Columbus to see the “largest thrust of construction projects”

“All of a sudden, everyone wants everything built at the same time.” 

In early May, Google announced it would erect two additional data centers — one in Columbus and one in Lancaster. Construction is already underway on the projects, which will likely require at least 1,000 workers, according to a spokesperson. At the time, the spokesperson declined to say how many full-time data center workers will be needed in the facilities once they go live.

Computer chipmaker Intel initially estimated it would need more than seven times that amount of construction workers on its mega-project east of the city in Licking County — at least 7,000. In mid-May, Intel moved into its next phase of building the eventual semiconductor fabrication plants. 

Central Ohio is seeing a slew of construction projects in other sectors, from higher education projects to those creating housing. All of the hustle has meant the trades council, which umbrellas local construction unions and members, had to rethink its strategies and double its efforts in recruiting more people to apprenticeship programs. 

2022 was a busy year for construction in Columbus, with many projects that were previously delayed getting started again. The University District once again tops the list – more projects are underway there than in any other neighborhood. This is a good roundup of all of the development projects we’ve been tracking that were under construction throughout the year.