(Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 8, 2025) – Harbor Bay Ventures, a Chicago-based real estate development and investment firm, has broken ground on 9th and High, Columbus’ first mass timber project and the tallest mass timber student housing building in the United States.

Rising 13 stories (157 feet, 6 inches) and spanning 242,000 SF, the landmark development will feature a mass timber structure proudly manufactured and sourced in Alabama by SmartLam North America, an American mass timber manufacturer. DLR Group is providing planning, architecture, interior design, and MEP engineering services.

Located at 1497 North High Street, near The Ohio State University, the 186-unit, 493-bed off-campus student housing development offers a mix of townhomes and apartments. The project is expected to open by summer 2027.

Mass timber was chosen for its environmental benefits, timeless aesthetic, and efficient construction timeline. Widely regarded as a revolutionary building material, it has the potential to transform the built environment and strengthen communities through sustainable construction.

“This project paves the way for the future of low-carbon, innovative student housing in Columbus and beyond, where mass timber’s natural warmth and texture shape vibrant, engaging housing communities that support both connection and focus,” Jacobson continued.

“On behalf of Harbor Bay Ventures, I want to thank the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the great state of Ohio,” said CEO of Harbor Bay Ventures Mark J. Bell. “They have consistently exhibited a pro-business mentality that helps attract investment. This cutting-edge project hits on so many important topics including sustainability, affordability, forest management, an evolving workforce and American timber production from our friends at SmartLam. This project epitomizes innovation.”

Forefront Structural Engineers, in collaboration with SmartLam, is leading the structural design of the full building, including all mass timber systems. The project incorporates domestically sourced cross-laminated timber floor panels alongside glulam columns and beams from Alabama, marking a milestone for U.S. mass timber construction. The building integrates off-the-shelf concealed connectors by Simpson Strong-Tie, located in Columbus, to achieve a Fire Resistance Rating of two hours. By advancing the use of domestically sourced materials, the development sets a precedent for future large-scale mass timber projects nationwide and redefines what’s possible for in real estate.

“This project was optimized for the North American supply chain, demonstrating that we can build tall mass timber cost-effectively in the heart of the Midwest, with our own forests in truly sustainable ways,” said CEO of Forefront Structural Engineers Josh Dortzbach. “In the process, we will realize a net sequestration of 1,128 metric tons of CO₂e – the equivalent of 2,169 round-trip flights from Columbus to Key West.”

Learn more about DLR Group’s approach to designing premier off-campus student housing communities.