Good morning, Franklin County. A century of history is getting a modern transformation as the Downtown YMCA building prepares for its next chapter. The landmark structure will soon house 121 affordable apartments while preserving its architectural character—proving that sometimes the most forward-thinking development honors what came before. This restoration joins another skyline-changing project, as a 161-foot mixed-use tower with ground-floor grocery space and 249 apartments has received approval for The Peninsula development west of COSI.
June brings a splash of color to our community as Columbus Pride celebrations unfold throughout the month. From Nina West performances to the main festival at Goodale Park and the Pride March starting at Broad and High streets, the calendar is packed with diverse events. Even City Hall will join the festivities, illuminating in rainbow lights on June 2—just one of many ways our neighborhoods, including suburban communities, are celebrating inclusivity this summer.
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89%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏢 Historic Downtown YMCA building gets new lease on life. The century-old structure will be transformed into a 121-unit affordable housing complex after receiving approval from the Downtown Commission. Developer Woda Cooper Companies plans to preserve the building's historic character while adding safety improvements like an enclosed stairwell. The renovation, which could take up to two years, will create apartments for residents earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income. The project, to be called "The Lofts at 40 Long," breathes new purpose into the building that previously housed YMCA operations and 400 residents in dormitory-style rooms.
🏙️ Columbus skyline grows with mixed-use tower approval. The Downtown Commission has greenlit a 161-foot building at West Broad and Belle Streets featuring ground-floor grocery space, three levels of parking, and 249 apartments. This represents a significant downsizing from earlier plans that proposed a 34-story tower, with the current design offering 463 parking spaces including dedicated grocery store parking. Construction timelines remain uncertain due to economic concerns related to tariffs, while Amy Taylor of Downtown Columbus Inc. indicated a grocery store operator announcement is pending a signed lease. The building is part of the second phase of The Peninsula development, joining other mixed-use projects west of COSI.
🌈 Columbus Pride offers a month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and community. Throughout June, residents can join events ranging from Stonewall's Pride March and Resource Fair to drag shows, bar crawls, and family storytimes. Nina West kicks off festivities with performances in late May, while City Hall will illuminate in rainbow lights on June 2. The main Pride Festival takes place June 13-14 at Goodale Park, followed by the Pride March on June 14 starting at Broad and High streets. Suburban communities including Worthington, Delaware, and Hilliard are hosting their own Pride celebrations.
🎤 Featured Event: Use Code "localbrew"
The Memorial Hop - May 28th
⛳️ Network with Columbus's finest at Business Hop 3.0. This invitation-only gathering connects 75 mentors with 225 rising stars during Memorial Tournament week at Muirfield Village. Guests enjoy premium food and drinks while building meaningful relationships across three unique venues. Beyond valuable connections, the event also provides support to our community, with 10% of event proceeds support My Village Ministries.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Cozy Columbus ranch near everything: This $259,900 ranch in Columbus's Amberly neighborhood offers 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a 3-season room, with move-in ready convenience in the Groveport Madison School District near essential amenities and commuting routes.
Luxury wooded dream home awaits: Offered at $750,000, this Bob Webb built 5-level split features hardwood floors, a two-story Great Room, French White kitchen, vaulted owner's suite, and three upstairs bedrooms on a wooded Ballantrae lot.
Spacious updated Hilliard district gem: Priced at $335,000, this well-maintained Hilliard School District home features an open floor plan, updated kitchen, fenced yard with new deck, and a partially finished basement, all conveniently located near schools, shopping and major highways.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
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