From Cubicles to Condos: The Office Conversion Boom in Central Ohio
As remote work reshapes the modern workplace, Central Ohio is witnessing a dramatic transformation—vacant office buildings are being reimagined as vibrant residential spaces.
During a recent trip to Downtown Columbus with a relocation client, I was reminded of the unique characteristics of our capital city in Central Ohio. There is a vibrant residential atmosphere that is expected to continue growing. This blog highlights some distinctive housing projects that are transforming the area from a business district into a lively residential hub.
A New Chapter for Downtown Columbus
Central Ohio is undergoing a transformation of its urban landscape. Once filled with bustling office towers, downtown Columbus is now emerging as a vibrant residential center. With office vacancy rates exceeding 21% and hybrid work reshaping corporate spaces, developers are converting empty floors into stylish apartments. This trend is not just a quick solution; it is a strategic approach to help the city achieve its ambitious goal of increasing its downtown population from 11,650 in 2022 to 40,000 by 2040.
Why Conversions Make Sense
Economic Efficiency: Converting offices into apartments is typically 15–20% cheaper and faster than building new structures from scratch.
Incentives at Play: State programs, such as Ohio’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit and the Transformational Mixed-Use Development Program, make these projects financially viable.
Housing Demand: Columbus is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the Midwest, and its housing supply hasn’t kept pace.
Notable Projects Transforming the Skyline
1. Preston Centre (Former PNC Tower)
3. 280 Plaza (Two Nationwide Plaza)
4. 530 W. Spring St. & 34 S. Fourth St.
The Bigger Picture: Trends & Impact
Mixed-Use Momentum: Many of these projects incorporate retail and amenities, fostering walkable, community-oriented spaces.
Urban Revitalization: These conversions help alleviate office oversupply while revitalizing downtown streets.
What It Means for Central Ohio
Office conversions are more than a real estate trend—they’re a catalyst for urban renewal. By transforming underused spaces into homes, Columbus is positioning itself as a city where people don’t just work downtown—they live, play, and thrive there.
Want to see what’s next? Keep an eye on the skyline. The future of Columbus is vertical, vibrant, and very much residential.