Vutech | Ruff team members were thrilled to attend the recent open house for the Preston Centre, formerly the PNC Tower on East Broad Street. Hosted by Columbus Landmarks, the event showcased the innovative adaptive reuse of the building, now a bustling hub of mixed-use spaces including residential, office, and retail. The project is Downtown’s largest transformation yet of an office building into residences.
We were pleased to support our good friend, Jeff Edwards, president and CEO of The Edwards Companies, which developed the project. More than seven years in the making, the project involved converting floors 10 through 23 of the 24-story office tower into 105 apartments.
During the open house, Marilyn Vutech, Anna Vutech, and Emily Ahlering had the opportunity to tour the luxury apartments with incredible views of the city, gorgeous common area spaces that include an art gallery, game room, workout facility, and beautiful outdoor garden-itself an incredible piece of art.
When finished, the building is expected to include up to five restaurants and bars, including Cameron Mitchell’s new Butcher & Rose.
Happy Pride Month, Columbus! At Vutech | Ruff, we are proud to live in a city that is so welcoming and inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community. There are countless ways to celebrate Pride in Central Ohio. In fact, you can celebrate every weekend in June with the number of celebrations occurring. Let’s take a look!
Considering a condo purchase in downtown Columbus, Ohio? You may be ready to embrace maintenance-free living or feel drawn to the vibrant atmosphere of downtown living.
Whatever the reason you are considering the purchase of a downtown Columbus condo, we are happy to tell you about a few of our favorites. Downtown Columbus offers a variety of diverse sub-neighborhoods each with a unique vibe that feeds into an overall energetic lifestyle and the same is true for the various condo communities available.
The Dakota
Located in the heart of the Short North Arts District at 845 N. High Street, The Dakota offers urban luxury condo living at its finest. Within walking distance to Goodale Park, restaurants, art galleries, boutique shops, it will be hard to find another condo with easier access to the entertainment, dining, and nightlife that downtown living has to offer.
Sterling Lofts
Located in the Brewery District at 544 S. Front Street, Sterling Lofts offers spectacular floor plans combined with low-maintenance urban living. Just a short walk from German Village, the restaurants, and entertainment venues in downtown Columbus, Sterling Lofts also offers easy access to parks and green space including Audobon Metro Park.
Beck Place Condominiums
Beck Place has been carefully designed for comfort, style, and convenience while honoring the rich history of German Village. The townhome exteriors complement the traditional German Village facades familiar in the area while offering secured rear gated access. Beck Place Condos are located at 651 S. Grant Avenue and offer 20 unique floorplans with terraces that offer a piece of the outdoors.
The Jackson on High
The Jackson embraces the vibrant Short North lifestyle and stands on its own as a true work of art in the Arts District. Situated on the north side of the Shor North, The Jackson on High offers a sophisticated and luxurious living experience in one of the city’s most vibrant and dynamic areas. It is conveniently located near historical neighborhoods like Italian Village and Victorian Village and other major entertainment districts including Downtown Columbus, the Arena District, and The Ohio State University District.
The Condominiums at North Bank Park
Built in 2007, The Condominiums at North Bank Park combines a spirit of old meets new. The tower features unobstructed views of the downtown area, with more modern finishes, while the industrial warehouse offers more traditional loft living. North Bank is a 20-story high-rise on the southeast end of the Arena District, located at 300 W Spring St.
Parks Edge
Parks Edge condominiums feature 200 homes with breathtaking views of the downtown skyline and Scioto River. Residents enjoy a resort-style rooftop pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and more.
The Buggyworks
Located in the Arena District, The Buggyworks is a renovated historic warehouse originally developed by The Columbus Buggy Company in 1902. The 68 authentic urban loft condominiums are within walking distance of Nationwide Arena, Huntington Park, New Crew Stadium, The North Market, Goodale, and North Bank Parks.
Miranova
Miranova is a luxury, 27-story condominium tower located just south of downtown Columbus along the Scioto River. Towering 314 feet in the air, Miranova is one of the tallest residential buildings in Ohio. The unique design and rounded glass allow all of the main rooms of each home to have the best views of the city and skyline.
Waterford Tower
One of the premier high-rise condominiums on the downtown Columbus riverfront, The Waterford faces a breathtaking view of the city’s riverfront skyline. It is steps away from the Scioto Mile, Arena District, and Theater District.
Burnham Square
Designed to look both suburban and metropolitan, Burnham Square offers some of the best amenities around. This lush yet urban community features everything from brick-paved boulevards and open plazas to world-class venues and downtown conveniences, which means you’ll never have to travel far for fun.
Hartman Lofts
The Hartman Lofts, at 150 E Main Street, is an urban oasis near the Arena District in the heart of downtown Columbus. The Hartman Lofts are residential condominiums in a historical building that was originally a hotel dating back to 1901. Evoking a modern feel with mahogany wood ceilings and exposed brick walls. This six-story building features high-end lofts which were converted from hotel rooms to condos in 2006. In addition, the location couldn’t be more convenient with ample amounts of shopping, nightlife, and major freeways minutes away.
Neighborhood Launch
Located at the corner of Fourth and Gay, this nine-block community features brand-new brownstones that come in a variety of floorplans. There is also ample green space and gathering areas, as well as secure parking. The goal of Neighborhood Launch is to offer more than just a cluster of homes—it’s to create a network of neighbors who live, work, and play together.
At Vutech & Ruff, Cutler Real Estate, our commitment extends beyond merely finding you a property; we’re dedicated to making your home-buying journey a seamless and enjoyable experience. Discover the charm, convenience, and allure of condo living in Central Ohio through our blog, where expertise meets passion, and your dream home awaits.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… patio season! There’s nothing quite like basking in the warmth of a spring or summer day, indulging in a delightful meal, or sharing drinks with friends outdoors. Whether you are looking for quiet, quaint, or lively and bustling, the Central Ohio area offers an extensive array of patio options. Here are some of our favorite patio dining options in Columbus and surrounding areas.
Granville Inn, Granville- Charming, cute, quaint and the food is spectacular
Lindey’s, German Village- No place like it in the summer, listening to the water feature, the beautiful flowers, and amazing service
On April 8, 2024, Columbus will be in the direct path of a total solar eclipse for the first time since 1806. In case you didn’t know, a total solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth all align. Spanning 300 miles, the eclipse’s path will begin around 1:55 PM and reach total peak totality at about 3:12 PM, for a total duration of 2 hours and 31 minutes.
You can expect a noticeable temperature change, grayish skies, abnormal behavior from plants and animals, and then at peak totality, a dark shadow will appear just before the solar corona appears and totality hits.
Please Note:it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without the protection of specialized eye protection. Do not look at the Sun through a camera, binoculars, or telescope without a solar filter secured over the optics.
Columbus has a plethora of events to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon for everyone to enjoy. Let’s explore some of our top picks.
Join Land-Grant Brewing for an all-day eclipse extravaganza, featuring free eclipse glasses, exclusive COSI-collab Black IPA: Totality, interactive experiments with the COSI team, cosmic-themed music from Moon Voyager by Pink Floyd, and delicious local food trucks. RSVP here.
Witness the historic eclipse on the rooftop of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Hands-on learning activities will be available throughout the day including designing a military and NASA patch, drawing your perspective of the sky, and fun giveaways! Admission is free to NVMM members, $5 for students, and $10 for the general public. Learn more.
Experience the eclipse with VASO at Bridgepark in Dublin from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Attendees will be on the eighth-floor patio for an unforgettable viewing experience of the solar eclipse, complete with eclipse viewing glasses, drink tickets, complimentary tapas, and live entertainment by Dayna Sol. Get tickets here.
Grab your eclipse viewing glasses and some friends and prepare for the total solar eclipse! Stay safe and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, no matter what event you choose, or if you opt for your own backyard viewing party.
From cozy corners to chic eateries, our team has curated a list of their favorite spots for a date or special night out with friends. Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner or just want to enjoy the city vibes, join us as we explore our top picks, approved by those with a knack for prime locations, both in the market and on the town.
Whether you’re interested in big city living, small town charm, or anything in between, Ohio has you covered. And while Ohio offers all the exciting entertainment and recreation of the coasts, your cost of living is low enough to get out there and enjoy it all.
Whoever you are, wherever you’re coming from, whatever you’re looking for—you can find it in Ohio. A microcosm of the U.S. in a single state, Ohio represents the best of what our country has to offer: an amazing mix of affordability, quality of life, diverse industry, diverse communities, natural beauty, and a dynamic hub for innovation, culture, sports, education, and economic growth.
A place where you can have balance. Live. Work. Invest. Live your own version of the American Dream. In Ohio, you don’t have to make the false choice of success in your business endeavors or professional endeavors at the expense of success in your family, personal, or community endeavors. You can do all of those things here. That’s why people from all walks and stages of life are reassessing, reprioritizing, and relocating to Ohio – the heart of America’s Heartland – to realize their best work and their best self.
Ohio is more than 40,000 square miles of busy cities, charming small towns, sparkling rivers, sprawling hills, and beautiful farmland. The people who have called Ohio home have left their mark on history and Ohio continues to be at the center of cutting-edge innovation. Some of the world’s biggest historical moments started in Ohio: the invention of the airplane, both the first man to orbit the moon and to set foot on the moon, and eight U.S. presidents all started here. With one of the world’s biggest economies, plentiful resources, technology, and world-class education, it’s clear why Ohio has left its mark on history.
– 14th Largest City in the Country
– #1 Fastest-Growing Midwest City for GDP, Job Growth & Population
– #1 Top City for Rising Tech Start Ups – Forbes
– Named on of the “30 Most Fun Places to Live in the U.S.” by U.S. News & World Report
– Home to 53 Colleges & Universities – One Columbus
Why Choose Ohio?
With its centralized location, access to transportation routes, and history of success, Ohio is a hub for business and commerce. World-famous companies, midmarket, and small businesses all choose Ohio as their headquarters, including:
– The Ohio State University
– Cardinal Health
– Worthington Industries
– Grange Insurance
– Plaskolite
– Kimball Midwest
– Abbott
– American Electric Power
– Big Lots
– Abercrombie & Fitch
Columbus is a short drive to other Midwestern metropolitan hubs and destinations like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, Indianapolis and Louisville and close to many charming small towns that make up the rest of Ohio. You also won’t be breaking the bank as Ohio is ranked number one in affordability.
How to Make Ohio Home
Whether you’re moving from another state or another country, Ohio has a lot to offer. Here are some important details to help you get acclimated to life in Ohio:
TIME ZONE: Eastern Standard Time (EST) – Daylight Saving Time observed
CLIMATE: Continental, with warm, humid summers and cold, dry winters. A typical Columbus winter brings an average snowfall of 28.2 inches, with January and February being the snowiest months.
REGION: Midwest
How to Get Around
Bigger cities in Ohio offer robust public transportation options in the city core, however, a vehicle is highly recommended. Transportation anywhere in Columbus is less than 30 minutes with a car because of the extensive freeway system(s).
Cost Of Living
OHIO IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS
While there are many factors contributing to business owners’ decisions to relocate, the lower cost of doing business and lower cost of living in Ohio over the coasts are proving too good to pass up. Since 2016, over 40 new companies, nearly 10,000 jobs, and $625M in payroll have come to Ohio from the coasts.
OHIO’S AFFORDABILITY
In Ohio, every dollar goes further without sacrificing quality. Ohio is the No. 1 most affordable state, according to the 2020 U.S. News rankings. The cost of living in Ohio’s significant cities is 42-70% lower than San Francisco and New York City. Ohio Ranks No. 3 in Moody’s Housing Affordability Index, which measures the combination of higher median income and lower housing price, providing a good quality of life (2020, Q3).
ENTERTAINMENT & EXCITEMENT
A lower cost of living is a benefit on its own but knowing that in Ohio, you and your employees can still enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with festivals, live events, museums, cuisine, arts, and more is icing on the cake.
As the holiday season descends upon us, there’s a magical transformation that takes place in Central Ohio and its surrounding areas. Streets adorned with twinkling lights, homes aglow with festive decorations, and the crisp winter air filled with the spirit of joy – it’s the time of year when communities come together to create dazzling displays of lights. If you’re eager to immerse yourself in the enchantment of the season, you’re in for a treat.
Here are some of our favorite activities and hidden gems.
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Dates: November 17- January 7 Where: Columbus Zoo Central Ohio’s favorite family holiday tradition is Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Lucy Depp Park Light Show Dates: November 24 – January 1 Where: 9360 Frabell Dr. Powell OH 43065 This 7-acre drive through display is put together by a group of neighbors on private property in Powell.
Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights Dates: November 17 – January 1 Where: Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds, 3311 South Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015 Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is an annual holiday 3-mile drive thru light show.
Conservatory Aglow Dates: November 18 – January 7 Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden The annual Conservatory Aglow features thousands of lights twinkling and glowing in stunning displays.
Columbus Commons Holiday Lights Dates: November 17 – January 1 Where: Columbus Commons, 160 South High Street Columbus, OH 43215 Experience more than 400,000 LED lights dazzle in the park.
WonderLight’s Christmas Dates: November 10 – December 31 Where: 14028 Fairgrounds Rd, Hartford, OH 43013 A drive-through Christmas light show.
Holiday Lights at Easton Easton Town Center has over 2 million lights and a 56-foot tree on the Town Square. They also have special holiday experiences all season long, including photos with Santa and Horse Drawn Carriage Rides.
The Scoto Mile The Scioto Mile is lighting up the riverfront with over 250,000 lights along the Promenade, stretching from Rich Street to Broad Street.
Fields Family Christmas Lights Each year the Field’s family adds more lights to their musical holiday display. Where: 288 Fox Glen Drive East Pickerington, Ohio 43147
