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Things to do in Columbus June 27-29

Things to do in Columbus June 27-29

Innovation Districts, Historic Sales, and ComFest Returns to Cbus...

Gagan Timsina
June 26, 2025

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In today's newsletter:

Dublin Eyes 370-Acre Innovation District: City considers rezoning farmland for research hub, sparking neighbor concerns over traffic and property impact
M/I Homes Expands Lewis Center Footprint: Hyatts Meadows brings 67 luxury homes starting at $500K+ to Delaware County corridor
Capital Line Downtown Trail Gets $10M: First phase construction begins on Gay Street for 2-mile pedestrian loop connecting downtown districts
Historic Buxton Inn Hits Market: 1812 Granville property with 25 guest rooms seeks $5.85M buyer for continued hospitality operations

SPONSORED BY: GT REAL ESTATE GROUP

DUBLIN CONSIDERS MASSIVE INNOVATION DISTRICT TRANSFORMATION

The City of Dublin is evaluating plans to rezone 370 acres of farmland into a "world-class innovation and research district" along the Ballantrae corridor, marking the city's boldest economic development initiative in decades. [WCMH]

Key Highlights:

370-acre rezoning area bounded by Shier Rings, Cosgray, Houchard, and Rings Roads
Would allow warehouses, data centers, office space, and advanced manufacturing
Part of broader 2,250-acre "West Innovation District" vision from Envision Dublin plan
City council discussion scheduled for August 11 following resident feedback

Strategic Significance: This rezoning represents Dublin's answer to New Albany's tech boom, positioning the city to compete for Fortune 500 relocations and billion-dollar data center investments. The West Innovation District concept includes provisions for passenger rail connectivity, mixed-use development, and smart infrastructure designed to attract 21st-century employers in biotechnology, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

However, Ballantrae neighbors have raised legitimate concerns about traffic impacts, environmental effects, and property values. As I'm working with buyers in this area, the uncertainty is creating interesting market dynamics - some sellers are holding off while others see opportunity in potential commercial proximity.

For Dublin property owners, this represents a pivotal moment. Successful implementation could significantly boost surrounding residential values through job creation and infrastructure investment, while poor execution could strain the suburban character that defines Dublin's appeal.

M/I HOMES EXTENDS DELAWARE COUNTY LUXURY PRESENCE

M/I Homes announced the forthcoming Hyatts Meadows development in Lewis Center, adding 67 single-family homes to the builder's expanding Delaware County portfolio. [Columbus Business First]

Key Highlights:

Located at 363 Hyatts Road between Routes 315 and 23
Home sizes range from 1,924 to 3,745 square feet with 3-6 bedrooms
Pricing starts in upper $500,000s with spring 2026 move-ins
Features wooded terrains, ponds, wetlands, and proximity to Shale Hollow Park

Market Impact: This marks M/I's fourth Central Ohio community launch this year, following Miller Farm in Galena with 353 homes. The consistent activity in Delaware County reflects strong buyer demand for suburban luxury north of Columbus, particularly among families prioritizing school districts and commuter access.

From my experience helping families relocate to this corridor, the $500K+ price point positions Hyatts Meadows perfectly for tech workers, healthcare professionals, and corporate executives seeking modern amenities with natural settings. The Delaware County location provides Olentangy Schools access while maintaining reasonable commute times to downtown and suburban office parks.

For investors, M/I's aggressive expansion signals confidence in long-term appreciation potential, especially as employment growth continues attracting new residents to the northern suburbs.

CAPITAL LINE RECEIVES $10M FUNDING FOR DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther allocated $10 million in the city's 2025 Capital Budget for the first phase of the Capital Line, a 2-mile pedestrian trail creating a downtown loop connecting key districts. [Columbus Business First]

Key Highlights:

Construction begins by year-end on Gay Street from 4th Street to Front Street
21-month construction timeline with 2027 completion target
Full project estimated at $100 million with state and foundation support
Curbless design on Gay Street creating public plaza for events

Community Impact: The Capital Line represents downtown Columbus's most ambitious pedestrian infrastructure project, designed to compete with similar initiatives in Nashville, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati. The Gay Street corridor will serve as the main event space for the emerging Gay Street District, potentially attracting retail, dining, and residential development.

As I've been showing downtown properties to buyers, walkability consistently ranks as a top priority. The Capital Line addresses this directly while creating development opportunities along the route. Properties within walking distance of the trail should see increased interest from young professionals and empty nesters seeking urban lifestyle amenities.

The project's scale and timeline demonstrate serious municipal commitment to downtown revitalization, which should reassure buyers considering condo purchases or investors evaluating rental property opportunities in the urban core.

HISTORIC BUXTON INN SEEKS NEW OWNERSHIP IN GRANVILLE

The historic Buxton Inn, operating since 1812 near Denison University, is for sale at $5.85 million, representing one of Central Ohio's most significant hospitality property transactions. [Columbus Business First]

Key Highlights:

24,000 square feet on 1 acre with 25 individually styled guest rooms
Five buildings including Main House with tavern and renovated commercial kitchen
Features Underground Railroad history and Prohibition-era speakeasy
Current owners purchased for $1.8M in 2014, invested in restoration

Investment Opportunity: The Buxton Inn sale reflects broader trends in historic hospitality properties, where location, character, and operational potential drive premium valuations. The proximity to Denison University provides consistent demand from visiting families, corporate travelers, and event bookings.

For investors with hospitality experience, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire a turnkey operation with established brand recognition and historic significance. The $5.85M asking price suggests strong confidence in Granville's tourism market and the property's income-generating potential.

The sale also indicates possible estate planning or portfolio reshuffling by current owners, creating opportunity for new operators to expand services or modernize operations while preserving historic character.

THIS WEEKEND IN COLUMBUS: JUNE 27-29

From [Experience Columbus]

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Home owners: Dublin's innovation district proposal demonstrates the city's commitment to economic diversification, while the Capital Line investment signals downtown's continued evolution as a walkable urban destination. Historic properties like the Buxton Inn sale show strong market confidence in unique assets.

Home buyers: Consider Dublin's western corridor for potential appreciation tied to innovation district development, while Lewis Center's luxury new construction offers immediate move-in opportunities in high-performing school districts. Downtown properties near the planned Capital Line route present long-term walkability advantages.

Bottom line: This week's developments showcase Columbus's strategic approach to growth - from suburban innovation districts competing with tech hubs to downtown infrastructure investments creating lifestyle amenities. The combination of major municipal projects, continued residential construction, and historic property transactions reflects a mature market with diverse opportunities across 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