As 2026 takes off, Columbus continues to see dozens of major projects under construction or moving through the approval process, especially near downtown, Franklinton, the Scioto Peninsula and key neighborhood corridors.
Downtown had the highest pace of projects under construction in 2025, including multi-family, institutional and mixed-use. Notable projects include the Merchant Building, the second phase of the Grant Medical Center expansion, Columbus State expansions and renovations and numerous affordable housing projects.
Franklinton continues to evolve into a full mixed-use neighborhood with multi-phase residential projects, new townhomes and institutional and cultural reuse projects. The Columbus Historical Society has begun its efforts to renovate a former fire station on West Broad.
One of the most visible projects is the development on both sides of the Scioto River. The new Giant Eagle Market District will finally give downtown residents a walkable grocery store. Other Scioto Peninsula projects include mid-rise residential buildings, parks and other infrastructure upgrades to support walkability.
In addition, Columbus has quietly become one of the most important industrial and digital‑infrastructure hubs in the Midwest, driven by its location, power capacity, workforce and massive tech‑manufacturing investments. Even though Intel’s timeline has been pushed roughly to 2030-2031, the project remains the single most influential factor shaping long-term real estate expectations, most notably housing demand.
What Has Shifted?
It’s clear that development hasn’t stopped in Columbus, but it has certainly shifted and slowed. What’s happening is a selective slowdown, driven mainly by financing costs and project timing, while long‑term growth drivers remain strong. Columbus is transitioning from rapid post‑pandemic growth to sustainable expansion. For decades, development was geared towards suburban expansion and single-use zoning. That model no longer works with an additional one million residents expected to come to the city over the next 20-25 years who live, work and invest differently.
Perhaps one of the biggest shifts is in office space, which is no longer the primary growth engine in the city. New construction has been limited in this space. Developers are not starting new office projects unless they are pre-leased or build-to-suit. Suburban markets continue to gain popularity because of their alignment on how office space is now being used. Suburban locations often avoid traffic and parking costs, and offer new or recently renovated buildings with amenity-rich settings.
Impact of Zone In
Columbus’ Zone In zoning reform, which went into effect in late 2024, has aided in preventing a more drastic slowdown and shifted what gets built. Zone In legalizes more housing types and higher-density housing, reduces or eliminates minimum parking mandates and provides for faster, more predictable approvals. While financing costs, construction pricing and neighborhood resistance still shape what gets built, Zone In is materially improving project feasibility and predictability. Developers are adapting designs to Zone In incentives, including smaller units, townhome clusters and mixed-income projects.
Conclusion
Columbus enters 2026 with a development landscape that is evolving rather than retreating. Despite higher financing costs and shifting market conditions, the city’s long‑term growth drivers remain strong, supported by major public and private investments and the future impact of Intel. Zone In zoning reform is already shaping development, enabling more flexible, higher‑density and predictable projects. As Columbus adapts to a rapidly growing population, it is positioned for sustainable, connected and resilient growth in the years ahead.
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