Good morning, Pickaway County. A century-old landmark is getting a new lease on life in downtown Columbus. The historic YMCA building at 40 W. Long Street will transform into "The Lofts at 40 Long," offering 121 affordable apartments while preserving its architectural character. This two-year renovation project replaces former dorm-style accommodations with modern housing options for residents earning 30-80% of the area median income—a creative solution addressing both historic preservation and housing accessibility.
June brings a kaleidoscope of Pride celebrations throughout the region, with Columbus hosting dozens of events from Nina West performances to nighttime ziplining and family storytimes. Meanwhile, Columbus Water and Power is tackling infrastructure challenges head-on, accelerating their $1 billion initiative to replace up to 60,000 lead pipes by 2037. The city removed 2,100 pipes last year and aims to increase to 5,000 annually, now allowing residents to verify their pipe materials through simple photo submissions rather than hiring contractors.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏢 Historic YMCA building to become affordable housing in downtown Columbus. The Downtown Commission has approved Woda Cooper Companies' plan to renovate the century-old structure at 40 W. Long Street. The project will transform the former YMCA headquarters into 121 affordable apartments, with rents targeted at residents earning 30-80% of the area median income. Preserving the building's historical character is a priority, with renovations including cleaned masonry work, window replacements, and a new enclosed stairwell for safety. The two-year renovation project, dubbed "The Lofts at 40 Long," will replace the previous dorm-style accommodations that housed approximately 400 people.
🌈 Columbus Pride Month explodes with events for everyone. From Stonewall's Pride March to drag shows, bar crawls, and family storytimes, the city offers dozens of ways to celebrate throughout June. The festivities kick off with performances by drag icon Nina West and continue with mixology classes, nighttime ziplining, pageants, and community gatherings. Suburban communities including Worthington, Delaware, and Hilliard are hosting their own Pride celebrations, while cultural institutions like the Columbus Museum of Art feature queer-focused exhibitions. The main Pride Festival and Resource Fair takes place June 13-14 at Goodale Park, culminating in the annual Pride March on June 14.
🚰 Columbus races to replace 24,000 aging lead pipes by 2037. The city is making steady progress, removing 2,100 pipes last year with plans to increase to 5,000 annually once the program peaks. Columbus Water and Power has launched a $1 billion replacement initiative, with officials noting most existing lead pipes are "well beyond their useful life." To simplify the process, the city is now allowing residents to verify their pipe materials through photos rather than hiring contractors. Officials estimate they may ultimately need to replace up to 60,000 lead pipes before the federal deadline.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Modern Family Entertainer's Dream: Priced at $332,990, The Aspen II boasts four bedrooms, an optional fifth, a home office, two-story foyer, and a primary bedroom with his-and-hers closets. It features an open concept living area ideal for entertaining.
Renovated home near everything: This 2.5-car garage home is listed at $210,000, featuring a completely restored interior with new flooring, remodeled kitchen with granite countertops and stainless appliances, and renovated bathroom, all within walking distance to amenities.
Premium ranch backs peaceful farmland: Priced at $339,000, this ready-to-move-in ranch home sits on a premium lot backing farmland, offering peaceful views, privacy, and thoughtful upgrades including a professional storm shelter and community amenities within walking distance.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
-Romans 12:2
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