05.29.2024

Today’s Forecast

🛠️ Your monthly progress report

CBUStoday’s guide to construction and development in 2024

This Lockbourne-based distribution center is in addition to the other facility ODW opened last fall on Rohr Road. | Photo via ODW Logistics

The weather isn’t the only thing warming up in Columbus. Construction season is hot, and these are the top headlines from May.

Projects

Intel releases new video renderings
From roundabouts to bike lanes to walking paths, Intel gave a sneak peek at what to expect once the project is finished in New Albany.

Groundbreaking event at the fairgrounds
Officials broke ground on two new builds in mid-May: The new Ohio Showcase Building + an updated agriculture building. They are expected to be finished in 2026.

Details on Columbus Library’s future locations
Four Columbus Metropolitan Library branches have new locations planned for 2025, and we took a dive into each one to see what’s on the horizon.

CBUStoday Intel rendering 1.png — A total of 10,000+ jobs are expected to be created from Intel’s investment. | Rendering via Intel

Proposals

Columbus Recreation and Parks decade-long plans
This local agency is working on its 2025-2035 Master Plan Project, a long-term strategy that will guide capital projects, redevelopment, and more.

CBUStoday Franklin Park Conservatory North Star Master Plan — Franklin Park Conservatory said they spent two years working on this master plan. | Rendering via Franklin Park Conservatory

Announcements

Microsoft to bring data centers to Licking County
After months of speculation, the tech giant gave some clarity about its plans in central Ohio where it purchased 700+ acres of land.

Franklin Park Conservatory plans for future
More than 15 capital projects are planned for Franklin Park Conservatory, such as new biomes and reimagined entrances.

New pickleball courts planned for local park
The Mock Park Pickleball Facility is a $6 million development project planned to be complete in 2025, featuring 10 indoor courts.

Airport McDonald’s approved for demolition
A new $180 million parking garage will be coming soon to John Glenn International Airport, offering 5,000 parking spaces in place of the fast food chain.

Recap last month's top headlines

Asked

What is the completion year for the Ohio State Fairgrounds updates?

(Psst... The answer is in today’s newsletter.)

A. 2029
B. 2028
C. 2027
D. 2026

Do you know the answer?

Events

Wednesday, May 29

Flamingo Beach | Wednesday, May 29 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Pinot’s Palette, 691 N. High St., Short North | $39 | Learn how to paint a scenic beach portrait with tips and supplies provided.

Thursday, May 30

Countdown to Pride Comedy Show | Thursday, May 30 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Kafe Kerouac, 2250 N. High St., Campus | $17 | Laugh along with six Columbus-based, LGBTQ+ comedians at this inclusive show.

Friday, May 31

Breakaway Music Festival | Friday, May 31-Saturday, June 1 | Times vary | Historic Crew Stadium, 1 Black and Gold Blvd., Downtown | $25-$629 | A range of EDM performers and DJs will be on stage at this two-day dance music festival.

Saturday, June 1

Hops on High | Saturday, June 1 | 12-8 p.m. | Short North Arts District | Free | Celebrate local performers, businesses, and restaurants at this new iteration of Gallery Hop.

100+ more local events

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

ODW Logistics is planning to build a 930,000-sqft distribution center at Rickenbacker International Airport. It is expected to open sometime this June and employ nearly 100 people. An ODW spokesperson said the main goal of this new opening is to increase overall efficiency. (Columbus Business First)

Show

Sal Vulcano, an acclaimed comedian and podcaster, is bringing his “Everything’s Fine” tour to Mershon Auditorium on March 29, 2025. Vulcano rose to fame for his witty humor and his role on “Impractical Jokers.” Tickets go on sale Friday, May 31 at 10 a.m.

Sports

The Columbus Blue Jackets named Don Waddell as the new president of hockey operations, general manager, and alternate governor. Waddell is a longtime NHL exec, and he signed a multi-year contract with the club.

Regional

A Dayton-based billionaire is planning to take a submarine to the Titanic wreck site. The journey requires a two-man sub that can travel 12,000+ ft in freezing waters. The billionaire said he wants to prove that he can design a better functioning submersible than the one that imploded in 2023. (Columbus Navigator)

Outdoors

Tick season is back in the Buckeye State, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has tips to keep them away. One tip is extra protection for your pets, such as tick repellent spray. (10TV)

State

Poison Hemlock, a highly poisonous plant, has spread into all 88 counties in Ohio. The plant looks like a fern with white flowers, and it can be fatal if eaten by animals or humans. It’s most commonly found along fences, according to outdoor experts. (NBC4)

Sports

The Cleveland Guardians’ nine-game win streak finally came to a close over Memorial Day weekend. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Guardians with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Home

Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*

Pets

What does your pet need right now? For a limited time, get a $20 eGift card when you spend $49+ on Chewy.com — use code WELCOME.*

Watch

🎶 Columbus in the limelight

Columbus references on Twenty One Pilot’s new album “Clancy”

Twenty One Pilots toured the city for its music video “Lavish.” | Screenshot via YouTube

We love local music, especially from Grammy Award-winning bands.

That’s why Mitch has Twenty One Pilot’s new album, “Clancy,” on repeat since it was released. And if you’re like him, you picked up on all the different callbacks and references to their hometown of Columbus.

Overcompensate

This music video was reportedly filmed at the Columbus Anthenaeum, a popular local wedding venue.

Backslide

Centerville and German Village serve as the backdrop to this video that features Tyler Joseph riding his bike throughout central Ohio.

Lavish

Columbus is on full display in this music video, featuring many popular local spots like Lavash Cafe and various parts of New Albany.

At The Risk Of Feeling Dumb

Do you recognize the skyscraper in this video? It’s the Hexion building at 180 E. Broad St. Additionally, Joseph raps, “Used to be, you and me, ride around 270 in Kawasaki tees,” a nod to driving on Columbus’ outerbelt.

The Buy

Handcrafted candles. Transport yourself to the breathtaking landscapes and scents of your favorite National Parks with scents from The Roosevelts Candle Co.

Answered

What is the completion year for the Ohio State Fairgrounds updates?

General admission tickets are $8. | Photo by the Ohio State Fair

Correct answer: 2026

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Mitch

From the editor

I’m back from vacation, CBUS. Vegas is no joke, too. I walked 46+ miles during my five-day stay in the city. For context, that’s the equivalent of walking from Columbus to Yellow Springs. Suffice it to say, my legs — and wallet — are sore.

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