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In today's newsletter:

• North Market Announces 15,000-square-foot Expansion: Historic market growing with new bar and vendor spaces

• Major Infrastructure Projects Across Central Ohio: $446 million in construction kickoff and Alum Creek Drive widening

• Sunbury's Transformation: 115-acre mixed-use development coming to farmland

• Hot New Restaurants in Columbus: The culinary scene continues to evolve with exciting openings

• Things To Do In Columbus This Week (04/10 - 04/14): I found what activities exist this week so you don't have to

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A MESSAGE FROM GAGAN: GROWTH ON EVERY CORNER...

Everywhere you look in Columbus, there's SOMETHING happening. From North Market's exciting expansion to massive infrastructure projects across the region, our city is in a constant state of transformation. Ya-ya, some good, some bad.

I've always said that Columbus has this perfect mix of big-city opportunity with small-town charm, but that balance is shifting as development accelerates. Just last week I was downtown and barely recognized some areas! (What sucks is Franklin Park didn’t have that many Cherry Blossoms this year😗)

What's fascinating is how this growth spreads beyond just our city center. With new developments pushing into Sunbury and major road projects stretching across the region, the entire Central Ohio area is evolving before our eyes.

But, here’s the thing this expansion brings both excitement and challenges. New restaurants, improved infrastructure, and economic opportunities are arriving, but so are growing pains like construction delays and changing neighborhood dynamics.

Let's dive into all the updates that are shaping our region's future!

— Gagan Timsina

NORTH MARKET ANNOUNCES 15,000-SQUARE-FOOT EXPANSION WITH NEW BAR

The historic North Market downtown is getting bigger and better with a significant expansion project that will add new vendors, an innovative bar concept, and event space! [NBC4I]

Project Highlights:

• 15,000-square-foot addition on the market's east side

• Part of the 32-story mixed-use Merchant Building tower

• Market-owned bar concept as the centerpiece

• Space for 5-7 new vendors around the bar

• Second-story event space overlooking the new outdoor market plaza

• Additional common areas, seating, and washrooms

Columbus firms GRA+D Architects will lead the design, with Ruscilli Construction managing the construction project. This expansion represents a major investment in one of our city's most beloved institutions, which has been part of Columbus since its founding in 1876.

This project follows the successful expansion of North Market to Dublin's Bridge Park in 2020. I'm excited to see which new food vendors might join the market. Personally, I love going to “Momo Ghar” (In Nepali, ‘Ghar’ means house) - pretty cool) I love dumplings, fried chilly momos….GOODNESS!

Want to see the rendering for it? Click here! 👇️ 

MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS TRANSFORMING CENTRAL OHIO

The Ohio Department of Transportation is kicking off an impressive $446 million in construction projects across central Ohio this year, part of a larger $3.2 billion statewide investment. [10TV]

Key Projects Include:

• Improvements to I-70/I-270 Brice Road Westbound Interchange

• Pavement reconstruction on I-70 between Madison County line and Hilliard Rome Road

• Continuation of the $1.4 billion I-70/I-71 Downtown Ramp Up

• 15 safety-focused projects aimed at reducing serious accidents

• 16 bridge projects and 12 pavement improvement projects

"A lot of these projects are gonna uncork bottlenecks in our roadway network," said Jason Sturgeon, deputy director for ODOT District 5.

Meanwhile, a separate $50 million project will widen Alum Creek Drive from four to six lanes between State Route 317 and Groveport Road. [Columbus Messenger]

Alum Creek Drive Project Details:

• Adding an additional through lane in each direction

• Replacing two bridges just north of Bixby Road

• New sidewalk and shared-use path construction

• Improvements to existing transit facilities

• Construction anticipated from early 2028 to late 2029

The project will improve access to Rickenbacker International Airport and the Norfolk Southern Intermodal Terminal, supporting the region's growing logistics industry. According to the MORPC Rickenbacker Area Study, employment in this area is expected to grow by 7,700 jobs between 2017 and 2040.

🚧 Planning ahead: During construction, Alum Creek Drive will maintain at least two southbound lanes and one northbound lane, but expect congestion. Consider alternate routes like SR 317, US 23, and US 33.

115-ACRE MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT COMING TO SUNBURY

Delaware County's rapid growth continues with an ambitious new development that will transform more than 100 acres of farmland in Sunbury into a vibrant mixed-use community. [10TV]

Development Details:

• 115 acres of mixed-use development

• Over half dedicated to new commercial development

• Plans for hotels, retail, and restaurants

• Hundreds of new apartments

• Walkable, connected community design

• Construction starting later this summer

"It's a really nice community. It has a charming and historic downtown. It has great city leadership and it's growing, Delaware County is growing," said Jonathan Wilcox, managing partner of Wilcox Communities.

The developers report strong early interest from two hotel groups, assisted living facilities, traditional retail, and restaurants. This project represents another significant expansion of Central Ohio's growth corridor to the north.

While some local residents expressed concerns about maintaining Sunbury's small-town feel, others like local business owner Dixie Lundquist, who runs Kenzie's Kandi and Sweets in the city square, are cautiously optimistic: "Growth can be good. I hope they can handle all the growth which I think they do. The city is preparing and working hard to do that."

🏠 Looking for investment opportunities? Delaware County continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, making it worth considering for your next property purchase.

HOTTEST NEW RESTAURANTS OF 2025

Columbus continues to cement its reputation as a foodie destination with these exciting new restaurants that have recently opened or are coming soon. [Columbus Monthly]

Spice Kitchen

• Location: Clintonville (4099 N. High St)

• Cuisine: Modern Indian fusion

• Must try: The tandoori cauliflower steak and saffron old fashioned cocktail

• Price Range: $$$

• Description: Chef Amar Singh brings his Mumbai-meets-Midwest vision to a stunning space filled with vibrant colors and bold flavors.

Barrel & Board

• Location: Franklinton (435 W. Rich St)

• Cuisine: Bourbon-focused American with smoking techniques

• Must try: The 45-day bourbon barrel-aged Manhattan and smoked brisket

• Price Range: $$$

• Description: Over 200 bourbons line the wall of this industrial-chic space where everything from cocktails to desserts gets the smoke treatment.

Little Havana

• Location: Short North (782 N. High St)

• Cuisine: Modern Cuban

• Must try: The plantain-crusted mahi and rum flight

• Price Range: $$

• Description: Bright colors, a killer patio, and weekend salsa lessons make this the most vibrant new spot in the Short North.

Osteria Nova

• Location: Dublin (6540 Riverside Dr)

• Cuisine: Regional Italian focusing on lesser-known dishes

• Must try: The handmade pici pasta with wild boar ragu

• Price Range: $$$

• Description: Chef Lucia Romano brings recipes from her grandmother's hometown near Siena, with an extensive Italian wine list to match.

Urban Smokehouse

• Location: German Village (627 S. Third St)

• Cuisine: Global barbecue techniques

• Must try: The Korean-spiced pork ribs and mezcal flight

• Price Range: $$

• Description: Taking inspiration from BBQ traditions worldwide, this spot features a different global smoking technique each week.

Any places we didn't mention? Let us know!

COLUMBUS BAR EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION AS ONE OF AMERICA'S BEST

Law Bird Named Among Top 10 Bars in the US

Columbus' own Law Bird has just been recognized as one of the top 10 bars in the entire United States by the prestigious Food & Wine magazine in their 2025 Global Tastemakers Awards!

Located at 740 S High Street in the Brewery District/German Village area, Law Bird has been turning heads with its innovative approach to cocktails and wine. According to Food & Wine, the bar earned its spot on the prestigious list for its ability to frequently reinvent itself with creative pop-up events and ever-changing menus.

Currently, Law Bird is embracing a Japanese Sakura theme, offering Japanese-inspired drinks with cherry blossoms adorning the ceiling for an immersive experience that perfectly complements our city's own Cherry Blossom Festival.

What to Know:

• Location: 740 S High Street (Brewery District/German Village)

• Hours: Tue-Thu: 5-11pm, Fri/Sat: 5-1am, Sun: 5-10pm

• Specialty: Wednesday hot dog nights

• Recognition: Currently a semifinalist for a James Beard award in the Outstanding Bar category

• No reservations policy – plan accordingly

This national recognition further cements Columbus as a rising star in the national culinary and cocktail scene. Next time you're looking for a world-class drink experience, you don't need to travel to New York or Chicago – just head to South High Street!

Have you visited Law Bird yet? Let me know what you thought of their cocktails!

THINGS TO DO IN COLUMBUS: APRIL 10-14, 2025

COLUMBUS DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

• When: Saturday, April 12, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Where: Scioto Audubon Metro Park, 400 W Whittier St

• Cost: FREE to watch, team registration fees vary

• What to expect: Colorful dragon boat races, Asian cultural performances, food vendors

• Perfect for: Families, culture enthusiasts, outdoor lovers

GREATER COLUMBUS CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL (FINAL WEEKEND!)

• When: Daily through April 15, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• Where: Franklin Park, 1755 E. Broad St.

• Cost: FREE admission

• What to expect: Last chance to see the beautiful blooms, tea ceremonies, musical performances

• Perfect for: Nature lovers, photographers, families

COLUMBUS CREW VS. FC CINCINNATI

• When: Sunday, April 13, 4:30 PM

• Where: Lower.com Field, 96 Columbus Crew Way

• Cost: Starting at $45

• What to expect: Intense "Hell is Real" rivalry match

• Perfect for: Soccer fans, sports enthusiasts

SPRING CRAFT MARKET

• When: Saturday, April 12, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Where: Columbus Commons, 160 S High St

• Cost: FREE admission

• What to expect: Over 100 local artisans, food trucks, live music

• Perfect for: Shopping enthusiasts, art lovers, families

COLUMBUS SYMPHONY: BEETHOVEN'S FIFTH

• When: Friday & Saturday, April 11-12, 7:30 PM

• Where: Ohio Theatre, 39 E State St

• Cost: Starting at $25

• What to expect: The iconic Symphony No. 5 plus works by Ravel

• Perfect for: Classical music lovers, date nights

WEEKEND WEATHER

• Thursday: Sunny and warm, high 75°F

• Friday: Partly cloudy, high 72°F

• Saturday: Beautiful spring day, high 76°F

• Sunday: Chance of afternoon showers, high 68°F

Perfect weather to get out and enjoy all Columbus has to offer!

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Homeowners: With major developments announced across the region, property values near these projects could see significant increases.

Homebuyers: Now might be the time to consider areas like Sunbury before prices climb further with new development.

Real Estate Investors: Infrastructure improvements like the Alum Creek Drive project signal where future growth corridors will develop.

Bottom line: Columbus continues its impressive growth trajectory with projects that enhance both quality of life and economic opportunity. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or invest, understanding these developments is key to making informed decisions.

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. With North Market's expansion, property values in the downtown area could see another boost. Want to know how this affects your investment strategy? Let's talk.

P.P.S. If you liked this newsletter, please share! Columbus is growing, and everyone should know what's happening in our amazing city.