Columbus Growth Surge: $900M Amgen Expansion and $3B OSU Projects Redefine City

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Everything NEW or Coming Soon to Columbus in 2025

Click the image to watch the video on all that is coming to the great city of 614!

A MESSAGE FROM GAGAN: COLUMBUS KEEPS GROWING...

I’ve always enjoyed a good Cinderella story, and now, I think Columbus is starting to have it’s own.

Have you noticed how quickly Central Ohio is transforming lately? Every time I turn around, there's another major development announcement.

From Amgen's massive $900 million expansion in New Albany to Ohio State's incredible $3 billion in construction projects, our region is experiencing growth at a scale that's hard to comprehend.

What's fascinating is how diverse these developments are - we're not just talking about housing (though there's plenty of that with the 1,200-home proposal in Commercial Point).

We're seeing major investments in healthcare, tech infrastructure with AWS's new data center, transportation improvements like the Route 33 widening, and educational facilities across OSU's campus.

This growth isn't just changing our skyline - it's creating jobs, expanding our tax base, and reshaping how we move around the region. The economic impact is substantial, with Amgen alone bringing 350 new high-tech positions to the area.

I actually did an entire video on all the new things coming to Columbus in 2025, you can watch it here

Let's dive into all the exciting updates happening across Central Ohio!

-Gagan Timsina

👉 SPONSORED BY: GT REAL ESTATE GROUP

AMGEN'S $900M EXPANSION BRINGING 350 JOBS TO NEW ALBANY

The pharmaceutical giant is making a bold bet on Central Ohio with a massive expansion of its biomanufacturing facility. [PrNewswire]

Key Highlights:

• $900 million investment to expand existing New Albany facility

• Creation of 350 new jobs, bringing total workforce to 750

• Total Ohio investment now exceeds $1.4 billion since 2021

• Advanced automation systems including Apollo and Hercules guided vehicles

What Makes It Special:

• Part of a sector-wide trend of pharmaceutical companies shifting production back to the US

• Strategic response to potential tariffs on imported drugs

• Builds on success of initial $500 million facility that began operations in February 2024

• Expected to generate over $12 billion in downstream economic output nationwide

Amgen CEO Robert Bradway specifically cited Ohio's "supportive business climate, skilled workforce, and strategic location" as key factors in the decision. The state's central location and excellent logistical infrastructure make it ideal for efficient distribution of finished pharmaceuticals.

This expansion is part of Amgen's broader $5 billion US investment pipeline since 2017, clearly demonstrating the company's confidence in American manufacturing's comeback. For New Albany and the broader Columbus region, it represents another major win in our growing reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing and life sciences.

OHIO STATE'S $3B IN MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UNDERWAY

The university is transforming its campus with an unprecedented building boom that touches everything from healthcare to engineering to agriculture. [Columbus Business First]

Key Highlights:

• More than $3 billion in active construction and renovation projects

• 1,400+ active projects managed by OSU's Facilities Design and Construction team

• Major investments in teaching, research, and patient care facilities

Flagship Projects:

• Wexner Medical Center Inpatient Hospital: $1.9 billion, 24-floor tower with 820 beds in private rooms, opening 2026

• Combined Heat and Power Plant: $420.8 million facility supporting campus core and Carmenton innovation district, operational by mid-May

• Biomedical and Materials Engineering Complex Phase 2: $94.3 million renovation creating space for first-year engineering, expected May 2026

• Wexner Medical Center Outpatient Care Powell: $183 million, five-story facility opening August 2026

• Waterman Multispecies Animal Learning Center: $58.2 million, 124,000-square-foot facility opening November 2025

Other Notable Projects:

• Campbell Hall renovation: $61.2 million, reopening May 2026

• Celeste Lab renovation: $50.5 million, reopening January 2025

• Ohio State East Hospital OR renovation: $22.3 million, opening January 2027

• Battery Cell Research & Demonstration Center: $22.7 million, opening June 2025

Ohio State's massive investment is not only transforming the university but also creating substantial economic impact for the entire region through construction jobs and the ongoing operations of these world-class facilities. These projects represent the university's commitment to maintaining its position as a leader in education, research, and healthcare.

7 MAJOR PROJECTS TRANSFORMING CENTRAL OHIO

From New Albany to Downtown to Dublin, these developments are reshaping our region in dramatic ways. [NBC]

Key Highlights:

• Billions in investment across diverse sectors

• Mix of public infrastructure and private development

• Projects that will create thousands of jobs and new housing units

Transformative Developments:

• $2B CMH Terminal Expansion: 36 gates, central security & pedestrian bridge (2029)

• Intel's Ohio One: Semiconductor campus delayed, now targeting 2030-2032 launch

• Bridge Park Phase II: Boutique hotel, condos, office tower & garage in Dublin

• $573M Capitol Square Renaissance: 1,000+ residential units, new restaurants & Class A office space

• $275M Columbus Symphony Hall: New concert venue breaking ground late 2025

• OSU Wexner Tower: 24 floors, 820 beds, opens Spring 2026

• Scioto Peninsula Phase II: 350+ new units, grocery store & garage

These projects represent an extraordinary moment in Central Ohio's growth story. The scale and diversity of these developments speak to the region's economic resilience and continued appeal to both businesses and residents. From transportation infrastructure to cultural facilities to housing and commercial space, we're seeing investment across every sector that shapes urban life.

For those tracking real estate opportunities, these developments create ripple effects throughout surrounding neighborhoods, often driving appreciation and creating new investment possibilities.

WESTERVILLE BUSINESS PARK DEVELOPMENT MOVING FORWARD

The growing suburb is expanding its commercial footprint with a new business park, though not without some community concerns. [10TV]

Key Highlights:

• City planning to develop new commercial business park

• Five sites will be available for future businesses

• Land was acquired in 2023 with help from Westerville Industry and Commerce Corporation

• Project includes new infrastructure and roadways

Community Perspectives:

• Some residents concerned about loss of green space

• Others view it as natural progression for a growing city

• City plans to preserve key natural features as greenways

• Historical Sharp family home near the project will be protected

According to Westerville's economic development director Rachel Ray, "As our community continues to grow, we are expanding our tax base. The income tax revenues generated are important to pay for city services and the property taxes are important for our school district."

The project highlights the balancing act many suburbs face - continuing to grow their commercial tax base while maintaining the character and natural features that make them attractive places to live. Westerville's approach, which includes preserving greenways and connecting paths through the development, offers a model for thoughtful suburban expansion.

COMMERCIAL POINT PROPOSAL WOULD ADD 1,200 NEW HOMES

A massive housing development proposal is generating discussion among residents and officials in the growing village south of Columbus. [10TV]

Key Highlights:

• Over 300 acres of farmland at Gibson Road and SR 762

• More than 1,200 homes plus commercial space proposed

• Land currently in Scioto Township, annexation into Commercial Point pending

• Could be the largest housing development in Pickaway County

Community Concerns:

• Some residents feel the process hasn't been public enough

• Questions about infrastructure capacity, particularly fire and EMS services

• School district already facing overcrowding issues

• Teays Valley School District superintendent expressed concerns about capacity

Scioto Township trustee Bart Fannin noted, "I'm worried about the infrastructure when you add this large number of houses. Can we keep up with fire and EMS? Can we handle the runs, can we handle the manpower? Are we going to outgrow a firehouse that we're still paying for?"

This proposal illustrates the growing pains many communities on the outskirts of Columbus are experiencing as development pushes outward. The challenge is balancing the demand for housing with the capacity of existing infrastructure and maintaining the character of these traditionally rural communities.

Pickaway County commissioners are expected to discuss the potential annexation of the land soon, which would be a key step in moving the project forward.

AWS COMMITS $1 BILLION TO NEW DATA CENTER IN MARYSVILLE

Amazon Web Services has received approval for a major new campus that will strengthen Central Ohio's growing tech infrastructure. [Data Center Dynamics]

Key Highlights:

• Two data center buildings totaling 500,000 square feet

• $1 billion investment in the facilities

• Located on 55 acres in Marysville Innovation Park

• Construction beginning August 2025, completion expected 2027

Financial Impact:

• 30-year, 100% property tax exemption approved

• AWS will provide $15 million annually to the school district and city over 15 years

• Part of AWS's broader $7.8 billion Ohio investment through 2029/2030

• Project known as "Project Cosmo" in planning documents

This project is part of a broader trend of major tech companies establishing data center operations in Central Ohio, attracted by our reliable power grid, favorable business climate, and strategic location. For Marysville, the project represents a significant boost to the local tax base and reinforces Union County's growing role in the region's tech ecosystem.

ODOT APPROVES $82 MILLION FOR ROUTE 33 WIDENING

A major transportation project that will ease congestion on one of Columbus's busiest corridors has received the green light. [The Columbus Dispatch]

Key Highlights:

• Adding a third lane in each direction between I-270 and Gender Road

• Construction scheduled to begin June 2026

• Part of larger $167 million U.S. 33 Widening project

• Project completion expected in fall 2028

Project Scope:

• Eventually will widen U.S. 33 from State Route 104 to Hill-Diley Road

• Changes planned for Bixby Road and Rager Road intersections

• Most expensive project approved in ODOT's 2025 funding cycle

• Critical for mobility and economic development in southeastern Franklin County

The funding was approved by ODOT's Transportation Review Advisory Council, which selects projects that increase capacity, reduce congestion, and are critical to mobility and economic development. This particular corridor has seen significant growth in traffic volume as Canal Winchester and surrounding areas have developed rapidly.

For residents and businesses in the southeastern part of the county, this project promises relief from increasingly frustrating commutes and will support the continued economic development of the area. It's particularly significant for those in Canal Winchester and the growing commercial corridor along Gender Road.

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THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Home owners: With Amgen's $900 million investment in New Albany and AWS's $1 billion data center in Marysville, properties in the northern corridor may see continued appreciation as these employment centers expand.

Home buyers: The massive 1,200-home development proposed in Commercial Point signals ongoing suburban expansion, but be mindful of potential growing pains with infrastructure and schools in rapidly developing areas.

Real estate Investors: Ohio State's $3 billion in construction projects will continue to drive demand in areas surrounding campus and medical facilities, while the Route 33 widening could open up new opportunities in the southeastern corridor.

Bottom line: Central Ohio's growth story continues to impress with major investments across healthcare, technology, education, and infrastructure. The diversity of development across the region creates opportunities in nearly every submarket, though each comes with its own considerations.

Thinking about making a move? Let's chat and connect you with our partners!

[Schedule a call]

See you next week,

— Gagan Timsina

P.S. The approval of so many major development projects in a single month shows just how quickly Central Ohio is transforming. Whether it's Amgen creating high-tech manufacturing jobs or AWS building data centers, our economy continues to diversify in exciting ways.

P.P.S. With Route 33 widening finally approved, areas along that corridor that have struggled with traffic congestion may see renewed interest. It's a reminder that infrastructure improvements often precede real estate appreciation!