Today’s Forecast

62º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:28 a.m. | Sunset 8:29 p.m.

Important Message

Great news for locals: Share good, local news with your neighbors on Nextdoor and be entered for a chance to win $500 cash. Now, through Monday, May 8, share a favorite story using the “Share on Nextdoor” icon online, and you’ll be entered to win. Learn more.

🖥️ Tech savvy

Google is opening data centers in Columbus and Lancaster, OH

Google_Data_Center,_Council_Bluffs_Iowa_(49062863796).jpg

A view of a current Google Data Center in Iowa. | Photo by Chad Davis

The Columbus tech industry continues to boom.

Google announced yesterday it is building a new Columbus data center at 5076 S. High St. on a 480-acre site. Additionally, the tech giant is building a site in Lancaster at 105 Whiley Rd., meaning Google has now invested $2+ billion in Ohio. A combined 1,000 construction workers will work on both facilities.

Mark Isakowitz, the vice president of government affairs and public policy for Google, said “Tech is helping grow Ohio’s economy. The data centers announced today will help power Google tools for users across the nation and worldwide. We are proud to partner with the state and local communities to help fuel the state’s growth as a technology hub.”

What else makes Columbus a tech hub? Local technology-based companies like Facebook, Intel, Amazon, and Honda all contribute to that sector. Additionally, Google is expanding its footprint in central Ohio, as it already maintains a New Albany data center.

Construction is underway at both locations and an opening date has yet to be announced.

Events

Thursday, May 4

2023 Big Ten Women’s Lacrosse Tournament | Thursday, May 4-Saturday, May 6 | Times vary | Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium, 630 Irving Schottenstein Dr., Campus | $8-$10 | Watch the top lacrosse players in the conference compete for the Big Ten title.
Taste of Westerville - 2023 | Thursday, May 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel, 409 Altair Pkwy., Westerville | $60 | Sample wine, beer, liquor, and meals from local restaurants + participate in a raffle and silent auction.

Friday, May 5

Brewer & Scientist-Led Brewery Tour | Friday, May 5 | 7-9 p.m. | Land-Grant Brewing Co., 424 W. Town St., Franklinton | Free | Learn about the technology and equipment that goes into brewing beer as a part of the COSI Science Festival.
The Dolly Party | Friday, May 5 | 9:30 p.m. | The Bluestone, 583 E. Broad St., Downtown | $14 | Dance the night away to disco remixes of Dolly Parton songs at this 18+ party.

Saturday, May 6

Planting Day | Saturday, May 6 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Goodale Park, 120 W. Goodale St., Columbus | Free | Meet at the Caretaker’s Residence in the center of the park and volunteer to plant flower beds throughout.

Sunday, May 7

Community Day | Sunday, May 7 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus | Free | Residents of Columbus and Franklin County receive free general admission.

100+ more events

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News Notes

Outdoors

The beginner rock climbing route at Quarry Trails Metro Park is now open for the public. Message the Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure team on Facebook if you’re interested setting up a time to climb + gear will be provided. (614now)

Open

Local Cantina, a Mexican chain with 14 locations across the city, opened a Trolley District location at 1644 Oak St. It features a unique addition on the patio where customers can sit in a refurbished trolley car while they dine, living up to the district name. (Columbus Business First)

Development

Demolition will begin on the Westland Mall in June and will take six to eight months. Owner Alex Ruben says it’s not clear what will take the place of the 88-acre site, but he can envision anything from multifamily housing to retail to industrial space. (The Columbus Dispatch)

Ranked

Columbus was ranked the No. 1 city for digital nomads by Zumper. The short-term rental costs, abundances of coffee shops and independent bookstores, the arts center, and OSU sports were all credited for the ranking.

Try This

Petals That Inspire is hosting a Mother’s Day build-your-own bouquet bar on Saturday, May 13 at 655 N. Cassady Ave. Classes start at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., or 12:30 p.m. Candles, cards, and pastries will also be available for purchase.

Number

10,000. That’s how many followers our CBUStoday Instagram account reached yesterday. Give us a follow to stay in the loop with daily updates about the city, and stay tuned for some of our IG top posts we’ll be sharing with you in tomorrow’s newsletter.
10 days. That’s how long you have until Mother’s Day. The good news? That gives you just enough time to order a gift from Quince — a brand offering high-end and sustainable products at affordable prices. Think: European linen shorts, silk slip dresses, cashmere crewnecks + Italian leather totes. Shop now.

Drink

Hint is the water that actually makes us want to drink water. Shop from their top sellers + online exclusive flavors and get 45% off three cases for just $36. (That’s $1 per bottle plus free shipping.) Just use code 6AMCITY.*

Development

🏘️ Tiny homes, big impacts

Construction expected soon on 15-acre tiny home community outside Columbus, OH

The first-of-its-kind development in central Ohio is coming soon. | Renderings via Loggerhead Creative Media

Who said small houses can’t make big development news?

Construction on a new neighborhood comprising 41 tiny homes — 420 sqft per home — will begin soon at 3791 Soldier St. The community, which will be called Vista Village, will support those fighting homelessness, charging a capped fee of $350 per month only after the resident is employed. A community center and two-acre park are also planned for the 15-acre site.

With job training, cleaning and home maintenance, and other life skills provided, residents will be guided to transition out of the homes within 18-24 months. Before residents leave, they will be assisted in securing housing and employment.

Construction could begin this summer and will likely be completed in about a year.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Hanna

From the editor

Warm weather is finally coming this weekend. Be sure to use our guide for local parks and hiking so you can get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

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