Good morning, Marion County. From fresh blooms to boutique rooms—a historic flower shop near Ohio State is getting a second life as an upscale hotel. The former 5th Ave Floral Co. on Kenny Road is trading its petals for pillows, joining a growing collection of luxury accommodations catering to the university community. This transformation adds another chapter to the ongoing renaissance around campus, where development continues to reshape familiar landmarks.
Meanwhile, Westerville residents have a new reason to raise their glasses—or rather, their straws—as Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and Red Mango frozen yogurt make their Central Ohio debut in a dual-concept store. And in a heartwarming display of community support, the Hilliard Food Pantry Plus is easing back-to-school financial strain by distributing free, grade-specific backpacks to families facing education expenses that average $800 per household—a timely lifeline as state budget cuts continue to impact local schools.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏨 Historic flower shop near Ohio State to bloom as boutique hotel. A developer has purchased the former 5th Ave Floral Co. property at 1877 Kenny Rd. with plans to transform the long-running flower shop into a hotel. The site is strategically located near Ohio State University, joining other development projects in the campus area. This adds to a growing trend of new hospitality and luxury accommodations targeting the university community.
🥤 Smoothie Factory and Red Mango debut in Westerville. The dual-concept store brings a new smoothie brand to Columbus while reintroducing the Red Mango frozen yogurt name to Central Ohio. Located in Westerville, this marks the first local outlet for Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, expanding the Dallas-based company's footprint into the Columbus market. The opening adds to the growing variety of specialty beverage and treat options in the area, joining several other food chains that have recently entered the Central Ohio market.
🎒 Local pantry fights rising school costs with free backpacks. The Hilliard Food Pantry Plus in Ohio is distributing school supplies to families struggling with education expenses that average $800 per household. Each backpack contains grade-specific items matching Hilliard City Schools' requirements, with organizers expecting to serve more students than the 1,000 helped last year. The initiative represents a community-wide effort involving multiple groups collecting supplies. With state budget cuts affecting schools, this support helps families redirect limited funds to other essential expenses.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Pristine wooded acreage needs utilities: This wooded 5.77-acre lot is on the market for $150,000. It's rich with hardwood, walnut, and hickory trees, but lacks a well and septic system. Viewing requires agent accompaniment.
Marion classic with guest house: Timeless Marion charmer with 4 bedrooms offered at $299,900, featuring original woodwork, open living areas, and a guest house—all just minutes from downtown amenities and complete with a massive 4-car garage.
Snug renovated ranch all new: Priced at $149,900, this fully renovated ranch offers 874 square feet of one-floor living with vaulted ceilings, open layout, two bedrooms, and all-new everything from siding to appliances.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
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