Major projects anchor central Ohio construction outlook

The 2021 construction forecast for central Ohio remains positive, anchored by a number of large projects.

The Columbus area leads the way, with multiple massive, billion-dollar projects underway or set to break ground in 2021.

In 2019, members of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council logged about 6.75 million manhours. C/COBCTC Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager believes they topped that mark in 2020.

Thanks to the ongoing building boom in the area, he anticipates the potential for even more hours worked by affiliated unions in 2021.

“This year will be busier than 2020, with work at data centers, the Ohio State University Medical Center Wexner Tower, Phase II of the Franklin County Jail, the Columbus Crew Stadium and the Hilton Hotel expansion,” Hager said.

The Wexner project carries a $2 billion price tag, as it will add to the hospital and provide more medical research for OSU.

While not in the billions, Hager also pointed out the importance of the Hilton expansion in the downtown area.

“We’re proud to be a part of the Hilton Hotel expansion,” said Hager. “When completed, it will have over 1,000 rooms, giving our city a leg up in terms of competing for conferences and conventions.”

For tradesmen and tradeswomen, the news means anyone who wants to work will have plenty of opportunities to do so.

The positive forecast also makes 2021 a great year for men and women, regardless of race or sex, to begin a career with the union construction industry as either an apprentice or by being organized by one of the C/COBCTC affiliated unions.

Hager said many unions are in need of additional members to perform work, as the ample work opportunities require even more highly skilled and highly trained building trades members in central Ohio.