Downtown Columbus North Market Tower Set to Open in 2026 With 174 Apartments

The tallest new tower in Downtown Columbus is almost done. It is called the Merchant Building, and it rises 32 stories next to the historic North Market. The project is set to open in 2026. It will hold 174 rental apartments, a 206-room hotel, office space, and room for the market to grow. The total cost is about $430 million, as reported by Construction Dive.

Here is what is inside. The building has 174 rental units for people who want to live in the heart of the city. It has a 206-room luxury hotel. Luxury just means high-end, with nicer finishes and service. There is also nearly 65,000 square feet of top-quality office space and a 350-space parking garage. On the lower floors, the North Market itself gets about 15,000 square feet of new space across two levels. That is room for eight or nine more food vendors.

The timing matters. The North Market is about 148 years old. It first opened around 1876. The tower is being finished to line up with the market's big anniversary. The developers are Columbus-based Rockbridge and Edwards Cos. The building was designed by architect NBBJ and built by Gilbane Building Co. The cost grew over time. It started as a $345 million plan and rose to $430 million, as first reported by Construction Dive.

What does this mean for you? If you want to rent Downtown, 174 new homes are coming online in one shot. That is a lot of supply in a small area. New luxury units at the top of the market can pull some renters up and out of older buildings. That sometimes opens up cheaper units elsewhere Downtown. If you are a renter watching prices, this is a project to track. You can start a search near the core at /rent/find-a-home.

If you own or invest in Downtown property, the Merchant Building is a signal. A $430 million bet on the city center says developers still believe in Downtown living. The new hotel and market space will draw more visitors and more foot traffic. That tends to lift the value of nearby shops, restaurants, and apartments. More people living and eating in the core is good for the whole district.

What should you watch next? Watch the opening date closely. Big towers often slip a few months, so keep an eye on updates through late 2026. Watch the hotel and the market expansion too. When new vendors sign leases, that is a sign the project is drawing crowds. And watch rents in the new apartments. Their prices will set a new high mark for Downtown and tell you where the top of the market sits.

Here is your takeaway. Downtown Columbus is about to gain a 32-story landmark with 174 new homes and a bigger North Market. If you want to live or invest in the city center, the Merchant Building is the project that will shape the skyline and the market for years.

Sources: Construction Dive, Multifamily Dive