From Zoning to Shopping: Columbus Builds Momentum Across Multiple Fronts

Hey, it's Gagan. I'm still the only Gagan Timsina in the world (as far as I know).

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

In today's newsletter:

• Columbus City Council Approves Major Northland Rezoning: SR-161 corridor gets mixed-use zoning to boost housing and walkability

• Easton and Destination Outlets Earn National Shopping Rankings: USA Today readers recognize Columbus-area retail destinations

• German Village Area "Book House" Goes Viral: $1.689M property featured on Zillow Gone Wild promises massive rental income

• Development Update: How these changes impact property values and investment opportunities

SPONSORED BY: GT REAL ESTATE GROUP

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL TRANSFORMS NORTHLAND WITH MASSIVE REZONING INITIATIVE

Columbus City Council voted Monday night to approve sweeping zoning updates for 160 parcels along the State Route 161/East Dublin-Granville Road corridor in the Northland neighborhood. [10TV]

Key Highlights:

• 160 parcels rezoned to mixed-use development standards

• New zoning allows buildings up to 4-6 stories with retail below, apartments above

• Part of citywide "Zone In" initiative to modernize 70-year-old zoning code

• Incorporated feedback from hundreds of residents during 60-day public comment period

• Aims to address Columbus region's need for 200,000+ new housing units over next decade

What Makes It Transformational:

• Resident-driven initiative with longtime locals like Jack Trott advocating for change

• SR-161 corridor once known as "restaurant row" with 20+ establishments

• Mixed-use zoning enables walkable neighborhoods with transit access

• Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans expects changes measured in years, not months

• Northland Community Council actively requested inclusion in Zone In program

This rezoning represents one of the most significant neighborhood transformations Columbus has undertaken in recent years.

For property investors, the Northland corridor presents substantial opportunity as mixed-use development typically drives property value increases over time. 

The resident-supported nature of this change reduces typical NIMBY resistance, while the city's commitment to transit-oriented development could make this area increasingly attractive to young professionals and families seeking walkable communities.

COLUMBUS SHOPPING DESTINATIONS EARN TOP NATIONAL RANKINGS

Two Columbus-area shopping centers received prestigious recognition in USA Today's annual Readers' Choice Awards, showcasing the region's retail strength. [Columbus Dispatch]

Key Highlights:

• Easton Town Center ranked 9th best shopping center in the nation

• Destination Outlets in Jeffersonville ranked 5th best outlet mall nationally

• Easton features 200+ stores with expansion plans, plus Ohio's largest 30-screen movie theater

• Destination Outlets offers 100+ brand-name discount stores, beating metro areas like Los Angeles

• Both venues provide dining, entertainment, and year-round events beyond shopping

What Makes It Significant:

• 26-year-old Easton continues attracting luxury brands and local boutiques

• Destination Outlets opened in 1993, maintaining relevance for three decades

• National recognition reinforces Columbus as regional retail destination

• Easton's open-air format and entertainment options create "experience destination"

• Recognition spans both premium shopping (Easton) and value retail (Destination Outlets)

These national rankings validate Columbus's position as a regional retail hub and demonstrate the staying power of well-planned shopping destinations.

For real estate investors, proximity to nationally recognized retail centers typically supports residential property values and attracts quality tenants.

The sustained success of both venues, spanning different price points and demographics, indicates strong consumer spending power in the Columbus market and reinforces the area's economic stability.

GERMAN VILLAGE AREA "BOOK HOUSE" CREATES VIRAL SENSATION AND INVESTMENT BUZZ

A unique Columbus property dubbed the "Book House" gained national attention after being featured on Zillow Gone Wild, highlighting the city's luxury short-term rental market potential. [WSYX]

Key Highlights:

• Recently reduced price to $1.689 million (down $10,000)

• Located at 43-45 W. Markison Ave, just outside German Village

• 8 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, sleeps 24 guests comfortably

• Built in 2022 with century-old styling and vintage charm

• Features floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with library ladders and 7,000+ hardcover books

What Makes It Notable:

• Listing agent projects $273,000+ annual rental income potential

• Sale includes all furnishings and existing rental website

• 4,536 square feet designed specifically for short-term rental market

• Strategic location near German Village appeals to tourists and business travelers

• Viral social media attention demonstrates Columbus's growing national profile

The "Book House" represents the evolving luxury short-term rental market in Columbus, particularly in areas adjacent to established tourist destinations like German Village.

While the projected rental income appears aggressive, the property's unique theming and strategic location could indeed generate substantial returns in Columbus's growing hospitality market.

For investors considering similar ventures, this property demonstrates both the potential and the importance of distinctive positioning in an increasingly competitive short-term rental landscape.

FIFTH X NORTHWEST APARTMENTS SIGNALS MAJOR DEVELOPMENT MOMENTUM IN GRANDVIEW CORRIDOR

A new six-story apartment complex opened Monday in the Fifth by Northwest area, adding 164 units and retail space to the rapidly developing corridor near Grandview Heights. [Columbus Business First]

Key Highlights:

• 164 apartment units surrounding second-floor atrium with pool deck

• 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, tenants to be announced this summer

• Monthly rents range from $1,215 for 504-sq-ft studios to $3,340 for 1,251-sq-ft rooftop units

• Amenities include gym with sauna, coworking space, rooftop lounge, and 180+ parking spaces

• Developed by Effler Commercial at 1350 W. 5th Ave., replacing demolished office buildings

What Makes It Strategic:

• Part of growing development cluster including The Langham (180 units) and The Blakely (196 units)

• Developer Erwin Effler III aims to "set the tone for future development in this corridor"

• Strategic positioning to connect with Grandview Avenue retail and restaurant district

• Mixed-use design reflects market demand for live-work-play environments

• Elford Development partnerships with White Castle creating additional mixed-use projects nearby

The Fifth x Northwest opening demonstrates the Fifth by Northwest corridor's emergence as a major residential and retail hub.

For investors, this area represents one of Columbus's most active development zones, with multiple projects creating a critical mass that should support sustained property value growth.

The premium pricing and quick lease-up potential suggest strong market confidence in this location's long-term viability.

COLUMBUS ZOO ELEPHANT PREGNANCIES CREATE CONSERVATION BUZZ AND VISITOR ATTRACTION

Two Asian elephants at Columbus Zoo are pregnant simultaneously for the first time in the facility's history, contributing to national conservation efforts while boosting the zoo's visitor appeal. [Columbus Dispatch]

Key Highlights:

• Phoebe (38) and Sundara "Sunny" (17) both pregnant, due fall 2025 and summer 2025 respectively

• First-ever simultaneous pregnancies at Columbus Zoo in facility's history

• Part of national effort to address elephant sustainability crisis in American zoos

• Columbus Zoo investing $200,000 annually in Center for Species Survival in India

• Only 40,000-50,000 Asian elephants remain worldwide, with 157 in 27 U.S. zoos

What Makes It Significant:

• Columbus Zoo regained AZA accreditation after 18-month suspension, enabling breeding participation

• Strategic male elephant rotations mimic wild herd behavior and maintain genetic diversity

• Zoo positioned as leader in elephant conservation through SAFE program leadership

• Visitor experience enhanced by rare opportunity to observe elephant family dynamics

• Conservation messaging creates emotional connection driving repeat visitation

The elephant pregnancies represent a major win for Columbus Zoo's reputation recovery and conservation mission. For nearby property owners, successful zoo attractions typically support residential property values through increased tourism and positive community perception.

The conservation angle and rare simultaneous births should generate significant media attention, potentially boosting central Ohio's profile as a destination for families and animal lovers.

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Home owners: The Northland rezoning could significantly impact property values in north Columbus over the coming years. If you own property along or near the SR-161 corridor, monitor development activity closely as mixed-use projects begin materializing.

Home buyers: Northland's transformation presents an opportunity to buy before major development impacts pricing. Meanwhile, the national recognition of local shopping destinations reinforces Columbus's appeal as a place where amenities match quality of life expectations.

Investors: The "Book House" viral moment highlights Columbus's emergence as a destination worthy of luxury accommodations. Combined with major zoning changes and retail recognition, these developments signal continued confidence in Columbus's economic trajectory and tourism potential.

Bottom line: This week demonstrates Columbus firing on multiple cylinders - progressive urban planning, nationally recognized retail destinations, and creative real estate ventures that capture national attention. The city's willingness to modernize zoning while preserving neighborhood character positions it well for sustainable growth.

Thinking about capitalizing on these opportunities? Let's chat and connect you with our partners!

[Schedule a call]

See you next week,

— Gagan Timsina