T
he Edwards Companies, a Columbus-based developer, is planning a $600-million overhaul of several downtown blocks as part of its Capitol Square Renaissance Project. The project includes a 10-story, 530,000-square-foot building on South 3rd Street, which would overlook the Ohio Statehouse and feature ground-floor retail and restaurant space along with a park next to the former Columbus Dispatch building. This addition brings the total scope of the project to five buildings and 1.85 million square feet over 10 acres on six city blocks.

    The Renaissance Project also includes several other developments, such as the Preston Centre, which has been converted into apartments and a restaurant; the Galleria building, set to become a trio of restaurants and bars; and two proposed apartment buildings along South 4th Street. These elements will be linked by Preston Park, an elevated landscaped walkway inspired by New York's Highline.

    Edwards Companies is seeking $33 million in state tax credits to help see the project through, citing the need for public support due to the project's scale and community benefits. The company claims that without these funds, the development will not move forward. If successful, the project would "transform" downtown Columbus and revitalize Capitol Square, which has struggled since the COVID pandemic led to a decline in office workers.