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Things to do in Columbus July 4-6

Things to do in Columbus July 4-6

Tech Titans Target Columbus, I-270 Improvements, and Independence Day Returns...

Gagan Timsina
July 03, 2025

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

And here is Columbus’s most INSANE 5-Level Split

In today's newsletter:

Tech Billionaires Choose Columbus for $1B Crypto Bank: Palmer Luckey and Peter Thiel's group selects Columbus as headquarters for new financial institution targeting Silicon Valley Bank void
I-270 North Side Transformation Accelerates: $36M interchange project enters critical bridge rebuilding phase with expanded capacity for Polaris corridor growth
Independence Day Weekend Explodes with Events: Doo Dah Parade returns, Gabby Barrett headlines Hilliard's Freedom Fest, and Tower of Power rocks Columbus Commons
New Banking Competition Emerges: Erebor joins Adelphi as third major financial institution launching in Central Ohio within three years

I-270 NORTH SIDE RECEIVES MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE

The $36 million I-270/I-71 interchange improvement project entered its critical bridge rebuilding phase this week, with lane shifts and temporary pavement appearing between I-71 and U.S. 23. [ODOT District 6]

Key Highlights:

Westbound I-270 lane shifts now visible between I-71 and U.S. 23
Bridge rebuilding on wider footings to accommodate additional northbound I-71 lane
Capacity expansion extending through interchange area up to Polaris/Gemini
Project targeting improved traffic flow for Delaware County corridor

Infrastructure Impact: This improvement directly addresses the bottleneck that has limited northbound access to Polaris, Delaware County, and the growing Lewis Center corridor. The additional lane capacity should reduce commute times and improve accessibility for northern suburb developments.

For homebuyers considering the Polaris area, this infrastructure investment validates long-term growth potential. Properties within the I-270/I-71 corridor should see increased demand as commute times improve and commercial development accelerates around the expanded interchange.

The timing aligns perfectly with continued residential construction in Delaware County, suggesting coordinated regional planning that benefits both existing residents and new developments. Buyers looking at Lewis Center, Powell, or Dublin should factor this improved connectivity into their decision-making process.

INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND DELIVERS MARQUEE ENTERTAINMENT

Columbus celebrates Independence Day with major events spanning Friday through Sunday, headlined by the 42nd Annual Doo Dah Parade and country star Gabby Barrett's performance at Hilliard's Freedom Fest. [WCMH]

Key Highlights:

Doo Dah Parade returns to Victorian Village with NBC4's Colleen Marshall as Less-Than-Grand Marshal
Gabby Barrett headlines Freedom Fest in Hilliard starting 3 PM Friday
Tower of Power performs with Columbus Symphony at Columbus Commons Saturday 8 PM
Foodees Food and Culture Festival brings 40+ vendors to Tanger Outlets all weekend

Community Impact: The return of major Independence Day events demonstrates Columbus's recovery from pandemic disruptions and signals strong municipal confidence in hosting large-scale celebrations. The Doo Dah Parade's Victorian Village location continues supporting that neighborhood's residential desirability.

These events showcase Columbus's ability to attract national talent while maintaining unique local character. For potential residents considering downtown or near-downtown living, this weekend demonstrates the cultural amenities that make urban Columbus attractive to young professionals and families.

The geographic spread of events - from Victorian Village to Hilliard to Columbus Commons - reflects the region's diverse entertainment options and supports property values across multiple districts rather than concentrating benefits in single areas.

TECH TITANS SELECT COLUMBUS FOR BILLION-DOLLAR BANKING VENTURE

A consortium of tech billionaires led by Anduril co-founder Palmer Luckey has chosen Columbus as headquarters for Erebor, a new crypto-focused bank designed to fill the void left by Silicon Valley Bank's collapse. [Financial Times]

Key Highlights:

Palmer Luckey, Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale backing the venture
Digital-only model with Columbus headquarters and secondary New York office
Targeting AI, crypto, defense, and manufacturing companies deemed too risky by traditional banks
Co-CEOs Owen Rapaport and Jacob Hirshman leading day-to-day operations

Strategic Significance: This represents Columbus's emergence as a legitimate alternative to Silicon Valley for financial innovation. The timing coincides perfectly with Anduril's nearly $1 billion manufacturing facility planned for the region, creating a tech ecosystem that could rival established hubs.

From my perspective working with corporate relocations, this signals a fundamental shift in how major tech companies view Columbus. We're no longer just a cost-effective alternative - we're becoming a strategic choice for companies seeking regulatory stability and operational efficiency.

The Columbus location offers distinct advantages: lower operational costs, favorable regulatory environment, and proximity to major transportation networks. For real estate investors, this could trigger significant appreciation in commercial and residential properties near the proposed Anduril facility and downtown financial district.

THIS WEEKEND IN COLUMBUS: JULY 4-6

From [Experience Columbus]

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Home owners: The Erebor bank selection validates Columbus's tech sector emergence, while I-270 improvements protect property values in the northern corridor. Independence Day events demonstrate strong community investment in cultural amenities that support residential desirability.

Home buyers: Consider the Polaris/Delaware County corridor for improved accessibility benefits from I-270 expansion. Downtown and Victorian Village properties gain from continued cultural event programming. The banking sector expansion suggests robust economic fundamentals supporting long-term property appreciation.

Bottom line: This week showcases Columbus's evolution from regional center to national destination for both business and entertainment. The combination of tech sector investment, infrastructure improvements, and cultural programming creates a compelling case for residential investment across multiple price points and lifestyle preferences.

Ready to explore these emerging opportunities? Let's discuss how these developments impact your housing goals.

[Schedule a call]

See you next week,

— Gagan Timsina