Columbus Weekly: Global Connections & Local Growth

New Albany Co. secures 1,200+ acres in Marysville for massive business parks + Frontier adds Atlanta flights + Mexican wolves debut at Columbus Zoo! Plus: can't-miss summer events this weekend...

Hey, it's Gagan. Yep, the only Gagan Timsina in the world.

And here's The 20 BIG Things Coming To Columbus in 2025

In today's newsletter:

  • New Albany Company Marysville Expansion: 1,200+ acres for two major business parks targeting industrial users

  • Frontier Airlines CMH Growth: New twice-weekly Atlanta service with $49 fares through November

  • Columbus Zoo Mexican Wolves: Five brothers debut in stunning new North America Trek habitat

  • Weekend Activities: Packed summer calendar from June 20-22

SPONSORED BY: GT REAL ESTATE GROUP

NEW ALBANY COMPANY SECURES MASSIVE MARYSVILLE DEVELOPMENT SITES

The New Albany Company has quietly assembled more than 1,200 acres in Marysville over the past two years, creating two major business parks that could reshape Union County's economic landscape. [Columbus Business First]

Key Highlights:

  • Two separate 600-acre developments dubbed "Marysville East" and "Marysville South"

  • Strategic locations on opposite sides of Route 33 near key transportation infrastructure

  • Sites positioned to attract advanced manufacturers, automotive suppliers, semiconductor companies, and data centers

  • Build-to-suit facilities planned rather than speculative construction

What Makes It Special:

  • Marysville East sits at Scottslawn Road and Route 33 interchange for optimal highway access

  • Marysville South leverages proximity to Union County Airport and CSX railroad connections

  • More than a dozen permitted use categories provide flexibility for diverse industries

  • New road construction and utility extensions planned to begin early 2026

Managing Director Matt McQuade acknowledged economic uncertainty but noted "really promising" conversations with potential end users are already underway.

This massive land assembly reinforces Central Ohio's appeal for major industrial development, particularly as companies seek alternatives to coastal markets.

For real estate investors, proximity to these future employment centers could drive residential demand in surrounding Union County communities, while commercial property values near supporting infrastructure may see significant appreciation as development progresses.

FRONTIER AIRLINES EXPANDS COLUMBUS-ATLANTA SERVICE THROUGH NOVEMBER

Columbus travelers gained another direct flight option as Frontier Airlines launched twice-weekly nonstop service to Atlanta, offering budget-friendly fares as low as $49 through the fall season. [Columbus Business First]

Key Highlights:

  • Bi-weekly flights from John Glenn Columbus International Airport to Atlanta through November 19

  • Promotional fares starting at $49 with 14-day advance purchase requirement

  • Columbus departures primarily around 12:30 p.m. on select weekdays

  • Atlanta return flights scheduled around 10 a.m. on various weekdays and select Saturdays

What Makes It Special:

  • Frontier adds capacity while other carriers like Spirit reduce summer schedules from Columbus

  • Southwest remains Columbus' dominant carrier with 92 Atlanta flights, followed by Delta's 700+ flights

  • New service fills gap as Spirit removed 11 Columbus-Atlanta flights from July schedule

  • Timing aligns with broader airline industry capacity adjustments

This route expansion demonstrates Columbus' growing aviation market strength even as airlines nationwide trim schedules. For frequent travelers and business professionals, additional Atlanta connectivity opens more southeastern market access.

Real estate wise, enhanced flight options continue to make Columbus attractive to companies with multi-city operations, supporting both residential relocations and commercial real estate demand near the airport corridor.

COLUMBUS ZOO DEBUTS FIVE MEXICAN WOLVES IN STUNNING NEW HABITAT

The Columbus Zoo's new North America Trek region welcomed five Mexican gray wolves, the rarest subspecies of gray wolf in North America, in a spectacular hillside habitat featuring waterfalls and natural terrain. [Columbus Zoo Blog]

Key Highlights:

  • Five full-blooded brothers: Nicholas (6), Mosby (6), Sonda (3), Kazoo (2), and Ikal (1)

  • Hand-painted waterfall backdrop designed to mimic southwestern United States landscapes

  • Elevated habitat gives wolves natural vantage point rather than being viewed from above

  • Brothers previously lived together at Wolf Conservation Center in New York

What Makes It Special:

  • Mexican wolves (lobos) are rarest gray wolf type in North America, nearly extinct until conservation efforts

  • Habitat promotes natural behaviors including swimming, digging, scent-marking, and pack dynamics

  • Columbus Zoo participates in species recovery program supporting wild wolf populations

  • Design encourages wolf-rancher coexistence education through conservation partnerships

The zoo's existing wolf pair, Winter and Storm, will remain in their current habitat near the tigers due to territorial behavior.

This major attraction adds significant draw to an already popular destination, potentially boosting local tourism revenue and supporting nearby hospitality businesses.

For residential real estate, proximity to major attractions like the zoo continues to drive property values in northwest Columbus and Delaware County, while the educational conservation message appeals to environmentally conscious families choosing where to live.

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: BUCKEYE COUNTRY SUPERFEST ROCKS OHIO STADIUM Country music takes center stage at Ohio Stadium June 21 with the massive Buckeye Country Superfest, featuring top artists in one of the region's biggest outdoor concerts of the summer. Multiple pre and after-parties planned throughout the city.

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS ACROSS COLUMBUS Multiple Juneteenth events celebrate freedom and culture June 21-22, including the Ohio Festival at Genoa Park and Juneteenth On The Ave celebrations, highlighting Columbus' diverse community spirit and cultural richness.

THIS WEEKEND IN COLUMBUS: JUNE 27-29

FRIDAY, JUNE 27

Blooms & Butterflies | Franklin Park Conservatory | Through July 6

Mexican Wolf Habitat | Columbus Zoo North America Trek | New permanent exhibit

Columbus Clippers vs. Indianapolis Indians | Huntington Park | Through June 29

Kiss and Tell | Shadowbox Live | Through August 30

Rooftop Vibes | Budd Dairy Food Hall | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

The Blue Jays Jazz & Funk Band | Natalie's Grandview | FREE Happening Hour Show

Gallery Listening Room | Wanderlust Studio | Through December 18

Late Night Alibi LIVE | Edison Brewing Company

Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce Burlesque | Friday & Saturday shows

Commons for Kids | Columbus Commons | Through August 8

Morning Sun by Simon Stephens | MadLab Theatre | Through June 29

SATURDAY, JUNE 28

Origins Game Fair | Greater Columbus Convention Center | Through June 29

A Midsummer Night's Dream | Schiller Park Amphitheater | Through July 13

Rick Ross - Nationwide Picnic with the Pops | Columbus Commons

The Flutter Run | Franklin Park Conservatory | Morning race event

Modest Mouse | KEMBA LIVE! | Evening concert

Canal Winchester Farmers' Market | Stradley Place | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Clintonville Farmers Market | N High St & Orchard Ln | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

German Village Farmers Market | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Granville Farmers Market | Raccoon Valley Park

Grove City Farmers' Market | Historic Town Center

The Dublin Market | Bridge Park

Worthington Farmers Market | Old Worthington Historic District | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Westerville Saturday Farmers Market | COhatch Westerville

Swingin' n Shakin' with Whirlybirds | Natalie's Grandview | FREE Happening Hour Show

10 Minutes on the Dot | Columbus Museum of Art

SUNDAY, JUNE 29

Concerts on the Green: Hat Trick | Worthington Village Green

Sunday With The Symphony | Bicentennial Park/Downtown

Problem Child - Alt Comedy Open Mic | The Attic Comedy Club

ResiFest 2025 | The Boardman Arts Park

Chuck Starr: Soul Sunday | Natalie's Grandview | Hosted by Debra James Tucker

Columbus Eagles FC vs Greater Toledo FC | Fortress Obetz

German Village Makers Market | Historic German Village

Grandview Heights Farmers' Market | Larson Middle School | Through October 12

Sunday Cinema Club | BrewDog Franklinton | 7:00 PM

Family Sundays | Land-Grant Brewing Company

Soak up the SUNdays | The Beeline | 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Home owners: The New Albany Company's massive Marysville development signals major job growth potential in Union County, which could drive demand for housing throughout the northern suburbs. Properties with easy Route 33 access may see particular interest from future employees.

Home buyers: Enhanced flight options from CMH continue making Columbus attractive for professionals with travel requirements. Consider neighborhoods near the airport corridor, while Union County presents long-term growth potential as industrial development accelerates.

Bottom line: Columbus demonstrates remarkable momentum across economic development, transportation connectivity, and cultural attractions. From major industrial investments to conservation leadership at the zoo, the city continues attracting both businesses and residents seeking dynamic growth opportunities in the Midwest.

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

See you next week,

— Gagan Timsina