Intro Columbus to Open Mass Timber Student Housing

The 13-story wood-structured apartment complex will begin accepting student residents in the summer of 2027.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of a tall timber-framed apartment building with exposed wooden beams and glass balconies. — Harbor Bay Ventures will open Intro Columbus, a 13-story mass timber student housing complex, in the summer of 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local developments prioritize the use of sustainable mass timber materials over traditional construction methods?

Harbor Bay Ventures is preparing to debut Intro Columbus, a 13-story mass timber apartment building located in the city's University District. The development is scheduled to begin leasing for the 2027-28 academic year, with move-ins slated for summer 2027.

Why it matters

As the first mass timber structure in Columbus, the project introduces a unique acoustic aesthetic and exposed wood design to the local student housing market. The use of prefabricated materials marks a significant shift in construction efficiency for the area.

The 158-foot building encompasses 242,000 square feet and provides 186 units for student residents. Prefabricated glulam beams and cross-laminated timber panels enabled a construction pace of 2.5 floors every two to three weeks.

The players

Harbor Bay Ventures

This Chicago-based development firm specializes in large-scale real estate projects, including innovative timber-frame constructions.

The details

Located at the intersection of Ninth Avenue and High Street, the building utilizes exposed wood to enhance its interior warmth and acoustics. The project serves as a major addition to the University District housing supply.

Construction is expected to reach completion for residents to move in during the summer of 2027.
Leasing for the apartment complex is scheduled to begin for the 2027-28 academic year.

Market Landscape

The project signals a shift toward mass timber as a viable, faster alternative to traditional steel and concrete high-rises in dense urban markets. This positions the development to appeal to sustainability-conscious students while setting a new benchmark for construction speed in Columbus.

Students and parents looking for housing in the University District will have a new residential option starting in the 2027-28 academic year. The project increases the total supply of student-targeted units in the Ninth Avenue and High Street corridor.

The takeaway

The use of mass timber panels provides a distinct interior aesthetic while significantly accelerating the building process compared to traditional methods. Prospective students should monitor local leasing portals as the 2027 move-in date approaches.