Kayla Mahoney
Project Architect
Gensler

Stan Hendricks
Vice President
Gilbane Building Co.

“Major investments are shaping the landscape, most notably the new airport project, continued expansion in health care infrastructure and a surge in mission-critical data center, life sciences and technology work coming into Central Ohio,” Hendricks says. “Together, these projects reflect a region that is growing and diversifying.”

Kayla Mahoney, project architect at Gensler’s Columbus office, sees the same trajectory.

“Columbus is experiencing sustained momentum, and for the AEC community, it’s creating a rich environment for impact,” Mahoney says. Continued population growth—projected to reach 2.6 million in the metro area by 2030 — and economic diversification are driving demand across nearly every building type. “Designers and builders have a real opportunity to help shape what the city becomes next,” she says.

That demand is broad based. Columbus is emerging as a major Midwest hub for data centers, fueling highly technical, mission-critical projects. Mixed-use development is accelerating as the city invests in walkable, experience-driven neighborhoods. Health care remains a steady engine, complemented by growth in technology and life sciences.

“Housing shortages remain a challenge,” Mahoney says, “but they’ve pushed architects and planners to rethink density, diversify housing types and deliver more mixed-income communities.”

Large-scale infrastructure investment reinforces the city’s forward momentum. Mahoney says that the new airport terminal—which Gensler is designing in partnership with Moody Nolan—sets a high bar for design excellence.

“Investments like the airport expansion and major downtown mixed-use developments shape first impressions,” Mahoney says. “They signal that Columbus is connected, ambitious and welcoming.”

For contractors, backlogs remain healthy and bidding activity is steady.

“The industry’s overarching conversation is about sustained growth,” Hendricks says. “Columbus continues to attract investment, and the construction sector is responding to that demand with confidence.”

He notes that construction often lags broader economic cycles.

“Our industry tends to operate as a lagging indicator, meaning we’re still delivering work that reflects several years of prior economic growth,” he says.

Gilbane’s current portfolio illustrates a range of activity. The company is involved in a planned $226-million comprehensive outpatient cancer center for OhioHealth that will total 199,000 sq ft and nearly double the size of its administrative campus. Gilbane is also preparing to break ground on the city’s municipal courts project. The eight-story Franklin County Municipal Courthouse is expected to cost about $300 million and replace the existing facility at 375 S. High St.

Another of Gensler’s projects is 530 W. Spring St., a 26-story mixed-use tower, which will offer 244 apartments, an 88-key hotel, retail and restaurant spaces, Class A office space and a large amenity deck with a year-round event space.

Despite the optimistic outlook, challenges persist.

“Workforce remains one of the most pressing long-term challenges facing our industry,” Hendricks says. “For nearly a decade, we’ve seen a tightening of the skilled trade labor supply, and addressing that gap is a top priority.”

Mahoney agrees. “Finding skilled labor can impact schedules, particularly on complex projects like data centers and large infrastructure builds,” she says.

Looking ahead into 2026, both leaders are hopeful that the market will continue to thrive.

“Because of our backlog, 2026 is shaping up to be another active year,” Hendricks says. “We don’t anticipate major shifts in the near term. The pipeline remains solid, and confidence across the sector is high.”