The NRP Group Breaks Ground on First Market-Rate Multifamily Community in Columbus
The NRP Group, a nationally recognized developer, builder, and manager of multifamily housing, has officially broken ground on OSU East, a new upscale residential community that will bring 336 modern rental apartments to Northwest Columbus, Ohio. The development represents a major milestone for the company as it marks its first market-rate multifamily project in the Columbus area, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its presence in one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing housing markets.
Strategically located on West Dublin Granville Road, the new community has been designed to meet the increasing demand for high-quality rental housing driven by the region’s steady population growth, expanding employment opportunities, and vibrant local economy. The project is expected to provide residents with a modern living experience while contributing to the long-term residential development of Northwest Columbus.
OSU East will be constructed on a 27.5-acre site and forms part of a larger mixed-use residential development. In addition to The NRP Group’s apartment community, the property will also include 138 for-sale townhomes being developed by M/I Homes of Central Ohio LLC. Together, the two developments will create a diverse housing environment that caters to a broad range of residents, including young professionals, growing families, first-time homebuyers, and empty nesters seeking quality housing options in an attractive location.
Company executives described the groundbreaking as an important step in The NRP Group’s long-term growth strategy within Ohio. According to Mike Zelenkofske, Executive Vice President of Development at The NRP Group, Columbus continues to stand out as one of the region’s most promising markets due to its strong economic fundamentals, population growth, and expanding employment base.
He noted that the company selected the OSU East site because of its excellent connectivity to major transportation corridors, easy access to surrounding neighborhoods, and close proximity to employment centers and lifestyle amenities. The project also reflects the company’s appreciation for the ongoing support provided by the City of Columbus throughout the planning and development process.
The residential community has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles through a balanced mix of apartment layouts. Upon completion, OSU East will feature 336 apartment homes spread across 11 three-story residential buildings.
The unit mix includes 144 one-bedroom apartments, 156 two-bedroom residences, and 36 spacious three-bedroom homes. This diverse range of floor plans has been developed to appeal to individuals, couples, roommates, and families looking for comfortable, modern living spaces in a well-connected neighborhood.
Each apartment has been planned with contemporary interior finishes and practical design elements that enhance everyday living. Residents will enjoy stylish kitchens equipped with islands or peninsulas that provide additional workspace and seating areas. Granite countertops, luxury vinyl tile flooring, and spacious layouts contribute to the upscale atmosphere throughout each residence.
Most apartments will also feature private balconies, giving residents additional outdoor living space and opportunities to enjoy fresh air and views of the surrounding community.
Location remains one of the strongest advantages of the new development. Situated near Ohio State University Airport and within the highly regarded Worthington School District, OSU East offers convenient access to educational institutions, employment centers, shopping destinations, healthcare facilities, and recreational attractions.
Its close proximity to Dublin further enhances the appeal of the community, placing residents within easy reach of one of Central Ohio’s leading suburban business and lifestyle destinations. Dublin continues to attract major employers while offering a wide variety of restaurants, retail centers, parks, and entertainment venues.
For professionals working throughout the Columbus metropolitan area, OSU East provides convenient access to several of the region’s largest employers. These include Ohio State University, Cardinal Health, OhioHealth, JP Morgan, Nationwide Insurance, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The location enables shorter commuting times while providing residents with access to numerous career opportunities across multiple industries.
Transportation connectivity also played a major role in the planning of the development. The property offers direct access to State Route 315 and Interstate 270, two of Central Ohio’s primary transportation corridors. These highways provide efficient travel throughout Columbus and neighboring communities, making the location highly desirable for commuters.
In addition to roadway access, the project incorporates pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure that promotes healthier and more sustainable transportation options. As part of the development, an 11-foot-wide bike path will be constructed along the property frontage in partnership with the City of Columbus. The pathway will improve connectivity to nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations along Dublin-Granville Road while also creating easier access to Bridge Park, Dublin’s vibrant mixed-use district known for its restaurants, offices, parks, and community events.
Residents will also benefit from nearby outdoor recreational opportunities. Linworth Road Community Park, located close to the development, features soccer fields, baseball facilities, playgrounds, and walking trails that support active lifestyles for individuals and families alike. The nearby Ohio State University Airport also adds convenience for business travelers and aviation-related activities.
The partnership between The NRP Group and M/I Homes represents another key aspect of the overall development strategy. By combining high-quality rental housing with newly constructed townhomes, the project delivers a more comprehensive residential community capable of serving a wider range of housing preferences and life stages.
Josh Barkan, Division President of M/I Homes of Central Ohio LLC, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with The NRP Group on the project. He emphasized that the partnership enables both companies to address the diverse housing needs of Northwest Columbus while contributing to the continued growth of the surrounding community.
According to Barkan, the combination of rental apartments and for-sale townhomes creates housing opportunities for young professionals entering the market, families seeking larger homes, active adults looking to downsize, and empty nesters interested in modern, low-maintenance living environments.
Beyond the residential units themselves, OSU East has been designed to foster a strong sense of community through a wide range of lifestyle-focused amenities. The development emphasizes resident wellness, convenience, and social interaction by providing thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.
The community clubhouse will feature a full kitchen suitable for resident events and private gatherings, while a fully equipped fitness center supports active lifestyles without requiring off-site gym memberships. Dedicated coworking space and business pods will provide remote workers and entrepreneurs with flexible environments for productivity.
Outdoor amenities further enhance the resident experience with recreational features such as volleyball and bocce courts, landscaped courtyards, an outdoor grilling and seating area, and a resort-style swimming pool that serves as the centerpiece of the community. These shared spaces have been designed to encourage relaxation, recreation, and neighborhood interaction throughout the year.
With construction now underway, OSU East represents an important investment in the future of Northwest Columbus. Through its combination of modern apartment homes, premium amenities, strategic location, and strong regional connectivity, the development is positioned to meet growing housing demand while supporting the continued economic and residential expansion of one of Ohio’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
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