A view of the Columbus skyline from The Brass Eye, a rooftop bar at The Junto

What's New in Columbus

From new direct flights that make getting to Ohio’s capital even easier to major developments downtown, there’s always something new happening in Columbus. Here’s the latest news from the 14th largest city in the country.

Current by Janet Echelman

Courtesy of Downtown Columbus, Inc.

Proposed pedestrian project could transform downtown Columbus

Under a $100-million plan proposed by city officials and a Columbus developer, Downtown Columbus is set to witness the creation of The Capital Line, a two-mile bike and pedestrian path weaving through key downtown areas. The project aims to revitalize the pedestrian experience, connecting various landmarks and encouraging community engagement. Preliminary plans suggest utilizing street space for the pathway, with construction expected to begin in 2025.

North Market sign on building

Courtesy of North Market

New luxury hotel and North Market expansion planned for 2025

Construction has begun on the 32-story, $345-million development called The Merchant Building on the parking lot next to North Market, Columbus’ nearly 150-year-old public market made up of Ohio’s best independent merchants, farmers and makers. The project includes a new 162-room lifestyle hotel that embodies the essence of the North Market as well as custom designed event and meeting space. The 9th floor will feature a 5,000-square-foot signature ballroom with an adjoining terrace, along with a junior ballroom, meeting rooms and pre-function space, totaling 17,000 square feet. The project is expected to finish by the end of 2025, just in time for North market’s 150th anniversary in 2026.

Columbus Fashion Alliance

Photo by Warhol & WALL ST.

New fashion Innovation Hub expected to open in 2025

Did you know Columbus is one of the biggest fashion hubs in the country? National retailers like Express, Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria’s Secret, DSW and Bath & Body Works all call Columbus home. In fact, Columbus is the #1 metro in the U.S. for concentration of professionals working in the apparel and fashion industry. Columbus Fashion Alliance has a new Innovation Hub in the works downtown aimed at housing designers, labs and spaces to foster collaboration with the goal of transforming the area into a dynamic fashion district. Construction is planned for 2024 with the opening expected in early 2025. Learn more.

Columbus Skyline from Broad Street

Photo by Randall L. Schieber

Ohio eyes Amtrak expansion

Major improvements in passenger train travel are progressing in Columbus as federal funding has been allocated to advance expanded Amtrak services connecting major Ohio cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati and Dayton as well as adding a route that would connect Columbus to Chicago and Pittsburgh. While the new rail service may take four to five years to materialize, Ohio's four corridors will be given priority in future funding competitions, ensuring access to $2.4 billion annually from the FRA until 2026. Learn more.

Want the latest Columbus headlines? Read our press releases and see how Columbus is making headlines.