Mountain View
Axios Columbus
Spaghetti Warehouse building to be demolished
The vacant Broad Street complex that once housed an ice-making company and the aptly named Spaghetti Warehouse is set to be torn down. Driving the news: The restaurant closed in 2022 following a roof collapse and the Downtown Commission approved its demolition this week to make way for redevelopment. Though...
Columbus fall temperatures are getting warmer
Data: Climate Central; Chart: Axios VisualsThe average fall temperature in Columbus rose more than 3 degrees in the last 50 years, according to a new Climate Central report. Why it matters: Warmer autumns have a range of implications, from higher energy use to big changes for farmers and gardeners. The big picture: Fall temperatures rose 2.5°F on average between 1970 and 2023 across 234 U.S. cities, per Climate Central. The nonprofit climate research group's analysis is based on average temperatures between September and November of each year.Zoom in: Columbus' first freeze of the season — the first day temperatures reached 32°F or below — was on Oct. 17 (right at 32°F), per National Weather Service data.Some outlying areas of Central Ohio hit freezing temperatures for the first time the night before.That timing is on schedule with a Climate Central prediction.Yes, but: Columbus is in the midst of a warm drought and this blip of frigid nights lasted just a few days.We've seen temps reach the high 70s so far this week. Data: Climate Central; Map: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals
Charted: More Columbus homes hitting the market
Data: Redfin; Chart: Axios VisualsA larger share of homes hit the market this summer in Columbus, perhaps to take advantage of peak pricing. Why it matters: Those golden handcuffs may be finally coming loose. The big picture: Only 2.5% of U.S. homes changed hands in the first eight months of 2024 — the lowest turnover rate in 30 years, Redfin analysis shows. What we're watching: That was before mortgage rates dropped to roughly 6.2%. More homeowners may list, especially if rates fall further.
Columbus' housing stock is aging
Data: US Census American Community Survey; Chart: Axios VisualsThe bulk of Columbus homes were built between the 70s and early 2000s, per the latest census data.Why it matters: Existing homes aren't getting any younger and sellers are still feeling the rate-lock effect. This opens the window for a remodeling wave, according to the National Association of Home Builders.Yes, but: Buyers are keen on new builds, given existing supply constraints and (sometimes) better deals to be found.What we're watching: Energy efficiency, kitchen and bath upgrades, and maximizing utility are among the top renovation trends.
Where Cybertrucks are most popular in Ohio
Tank-like Cybertrucks are becoming more visible in Ohio, with Franklin County boasting the most, per state registration data.Why it matters: Tesla's polarizing, head-turning pickup truck has surged in popularity since its debut nearly a year ago.It was the third-bestselling electric vehicle (EV) in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2024, despite a lavish price tag starting at about $100,000, Forbes reports.By the numbers: There were 717 polygonal Cybertrucks registered in Ohio as of Oct. 4, per Bureau of Motor Vehicles data obtained by Axios.Yes, but: Nearly half of them (42%) are still registered to car dealerships.Zoom in: The two...
Chapman's Eat Market is a German Village gem
One of Columbus' most revered restaurants has somehow eluded me, but I've finally tried Chapman's Eat Market. Why it matters: The German Village gem survived a pandemic debut, attracted the New York Times' attention and helped owner BJ Lieberman earn a James Beard nod (though he was sadly snubbed). In...
Columbus breakfast sales rise and shine
Columbus eaters can't seem to get enough eggs and hash browns these days.State of play: More Columbus residents are grabbing fast-food breakfasts compared to last year, while lunch and dinner spending is down, according to a new report by Toast.Why it matters: The shift in eating habits could reflect changing demands and work schedules, and local businesses may need to adapt.Fine dining restaurants, fast-food outlets and supermarkets have all been doubling down on breakfast and brunch this year, Axios' Jennifer A. Kingson reported earlier this year.By the numbers: Breakfast spending at Columbus quick-service spots grew by 7% between April 2023...
The best diners Columbus has to offer
I've been a breakfast and diner lover my whole life.Why it matters: Diners harken back to a simpler time in American life before the rise of hurried drive-thrus and impersonal delivery services.The big picture: They are perfect for nearly every occasion.My hometown diner was the place to be after school plays and football games, while my college diner was great for late-night grub.I enjoyed cozy work spaces and bottomless coffee during my first journalism gigs. Nowadays, I head to them for cheap, family outings.All along the way, I've taken dates and commiserated breakups, celebrated birthdays and washed away rough sports...
What to do in Columbus this weekend
Here's what to do around Columbus this October weekend. 😮 See a 2,200-pound pumpkin and giant pie at the Circleville Pumpkin Show, the "Greatest Free Show on Earth."10am-10pm Thursday-Saturday.🎃 Go pumpkin bowling and tour the Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow's winding trail of jack-o'-lanterns at Heritage Park.6:30-10pm Thursday-Sunday, 60 N. Cleveland Ave. $12-15. Kids under 3 free!🤣 Bring your best material to the "Whose Live Anyway?" improv comedy show — and if you're lucky, you may make it on stage.7:30pm Friday, Palace Theatre. $72-84.🕯️ Honor the dead at an early Dia de los Muertos celebration at Green Lawn Cemetery.10am-6:30pm Saturday, 1000 Greenlawn...
Data centers see pushback, but still welcome in Ohio
Ohio continues to welcome new data centers, the vital yet sometimes controversial facilities underpinning our digital lives and the AI explosion.Why it matters: More than 5,000 of these key tech facilities now dot the American landscape, often requiring massive amounts of energy and land and receiving big government incentives.Given these costs, some communities are starting to push back.The big picture: Whenever you join a Zoom meeting, save photos to the cloud or stream videos online, you're depending on a data center.The centers resemble windowless warehouses and usually employ a few dozen people.State of play: There are around 100 data centers...
How the national IV fluid shortage is impacting Central Ohio hospitals
Central Ohio's four hospital systems are working together to conserve IV and dialysis fluids in the face of a nationwide shortage exacerbated by the recent hurricanes.Why it matters: If the situation worsens, some local elective surgeries that require a lot of fluids could be postponed, the Central Ohio Hospital Council warned in a statement.That's already happened in Toledo.Yes, but: For now, area hospitals are still operating as normal.The big picture: Hurricane Helene temporarily shut down a Baxter International plant in North Carolina that supplies more than 60% of the nation's IV solution.The supply of fluids and other sterile injectable products was already tight before Helene.Baxter's goal is to restart production there in phases by the end of the year, though there's no timeline for when activity will be restored to pre-hurricane levels.In the meantime, the company is ramping up production at other worldwide facilities.What's next: Local hospitals are keeping "regular communication" while monitoring their inventories and, when possible, are working with other manufacturers to get supplies.The bottom line: "As this issue evolves, our hospital systems will continue to collaborate to lessen any impact on patient care," the Council statement reads.
They liked Ike: Former prez spoke in Columbus 60 years ago
This week in 1964, former President Dwight D. Eisenhower rallied for GOP candidates here and called criticism against his party nothing but "tommyrot." Flashback: Columbus was known as "the seat of Ohio Republicanism" back then and Eisenhower received a warm reception at the Memorial Auditorium (located at the current site of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum).
Blue Jackets begin season of reflection, change
A season of reflection and change is underway as the Blue Jackets return to the ice at Nationwide Arena Tuesday night against Florida.Why it matters: New pieces on the ice, among team leadership and in the broadcasting booth will join the Columbus faithful in navigating another season played under the cloud of tragedy.State of play: The season opened on the road against the Minnesota Wild last Thursday, just six short weeks after the deaths of star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in a car-bicycle crash.It's the team's second player death in recent years. Goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks was killed in...
Ask Axios: Will CMH's new terminal have lounges?
Reader Jacob C. asks: Have you heard anything around lounges at the new terminal?One of my favorite parts of traveling is going to lounges, and while the Escape Lounge at CMH is nice, I've seen it get very crowded a lot of the time.What they're saying: "We've had several entities approach us about the possibility of opening lounges in the new terminal, but at this point we don't have any announcements," Columbus Regional Airport Authority spokesperson Breann González Almos told us.Yes, but: That's not too surprising, as the project hasn't broken ground yet and the terminal isn't expected to open until 2029.We'll keep you posted if we hear any updates!📬 What are you wondering about? Email columbus@axios.com with your questions and we'll try to track down the answers.
OSU heads west to face the Oregon Ducks
Ohio State heads west this weekend for its first showdown against a new conference rival, the Oregon Ducks.Why it matters: This pivotal contest between the Bucks (ranked No. 2) and Ducks (No. 3) could have major playoff implications down the road.State of play: Both teams enter with identical 5-0 records (2-0 in conference play).Here's a primer on the new-look Big Ten and this weekend's opponent.Catch up quick: Despite its name, the conference hasn't had 10 teams in decades.It's mainly been Midwestern, but that changed with the recent addition of four West Coast schools: Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.Teams are no...
Boo at the Zoo, a Comedy Ghost Walk and other weekend events
🎃 Trick-or-treat alongside the animals during Boo at the Zoo. 5-8pm tonight, 10am-8pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday. Through Oct. 27. Included with daily admission: $28-35. ($19-25 for Franklin County residents). Kids under 3 free!. 🍝 Ciao! "Tour" the Abruzzo region, the theme of this year's Italian Festival, in the...
Columbus wants your input on its new parks plan
The future of Columbus parks is taking root.Why it matters: Officials are creating a new master plan, dubbed Playbook Columbus, to guide park development and programming over the next decade.The city hopes its parks system will grow equitably alongside its burgeoning population and in ways aligning with residents' priorities.The latest: Over 3,500 people shared their opinions in a September online survey, Columbus Recreation and Parks spokesperson Kerry Francis tells Axios.Now community centers around town are hosting "dot polling" stations this month to gather additional input. Guests can quickly place dots to answer questions.Follow the money: Colorado-based firm Design Workshop is...
3 Columbus-area parks to visit on National Walk to a Park Day
It's National Walk to a Park Day! Get outside and enjoy one of these gems that are just a short walk from residential areas.🐕 Three Creeks, 3860 Bixby Road, GroveportNamed for the confluence of the Alum, Big Walnut and Blacklick creeks, this Southeast Side park offers a dog park, athletic fields and sprawling greenway trails. It's the perfect time of year to visit Three Creeks Park, as fall color begins to show.🐦 Glen Echo, 530 Cliffside DriveThis serene ravine north of Ohio State's campus is known for its "bird tunnel" mural.🌊 Hayden Falls, 4326 Hayden Run RoadA scenic 30-foot waterfall waits at the end of a bridge tucked near a neighborhood just south of Dublin. The iconic namesake waterfall at Hayden Run Falls Park. It's a picturesque sight year-round.
Big Walnut was among the first Black country clubs
The Franklin County Historical Marker Tour returns with a trip to one of the first Black country clubs in America. 📍 The marker: Big Walnut Country Club at 150 Oklahoma Ave., Gahanna. Flashback: This club was incorporated in 1927 by several prominent members of the community who previously founded...
How Columbus is preparing for climate change's impact
The Midwest is billed as a climate haven insulated from worsening destructive forces like wildfires and hurricanes — but experts say our region still has ample work to do in responding to our climate change effects. Why it matters: A "hallmark" of how Midwestern states such as Ohio experience...
Axios Columbus
2K+
Posts
5M+
Views
Axios Columbus, anchored by Tyler Buchanan and Alissa Widman Neese, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.