Good morning, Franklin County. Deep in Delaware County, a magical transformation is taking place that feels straight out of a Tolkien novel. Two sisters are turning 11 acres into "The Shire," complete with tiny homes and a community barn that would make Bilbo Baggins feel right at home. It's a testament to how sometimes the most enchanting stories aren't found in books, but right in our own backyard.
Meanwhile, downtown Columbus is writing its own epic tale of preservation and change. As the iconic Huntington buildings on Broad Street find new stewards in a $10.6M deal, the Short North bids farewell to Anthropologie after a decade-long chapter. Like any good story, our city keeps evolving - trading bohemian retail for historic preservation, and proving that even endings can lead to exciting new beginnings.
🌤 Sky Skoop | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
87% 
☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🌾 Delaware sisters create magical 'hobbit-inspired' farm community for sustainable living. Retired firefighter Kari Lindberg and her sister Lisa purchased an 11-acre property in Delaware County to build "The Shire," featuring six tiny homes and a community center in a reclaimed barn. The project, registered as a nonprofit called Shire Gardens, is actively seeking a farmer to launch their own business on the 1-acre garden plot with a hoop tunnel. Despite facing personal challenges including cancer and loss, the Lindbergs have persevered with help from their community to create this unique development that emphasizes local food production and simple living. The sisters hope to extend their impact beyond the property by offering canning classes and inspiring others to create similar sustainable communities.
🏢 Historic Huntington buildings in downtown Columbus sell for $10.6M. Downtown Columbus Inc. has purchased two of three iconic Huntington buildings, including the Huntington Plaza and Wyandotte Building on Broad Street. The organization plans to preserve the historical character of the buildings, which date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, while attracting new tenants. Huntington Bank will maintain its historic branch at 17 S. High St. through a long-term lease agreement, though nearly 200 employees will relocate to other corporate offices. The bank's corporate headquarters will remain in the Huntington Center, while the third building's sale is still pending.
🛍️ Popular retailer Anthropologie calls it quits in Columbus' Short North district. The trendy lifestyle store, part of the URBN family that includes Urban Outfitters and Free People, will shut its doors on January 12th after completing its full 10-year lease at 625 N. High St. Despite the chain seeing overall sales growth and plans to open a new location in Beavercreek, OH, this closure comes alongside four other Anthropologie shutdowns across North America. Customers can still shop their favorite bohemian-inspired clothing and home goods through the retailer's website.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Beechcroft Cougars | ||
| vs Utica | L 63-30 | |
 Independence 76ers | ||
| @ Linden-McKinley | L 39-23 | |
 Linden-McKinley Panthers | ||
| vs Independence | W 39-23 | |
 West Cowboys | ||
| @ Whetstone | L 55-21 | |
 Whetstone Braves | ||
| vs West | W 55-21 | |
 Upper Arlington Golden Bears | ||
| vs Grove City | W 48-33 | |
 Thomas Worthington CARDINALS | ||
| vs Groveport-Madison | W 42-35 | |
 Worthington Kilbourne Wolves | ||
| vs Bishop Ready | W 44-29 | |
 Hilliard Davidson Wildcats | ||
| vs Dublin Scioto | L 58-35 | |
 Dublin Coffman Shamrocks | ||
| vs Granville | L 50-42 | |
| @ Grove City | L 43-39 | |
 Lincoln Lions | ||
| @ Groveport-Madison** | W 57-47 | |
 Dublin Jerome Celtics | ||
| @ New Albany | W 40-35 | |
 Dublin Scioto Irish | ||
| @ Hilliard Davidson | W 58-35 | |
 Westerville Central Warhawks | ||
| vs Westerville North | W 64-26 | |
 Westerville North Warriors | ||
| @ Westerville Central | L 64-26 | |
 Grove City Greyhounds | ||
| @ Upper Arlington | L 48-33 | |
| vs Dublin Coffman | W 43-39 | |
 Central Crossing Comets | ||
| vs Heath | W 50-37 | |
 New Albany Eagles | ||
| vs Dublin Jerome | L 40-35 | |
 Franklin Heights Falcons | ||
| vs Bishop Ready | L 48-33 | |
 Bexley Lions | ||
| vs Grandview Heights | W 46-27 | |
 Grandview Heights Bobcats | ||
| @ Northridge | L 66-33 | |
| @ Bexley | L 46-27 | |
 Graham Local Falcons | ||
| @ North Union | L 57-52 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Charming ranch with serene lot
With a list price of $445,000, this charming ranch home in New Albany offers a perfect blend of country charm and convenient access to shopping. Set on a lovely .74-acre lot featuring a stream, this updated brick and stucco residence includes a spacious main level with a great room plan, a finished lower level ideal for a home office or gym, and a picturesque patio overlooking the serene backyard.
Spacious family home with yard
Nestled in a family-friendly neighborhood, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is listed at $289,900 and offers generous living space, including a large family room with a brick fireplace, an eat-in kitchen with ample cabinetry, and a finished lower level perfect for hobbies. The upstairs features a primary suite with a walk-in closet and updated shower, along with three additional bedrooms and a fenced yard complete with an enclosed porch and shed. This property is being sold as is, with all personal items included.
Remodeled condo with serene patio
Listed at $219,898, this beautifully remodeled condo boasts cathedral ceilings and an open floor plan, featuring a first-floor master suite with an ensuite bath and convenient laundry. Enjoy a spacious patio overlooking a serene, tree-lined backyard while taking advantage of community amenities like a large pool and fitness center, all just minutes from shopping and dining.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
|
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
-Galatians 5:22-23