Downtown Columbus, Ohio is undergoing a significant transformation with the addition of 174 new residential units by Service Provider Constructing. This development promises to breathe new life into the city center, providing a variety of housing options to meet the increasing demand for urban living. With construction already in progress, both residents and visitors can anticipate a vibrant and dynamic downtown community in the coming years. Let’s delve into the details and implications of this innovative project.
Key Project Details
- Property: The Service Provider Constructing
- Developers: Rockbridge, Edwards Cos.
- General Contractor: Gilbane Constructing Co.
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
- Units: 174
- Cost: $430 million
Columbus, Ohio, known for its affordability, has emerged as a lucrative market for multifamily developers and investors. The city experienced a 4.5% year-over-year rent growth in March, second only to New York City, according to Multifamily Dive.
The upcoming mixed-use, 32-story Service Provider Constructing tower in the North Market neighborhood, scheduled to commence in 2026, is a collaborative effort between Rockbridge, Edwards Cos., and NBBJ, a Seattle-based architectural firm. Initially announced at $345 million, the project’s cost has escalated to $430 million, as reported by Columbus Business First. Gilbane Constructing Co. from Providence, Rhode Island, is overseeing the construction.
The tower will feature 174 residential units and nearly 65,000 square feet of Class A office space. Additionally, it will house a 206-room luxury boutique hotel and a 350-space parking garage, as per the project’s website.
Adjacent to the Service Provider Constructing, the historic North Market will undergo a 15,000 square feet expansion over two levels, accommodating space for additional vendors, a farmers’ market, and a plaza. The city of Columbus has allocated approximately $50 million towards various aspects of the project, including market expansion, a new atrium, and improvements to the parking facilities.
However, construction faced a setback in February 2023 when archaeologists discovered human remains on the site, which was originally a cemetery. The city provided around $7.1 million for the respectful removal and handling of the remains, halting construction temporarily.
According to Krista Horrocks, an archaeologist with the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office, there may have been “thousands upon thousands” of individuals buried at the location, emphasizing the historical significance of the site.
