Intel Slowdown Meets $2.9B City Boom: Columbus Pivots as North Star Luxury Surges While Tech Giant Reassesses $28B Investment Strategy

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

And here's 20 Things about Living in Columbus That Are NO LONGER TRUE

Around Columbus

1 - Intel Further Slows $28B Ohio Construction - Chip giant cites market demand concerns while maintaining commitment to New Albany project. CEO calls previous investments "unwise" but construction continues. FULL ANALYSIS

2 - Columbus Approves Record $2.9B Capital Budget - Unanimous council vote funds new police substations, affordable housing, infrastructure improvements. Largest municipal investment in city history. SEE THE BREAKDOWN

3 - North Star Golf Community Commands Premium - Sunbury's elite golf course developments attracting luxury buyers with $1M+ properties. Wolf appliances and simulators standard in new builds. TOUR THE LISTINGS

4 - August Entertainment Explosion - Dublin Irish Festival, Zoo Lantern Festival, and State Fair finale create month-long tourism revenue surge across metro suburbs. GET YOUR TICKETS

INTEL CONSTRUCTION SLOWDOWN CREATES SUBURBAN OPPORTUNITY AS $28B PROJECT REASSESSED

Intel further reduces construction pace on New Albany semiconductor facility while maintaining project commitment, creating market uncertainty that benefits established suburban communities with diversified economic bases.

Key Highlights:

• $28 billion "Ohio One" project timeline extended indefinitely

• CEO Lip-Bu Tan calls previous foundry investments "unwise"

• Construction continues but spending aligned with market demand

• Project's future depends on attracting external customers for 14A technology

What Makes It Strategic:

Intel uncertainty validates diversified suburban markets like Dublin and New Albany's mixed-use developments. Communities not dependent solely on semiconductor manufacturing demonstrate resilience during corporate restructuring periods.

Golf course communities and established luxury markets gain appeal as tech sector volatility highlights importance of lifestyle amenities and stable property values over speculative development areas.

For investors, Intel's cautious approach creates opportunities in proven suburban markets while reducing competition from workforce housing near the facility.

Deal of the Week

Property Address: Goldwell Dr, Sunbury, OH 43074
Asking Price: Inquire for pricing

4 bedrooms
4 baths
4,048 sq ft of living space
3 car garage
Single family home

My Highlights: Located steps from North Star Golf Club on an entertainer's dream 8,276 sq ft lot. Built in 2022 with premium finishes throughout including Wolf and Sub-Zero kitchen appliances. Open concept layout flows to covered patio with wood-burning fireplace and outdoor kitchen. Private bar and golf simulator room perfect for year-round entertainment. Low $165/month HOA with $13,889 annual taxes reflects premium community amenities and location.

If you are interested in this home, just reply "Sunbury" and I will get you the details!

COLUMBUS APPROVES RECORD $2.9B CAPITAL BUDGET WITH $50M AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMITMENT

Columbus City Council unanimously approved historic $2.9 billion Capital Improvement Budget targeting infrastructure, public safety, and housing development across all metro neighborhoods.

Key Highlights:

• $50 million allocated for affordable housing and homelessness solutions

• $26 million for street resurfacing projects metro-wide

• $14 million for new Easton police substation construction

• $10 million for Capital Line cultural trail downtown development

What Makes It Transformational:

Record municipal investment demonstrates Columbus's commitment to infrastructure supporting continued population and business growth. Police substation locations and cultural trail development create concentrated commercial opportunities.

$50 million housing commitment addresses workforce needs while $26 million street improvements enhance property values across existing neighborhoods. Participatory budgeting initiative allocates $9 million through community input, ensuring neighborhood-specific improvements.

The budget's scale validates Columbus's major league city status and supports property appreciation through comprehensive infrastructure enhancement.

COLUMBUS WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS: AUGUST 1-3 CULTURAL RENAISSANCE

Intel news and record budget momentum showcased through premium entertainment demonstrating Columbus's resilient cultural infrastructure despite corporate uncertainties:

Friday, August 1:

Rooftop Vibes at Budd Dairy Food Hall - Weekly entertainment series demonstrates downtown vitality
Ohio State Fair continues through August 3 - Regional attraction sustains visitor traffic
Columbus Crew vs. Puebla (Leagues Cup) at Lower.com Field - International soccer validates major league sports infrastructure
Ibrahim Salem Live Stand Up Comedy at The Attic - Growing comedy scene supports hospitality sector

Saturday, August 2:

Blackberry Smoke at KEMBA LIVE! - Major touring acts confirm venue infrastructure strength
August Gallery Hop in Short North - Monthly cultural event drives retail and dining revenue
Over the Rhine at Lincoln Theatre - Premium concert programming demonstrates entertainment depth
Multiple Farmers Markets across suburbs - Weekend cultural programming extends metro-wide

Sunday, August 3:

Ohio State Fair finale - Multi-week regional attraction concludes with maximum attendance
Willie Phoenix at Goodale Park Music Series - Free programming demonstrates cultural accessibility
Columbus Museum of Art Community Days - Arts programming depth supports cultural tourism
Artisan Market at Jackie O's on Fourth - Local vendor support creates community economic circulation

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Homeowners: Intel slowdown validates diversified suburban markets. Monitor golf course communities and established luxury areas benefiting from corporate uncertainty.

Home buyers: Consider North Star Golf Club area while Intel workforce housing demand remains uncertain. Record city budget supports property values through infrastructure investment.

Investors: $2.9B municipal budget and Intel reassessment create opportunities in proven suburban markets with lifestyle amenities and infrastructure support over speculative tech-dependent areas.

Bottom line: Columbus demonstrates municipal strength through record infrastructure investment while corporate uncertainty validates established luxury markets with diversified economic bases and premium lifestyle amenities.

[Schedule a call]

The Intel news definitely caught everyone's attention this week, but honestly, it reinforces what we've been saying about diversified markets. Sometimes uncertainty creates the best opportunities for smart investors.

Also loving the response to our "Deal of the Week" segment! Keep the feedback coming - we're here to showcase the best of what Columbus has to offer.

Big things coming in August, so stay tuned!

-Gagan