From $650K Midwest Connect Amtrak Funding to $105M Gahanna Creekside Redevelopment: Regional Rail Advances While Columbus State Campus Expands as Lancaster Developer Plans 350-Unit Mixed-Use Project

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And here’s what I WISHED I Knew Before Moving to Columbus Ohio

This week's data reveals Central Ohio advancing passenger rail planning while urban core redevelopment accelerates and educational institutions expand infrastructure supporting residential and recreation programming.

In today's newsletter:

• Midwest Connect Rail Progress: $650,000 local funding commitment from MORPC plus Ohio-Indiana communities clears 10% match requirement enabling $6.5-7M Corridor ID Phase Two federal process advancement connecting Pittsburgh-Columbus-Chicago-Fort Wayne while Cleveland-Columbus-Cincinnati-Dayton route progresses separately through Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act framework

• Gahanna Creekside District: Connect Real Estate and Benson Capital propose $105M two-phase development featuring 263 apartments, 55-70 room hotel, restaurants, coworking space, and 24 townhomes creating $10.5M annual economic impact with 74 jobs while $488,000 state brownfield grants support Mill Street demolition enabling mixed-use transformation

• Columbus State Campus Expansion: $120.5M three-project portfolio includes 166-unit Opportunity Pointe affordable housing (20 student units), 80,000-square-foot OhioHealth Hall academic building, and 50,000-square-foot YMCA recreation center with drop-in childcare creating 2027-2028 completion timeline as Cleveland Avenue corridor densifies

• Lancaster Mixed-Use Development: Casto-affiliated Ewing Woods proposes 350+ unit 50-acre Sheridan Drive project combining 90-100 single-family homes with 258-264 multifamily units using TIF district financing as Fairfield County attracts suburban residential diversification contrasting Franklin County urban core concentration

MIDWEST CONNECT AMTRAK ROUTE SECURES $650K LOCAL FUNDING CLEARING FEDERAL CORRIDOR ID PHASE TWO ADVANCEMENT AS PITTSBURGH-COLUMBUS-CHICAGO PLANNING PROGRESSES

Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission announces local match commitment alongside Fort Wayne and Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission enabling $6.5-7M Phase Two study with Federal Railroad Administration covering 90% while Hilliard commits $50,000 positioning station consideration as Columbus, Dublin, Marysville, Lima provide additional Ohio funding supporting Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passenger rail framework. [Columbus Business First]

Funding Structure:

• $650,000 total local commitment (MORPC plus partners)

• $400,000 from Ohio communities

• $6.5-7 million Phase Two study cost estimate

• 10% local match requirement (90% Federal Railroad Administration)

• Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Corridor ID program framework

Ohio Community Contributions:

• Hilliard: $50,000 City Council approval

  • Station consideration positioning

  • Interim City Manager Dan Ralley citing "transformative transportation project"

  • "At the table" strategic investment justification

• Additional Ohio Contributors:

  • Columbus

  • Dublin

  • Marysville

  • Lima

Route Configuration:

• Pittsburgh to Fort Wayne, Indiana

• Fort Wayne to Columbus

• Columbus to Chicago

• Mid-sized city connectivity emphasis

• Jobs, economic development, educational access objectives

Phase Two Scope:

Route shaping and station planning creating infrastructure positioning for future federal investment while establishing passenger rail corridor framework connecting Central Ohio to Midwest and East Coast population centers.

Parallel Ohio Route:

Cleveland-Columbus-Cincinnati-Dayton corridor separately progressing through Corridor ID program creating dual passenger rail development pathways with overlapping Columbus hub positioning.

Advocacy Positioning:

All Aboard Ohio Executive Director John Esterly citing "major step forward" while emphasizing financial commitment demonstrating "skin in the game" from regional partners validating study advancement seriousness beyond conceptual planning phase.

Why It's Strategic: MORPC's $650,000 local match—with Hilliard's $50,000 explicitly securing "at the table" positioning—demonstrates municipal recognition that Phase Two participation determines station location consideration rather than passive federal process observation. The 90% federal funding ratio creates leverage where $650K local investment unlocks $6.5-7M planning study, while dual Ohio corridor development (Midwest Connect plus Cleveland-Cincinnati route) positions Columbus as potential passenger rail hub connecting four-state region. Hilliard's explicit station positioning language reveals municipal competition dynamics where early funding commitment influences infrastructure placement decisions affecting long-term economic development access.

GAHANNA CREEKSIDE DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSES $105M MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT WITH 263 APARTMENTS AND 55-70 ROOM HOTEL CREATING $10.5M ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT

Connect Real Estate and Benson Capital submit two-phase plan featuring 263 apartments with pool and gym, 55-70 room hotel, restaurants, coworking space, and parking garage joined by connector bridge on Mill Street, plus 24 townhomes on North High Street creating 74 jobs with $3.3M annual labor income while $488,000 state brownfield remediation grants support 153-169 Mill Street demolition enabling downtown transformation. [Columbus Business First]

Phase One Components:

• 263 apartments (pool and gym amenities)

• 55-70 room hotel

• Two restaurants

• Coworking space

• Parking garage (constructed first priority)

• Two buildings on opposite Mill Street sides

• Connector bridge joining structures

• West side of Mill Street initial building location

Phase Two Development:

• 24 townhomes one block east on North High Street

• First-floor parking per unit

• Private patio amenities

• Walkable downtown integration

Economic Impact Projections:

• $10.5 million annual economic impact (43230 ZIP code)

• 74 job creation

• $3.3 million annual labor income

• Private financing with potential city incentives

Brownfield Support:

• $488,000 state demolition and remediation grants

• Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation current ownership

• 153-169 Mill Street existing building transfer to developers

• Subsequent demolition enabling new construction

Financing Structure:

• Private developer financing primary

• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district consideration

• New Community Authority (NCA) potential for infrastructure improvements

• Site work funding mechanisms pending approval

Approval Timeline:

• October 27, 2025 City Council return date

• Development agreement pending council vote

• Three-year Phase One completion requirement post-approval

• "Accountability measures" including property reconveyance if timeline missed

Infrastructure Prioritization:

Economic Development Director Jeff Gottke identifying Phase One plan approval as next "trigger event" following development agreement, with parking garage construction preceding apartment and hotel building to address downtown parking capacity before residential density increase.

Why It's Critical: Gahanna's $105M Creekside redevelopment—requiring parking garage construction first—demonstrates infrastructure sequencing sophistication avoiding residential occupancy before parking capacity, while three-year completion requirement with property reconveyance accountability measures protects municipal interests against speculative land banking. The $488,000 state brownfield grants covering demolition and remediation costs reduce developer risk on contaminated urban sites, while TIF and NCA financing mechanisms shift infrastructure improvement costs to future property tax increments rather than immediate municipal budget impacts. Connect Real Estate and Benson Capital's private financing emphasis contrasts typical development subsidy requests, suggesting project economics support independent viability with limited public assistance beyond site preparation.

COLUMBUS STATE DEPLOYS $120.5M THREE-PROJECT DOWNTOWN CAMPUS EXPANSION WITH 166-UNIT AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND 50,000 SF YMCA RECREATION CENTER

Community college launches 166-apartment Opportunity Pointe development (20 student units) with Woda Cooper Companies using Low-Income Housing Tax Credits targeting 2027 completion, plus 80,000-square-foot OhioHealth Hall academic building ($66.5M, September groundbreaking) and 50,000-square-foot YMCA with drop-in childcare funded by $65 per semester student recreation fee creating 2028 opening timeline as Cleveland Avenue corridor densifies. [Columbus Underground]

Opportunity Pointe Affordable Housing:

• 166 total apartments (two buildings)

• 20 units reserved for CSCC students

• Cleveland Avenue, East Long Street, North Grant Avenue, East Spring Street block

• $54 million total project cost

• Columbus State Community Partners nonprofit development arm

• Woda Cooper Companies affordable housing developer partnership

• Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (Ohio Housing Finance Agency, May 2025)

• Q2 2026 construction start (pending Downtown Commission approval)

• End of 2027 estimated completion

• October 28, 2025 Downtown Commission review scheduled

OhioHealth Hall Academic Building:

• 80,000 square feet, three stories

• Northeast corner Cleveland Avenue and Spring Street

• South of Mitchell Hall (2019 completion)

• Labs, classrooms, simulation spaces, student amenities

• $66.5 million total cost (OhioHealth $25M donation)

• September 2025 groundbreaking ceremony

• February 2025 Downtown Commission design approval

• 2027 estimated completion

YMCA Recreation Center:

• 50,000 square feet YMCA facility

• Drop-in childcare center

• Park component

• Cleveland Avenue and Long Street corner proximity

• Surface parking lot redevelopment (Cleveland-Long-Washington-Spring Streets)

• $65 per semester Student Recreation Fee (approved by 90%+ of 2,000+ student voters)

• Fee collection begins fall semester 2028

• Fall semester 2028 opening timeline

• CSCC Board of Trustees and Ohio Department of Education approvals required

• Downtown Commission review pending

Campus Densification Strategy:

Three projects concentrating on Cleveland Avenue corridor creating residential, academic, and recreation infrastructure within walkable proximity while converting surface parking to mixed-use development supporting urban campus model rather than suburban community college format.

Student Engagement:

September 16-30, 2025 recreation fee referendum achieving 90%+ approval from 2,000+ voters demonstrating student willingness to fund amenity improvements through mandatory fees, enabling YMCA partnership without traditional institutional capital campaign requirements.

Why It's Strategic: Columbus State's $120.5M three-project portfolio—combining affordable housing (Opportunity Pointe), academic infrastructure (OhioHealth Hall), and recreation amenities (YMCA)—creates comprehensive campus environment supporting retention and enrollment beyond traditional commuter college model. The 20 reserved student units within 166-apartment affordable housing development addresses student housing affordability without dedicated dormitory construction costs, while YMCA partnership leverages existing nonprofit recreation operator rather than institutional facility management. Student-approved $65 per semester recreation fee—collecting from fall 2028—demonstrates referendum strategy shifting capital costs to user fees, while 90%+ approval rate validates amenity demand justifying investment timing despite three-year implementation horizon.

LANCASTER DEVELOPER PROPOSES 350+ UNIT 50-ACRE SHERIDAN DRIVE MIXED-USE PROJECT COMBINING SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES WITH MULTIFAMILY UNITS

Casto-affiliated Ewing Woods plans 90-100 single-family homes plus 258-264 multifamily townhomes and flats across Sheridan Drive site with direct Cherry Street access creating "smart-growth" community targeting workforce housing and multi-generational residents, using TIF district financing while $2M land development costs and shared-use path connecting Thomas Ewing Junior High School demonstrate Fairfield County residential diversification pattern. [Columbus Business First]

Project Configuration:

• 350+ total housing units across 50 acres

• 90-100 single-family homes (30 acres)

• 258-264 multifamily units (townhomes and garden flats)

• Sheridan Drive and Cherry Street direct access

• 10-minute drive to downtown Lancaster

Developer Structure:

• Ewing Woods LLC primary entity

• Casto affiliation indicated (Columbus office address on auditor records)

• $2 million property acquisition (2025, multiple parcels)

• Casto non-responsive to comment requests

Financing Mechanisms:

• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district groundwork ordinance approved

• Formal TIF establishment consideration coming weeks

• November 3, 2025 public hearing scheduled

• $2 million estimated land development costs (single-family portion)

Community Design Elements:

• "Pedestrian-friendly" layout emphasis

• Shared-use path connecting Thomas Ewing Junior High School

• "Smart-growth" community designation

• Multi-generational resident accommodation

• Workforce housing targeting local employers

Economic Development Positioning:

September plans describing project as providing "variety of housing types" fostering "community and economic growth within the city" while addressing Lancaster workforce housing needs through mixed-income residential options contrasting single-use suburban subdivision patterns.

Phasing Strategy:

Two-portion development with single-family and multifamily components "working together" to create housing diversity rather than isolated product type concentration, supporting walkability and demographic mix objectives.

Why It Matters: Lancaster's 350+ unit mixed-use development—combining single-family homes with multifamily townhomes—demonstrates Fairfield County residential market diversification beyond traditional Franklin County suburban expansion patterns, while Casto's apparent involvement (despite non-confirmation) suggests established Columbus developer recognition of outlying county growth potential. The TIF district financing mechanism shifts infrastructure costs to future property tax increments similar to Gahanna Creekside strategy, while "workforce housing" and "multi-generational" language indicates income-diverse targeting rather than luxury positioning. Shared-use path connecting Thomas Ewing Junior High School reveals walkability emphasis uncommon in traditional suburban developments, suggesting smart-growth principles influence despite 50-acre scale typically associated with car-dependent patterns.

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Homeowners: Midwest Connect Amtrak funding advancement creating passenger rail connectivity potential while Gahanna Creekside $105M redevelopment validates downtown mixed-use investment supporting property values, plus Columbus State campus expansion demonstrating educational institution stability and Lancaster development indicating regional residential market distribution beyond Franklin County concentration.

Home buyers: Passenger rail station positioning competition (Hilliard $50K investment) suggesting transit-oriented development opportunities while Gahanna 263-apartment Creekside project and Columbus State 166-unit Opportunity Pointe creating downtown rental options, plus Lancaster 350+ unit mixed-use community offering single-family and multifamily choices with walkability features 10 minutes from downtown supporting Fairfield County consideration.

Investors: MORPC $650K Amtrak investment unlocking $6.5-7M federal study creating station location speculation opportunities while Gahanna TIF/NCA financing mechanisms and Lancaster TIF district demonstrate municipal willingness to shift infrastructure costs supporting mixed-use development economics, plus Columbus State $120.5M campus expansion generating Cleveland Avenue corridor densification supporting adjacent commercial real estate lease rate justification and student housing demand validation.

Bottom line: This week demonstrates Central Ohio advancing passenger rail planning through strategic local funding commitments while urban core institutions expand residential and academic infrastructure and secondary markets attract mixed-use developments, revealing transportation connectivity investments and municipal financing innovation supporting sustained regional growth distribution beyond traditional Franklin County concentration patterns.

Ready to position properties near potential Amtrak station locations or capitalize on institutional expansion supporting adjacent real estate performance? Let's connect you with our partners who understand both transportation infrastructure speculation timing and educational institution-driven neighborhood transformation cycles supporting long-term property value appreciation.

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See you next week,

Gagan