna Parkway, east of Illuminate USA. The structures are part of the 350-acre Red Chip Farms development within the city's corporate park. The warehouses at Etna Parkway and Refugee Road will each be 225,120 square feet and 46 feet high. The 43-acre site is bordered to the west by the roughly 300 acres purchased last year by Microsoft." https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/pataskala/2024/07/15/pataskala-oks-2-etna-parkway-red-rock-warehouses/74312063007/

Kokosing, ODOT Collaborate On Downtown Ramp Up "There are actually seven active phases of construction, starting with project 4R/6R, which began in late 2021 and builds a new bridge over the Olentangy River from 70 east and 71 north to 70 east, as well as a flyover bridge from 70 west to 71 south," explained Steve Fellenger, Downtown Ramp Up project manager. "The other five phases were grouped into what we call Big Build, which rebuilds both 70 east and westbound inside lanes, along with new bridges on 70 over the river, High, 3rd and 4th streets. "This includes bridge caps at High and 3rd and a trellis on Front Street. Other phases include mainline widening bridge repair and replacement to the bridges over SR 315." Downing said a number of key tasks remain for crews. "Project 4R/6R will need to finish constructing the Front Street bridge and make the connection of the new ramp to downtown over the next year. We will also finish constructing the 23-span flyover bridge from downtown to 71 south, which is a massive undertaking. "Big Build will be reconstructing the eastbound lanes over the next couple of years, followed by the westbound lanes. The project also will reconstruct the High Street, 3rd Street and 4th Street bridges and widen the 70/71 corridor through downtown over the next several years." https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/kokosing-odot-collaborate-on-downtown-ramp-up/65291

Intel Makes Progress On Its $28B Ohio Facilities Intel invests $28B in Ohio for 2 new factories, boosting local economy and technology sector. Project to create thousands of jobs, support education, and focus on sustainability. Significant progress made in site preparation and construction. Targeting 100% renewable energy by 2030. "To date, more than four million cu. yds. of earth has been moved — the equivalent of 248,000 dump truck loads. Crews have also installed 10 mi. of underground utilities and 32 mi. of conduit. Officials noted that sustainability plays a key role during construction. Intel has committed to reaching 100 percent renewable electricity, net positive water and zero waste to landfill by 2030." https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/intel-makes-progress-on-its-28b-ohio-facilities/65309

Two new housing communities coming to Union County's Jerome Village "One of Central Ohio's largest homebuilders is bringing two new housing communities to a Union County development that already boasts more than two dozen neighborhoods. Epcon Communities announced that its newest project, the Courtyards at White Oaks, will start selling home sites this month. It will be located at 8400 Ryan Pkwy. in Jerome Village, a 2,000-acre mixed-use development that is currently home to around 5,000 people who live in 25 neighborhoods. It also features a community center with a restaurant, pool and fitness facility, a fire station, two schools and a 7-mile trail network that connects to Glacier Ridge Metro Park. Epcon is one of 17 homebuilders that have developed residential communities in Jerome Village. Another Epcon project in Jerome Village is the Courtyards at Hyland Meadows, which has broken ground. The first homes will be completed in the fourth quarter of this year." https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/11/jerome-village-epcon-communities-housing-projects.html

A little more about Linnview Crossing... Fifteen years later, Linnview Crossing development in Heath restarts thanks to Intel Construction started on the Linnview Crossing subdivision in 2006, and a few residents began moving into the development in 2009 expecting dozens of more homes to rapidly fill up the streets. However, the Great Recession quickly halted homebuilding. Then in January 2022, Intel announced plans to build a $20 billion (now $28 billion) computer chip manufacturing facility in Licking County, just south of Johnstown. “This whole thing changed 2 ½ years ago when Intel announced,” Purington said. “Just a few weeks after they announced, crews were in here digging up basements. It was a constant stream of dump trucks and cement trucks. The subdivision, between Second Street and Linnville Road in Heath, had about 10-11 homes when Intel announced, Purington said. Things have changed in a hurry. Monticello Homes restarted homebuilding in Linnview Crossing’s 27-home Phase 1. Homes have been closing since April 2023. Fischer Homes recently announced it will build 21 single-family homes in Linnview Crossing’s Phase 2, on 8 acres north of Phase 1. The builder expects sales to begin this summer, with Phase 2 built out in one to two years. https://www.dispatch.com/

Data Center Knowledge highlighted central Ohio in its monthly roundup of data center developments across the planet... "All eyes were on Ohio this month, amid a raft of new data center development announcements in the Midwestern state. Google is understood to have earmarked $2.3 billion to develop its sites in Columbus, New Albany, and Lancaster. The tech giant has already spent more than $4.4 billion in Ohio since opening its first data center in New Albany in 2019. 5C Data Centers has announced plans to develop its next data center campus, CMH01, in the Columbus region, following the acquisition of a live data center. Located in one of the fastest growing data center markets in North America, the acquired site encompasses over 1.7 million sq ft of land with a live 66,000 sq ft data center. According to the operator, 200 MW of capacity is secured, with the first 100 MW scheduled for the first quarter of 2024. The news comes as Microsoft was reported to have signed an agreement to build up to six data center buildings on more than 200 acres in Licking County, west of Ohio State Route 79." https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/data-center-construction/new-data-center-developments-july-2024 A rendering of 5C Data Centers’ CMH01 facility in Columbus

An article in today's Dispatch about the latest superload had a little update on where construction currently stands tucked into the bottom of the article: What's the status of Intel construction? "Intel in January wouldn't give a precise date for when construction will be finished but says such projects can take as long as five years to complete from the time it breaks ground, which was in September 2022. "The building is starting to take shape," Tenney said. The foundation for the first floor is being poured and after so much attention on the underground utilities, the building is starting to emerge, she said. There are 1,500 construction workers from 75 of Ohio's 88 counties on the site as work continues to ramp up." https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/transportation/2024/07/11/intel-super-load-carries-cold-box-from-waverly-to-new-albany/74328047007/

The largest four of the superloads, the ones that weigh over 915,000 pounds each, are currently being delivered to Intel. (The second of four is on its way to central Ohio now) I found an article with some more details about these specific loads... They are circled in red in this pic: "The equipment will be used for air separator units to separate naturally occurring nitrogen from the air and store it for use in the semiconductor manufacturing process, according to Intel. The units won’t be immediately installed, but will eventually be located behind the front office buildings on the 1,000-acre Intel campus." The full article, that includes a video of them arriving at the port in Adams County, can be found here: https://www.manufacturingdive.com/news/intel-ohio-semiconductor-campus-construction-update-super-load/719141/

"Alton Darby Creek Road, south of Davis Road and north of Heritage Lakes, will close starting Monday for about three weeks to complete the installation of a single-lane roundabout. The roadway is expected to reopen the week of July 29." https://www.dispatch.com/

"Windsor Companies, the developers of the Jennings Sports Park at Evans Farms, received a $6.8 million bond package from the Delaware County Treasurer’s Office. The money from the bonds will be used to fund the construction of public infrastructure needed for the 57-acre facility that will feature six athletic fields and is estimated to attract over 500,000 people a year. Jennings Sports Park is currently under construction at Shanahan and Platt Roads." https://www.dispatch.com/

"Phase 6 of improvements to the Gender Road corridor in Canal Winchester has a tentative start date of Monday, according to the city. Construction is expected to continue into 2025. This phase centers around increasing pedestrian mobility and well-being. Work will take place along Winchester Boulevard and Gender Road, extending through the U.S. 33 interchange. The additions will include dedicated turn lanes at the entrance of U.S. 33, city-branded bridge walls alongside simultaneous ODOT bridge work for another project, new pedestrian walkways from Winchester Boulevard to slightly north of U.S. 33 and a sidewalk on the east side of the bridge." https://www.dispatch.com/

Map showing exact location of where the new terminal will be built: https://cmhnext.com/

MORPC wants your feedback on five Columbus area road projects pitched to shorten commutes The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) wants feedback on a number of road projects planned to start in the next few years. MORPC is currently asking the Ohio Department of Transportation for funding on these projects, and construction would start in 2025 or 2026. Those interested in commenting on the projects can email [email protected] Here are five of MORPC's big projects they want the public to comment on: Interstate 71 hard shoulder running/smart lane This project would create a hard shoulder running lane on Interstate 71 between Fifth Avenue and Route 161 in Columbus. I-71 & Taylor Road/Route 256 interchanges This project will improve the Interstate 70 interchanges at Route 256 and Taylor Road in Fairfield and Licking counties. U.S. Route 33 southeast corridor (Interstate 270 to Fairfield County) This project will widen U.S. Route 33 from four lanes to six lanes between Interstate 270 and Diley Road in Fairfield County. Dublin Emerald Connector This project will build a new bridge that will include pedestrian and bike facilities over I-270 connecting Emerald Parkway to Village Parkway in Dublin. North Knot This project will improve infrastructure on Route 315, Olentangy River Road, Lane Avenue and Kinnear Road near Ohio State University's campus. Crews will work on bridges, signals, intersections, interchanges and ramps. More details on each project found here: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2024/07/01/columbus-roads-i-71-route-315-construction-morpc-odot-olentangy-river-road/74266484007/

Last year, Ohio State trustees approved a new hockey facility on the former Buckeye Village site. Unless something has changed because of the new athletic director, construction is supposed to start relatively soon: "Trustees approved Ohio State's request to expand its athletic campus and construct a new ice rink to house the men's and women's hockey teams near the Covelli Center, Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium and the Ty Tucker Tennis Center off Fred Taylor Drive. The university is seeking to fundraise $2.7 million for the facility, which would open in 2026.” Per the proposal, the new facility will include team locker rooms, an athlete lounge, a dining and nutrition area, support services for the men’s and women’s hockey teams, offices for their coaches and training facilities along with expanded seating capacity and broadcasting capabilities over the current OSU Ice Rink. The new rink would be located in the Athletic District off of Fred Taylor Drive, adjacent to the Covelli Center and the newly opened Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium.

A little more on Nocterra at Scioto Audubon... Nocterra Brewing taproom and restaurant at Scioto Audubon now open "Just in time for the Red, White & Boom! crowd seeking a bit more elbow room, Nocterra Brewing Co. has opened a new taproom inside the boundaries of the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. The Powell-based brewery opened Sunday with more than 20 beers on tap and nearly 30 food options on its menu. Nocterra Brewing Co. - Audubon, 516 Maier Place, is open seven days a week and will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday. Nocterra, started in 2019 by craft brewers Bryan Duncan and Bruce Vivian, isn't brewing at the Brewery District location, but is barrel-ageing its sours, imperial stouts and some other styles there. Executive chef Chris Olexa's menu includes Spanish-, Latin- and Middle Eastern-influenced snacks and small plates. Diners also can order oysters, salads and sandwiches." https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/07/02/powell-nocterra-brewing-expands-brewery-district-taproom-beer-columbus-ohio/74279217007/

City of Dublin looks to acquire 243 acres for development, transportation and recreational purposes "The city of Dublin is in negotiations to acquire 243 acres for economic development purposes, transportation enhancements and recreational expansions in its West Innovation District. The acquisition, valued at $44.6 million, includes multiple parcels in Franklin and Madison counties and encompasses SportsOhio (97.5 acres), Shepherd Excavating (7.9 acres) and Carter Farms (137.1 acres). Those sites are located off Cosgray and Houchard roads on the city's far west side. With the acquisition, Dublin plans to complete the final section of University Boulevard, which runs through the eastern portion of the SportsOhio site. The city says construction of the final section of that road would enhance north-south connectivity, extend public utilities such as water and sanitary sewer services and support economic development potential in the West Innovation District. When combined with land the city previously acquired across the railroad tracks to the east, the Carter Farms parcels provide a location for the development of a future passenger rail station, which is being contemplated as part of the West Dublin Passenger Rail Station Study. This study aims to ensure that a rail station in Dublin is included in regional planning for the proposed Amtrak expansion, according to the city." https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/02/dublin-west-innovation-district-land-acquisition.html

Municipal Light Plant houses new downtown event venue "Cameron Mitchell Premier Events is adding a third exclusive event space at the Municipal Light Plant in downtown Columbus. The Stack at the Municipal Light Plant, located at 589 W. Nationwide Blvd., officially opens this summer across the street from Lower.com Field. The space features about 11,000 square feet, including a cellar area and outdoor area. With its proximity to Lower.com Field, Johnson said the CMPE team is working on what can be done around Columbus Crew games. The building was built in 1903 and opened in 1905. All of the downtown street lights and buildings in Columbus were powered out of the building for many years. It closed in 1977. The smokestack was added in 1946 when giant boilers were built to burn coal to generate electricity." https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/02/the-stack-cameron-mitchell-events.html

New Ohio State Athletic Director discusses a couple of the next big construction projects being planned for Ohio State's athletic facilities ...Some of those upcoming gatherings will involve raising money for capital expenditures, including a significant renovation and expansion of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. The need for a bigger footprint for the building, which is in position to stretch farther east toward Olentangy River Road, is a product of the continued growth of the program’s support staff, a broad group that includes a mix of analysts, quality control coaches, talent evaluators, nutritionists and others. Bjork also identified the OSU Ice Rink, which houses the national champion women’s ice hockey team, as another facility in need of a facelift. He noted its age (it opened in 1961) and small capacity (it seats fewer than a thousand fans). While the men’s hockey team plays at the larger Schottenstein Center, Bjork said they are examining potential options for both programs. Ohio State’s athletic department includes more than 600 employees. Bjork estimated the department, including business advancement, is about twice the size of the one he led for the past four years at Texas A&M. The Buckeyes sponsor 36 varsity sports teams, tied with Stanford for the most among power conference schools. “This is a massive place,” Bjork said. https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/college/2024/07/02/how-ross-bjork-prepared-to-take-over-as-ohio-state-athletic-director/74191366007/

Pic of the Scioto Mile Fountain at night

Found some photos of the last superload as it moved through Licking County toward the Ohio One Campus, showing utility workers adjusting traffic lights along the route https://www.newarkadvocate.com/picture-gallery/news/local/pataskala/2024/06/26/photos-intel-super-load-drives-through-licking-county/74198656007/