Friday, October 3, 2025
Columbus, Ohio is now home to a pioneering development in sustainable construction. A new student housing project by Harbor Bay Ventures is making history as the tallest mass timber dormitory in the United States and the first large-scale timber dorm in Columbus.
Construction recently began on 9th and High, a 13-story, 186-unit, 493-bed complex situated at 1497 North High Street, just steps away from The Ohio State University. This ambitious project is set to redefine urban student housing through its bold use of mass timber technology.
At the heart of the building’s structural design is a system that relies heavily on wood-to-wood connections, specifically for its glulam columns. These connections are complemented by standardized, off-the-shelf concealed connectors from Simpson Strong-Tie, which help streamline the framing process and improve construction speed.
“The structural system relies on wood-to-wood connections for the glulam columns, complemented by standardised, off-the-shelf connectors from Simpson Strong-Tie for the glulam beam-to-column joints,” said Josh Dortzbach, CEO of Forefront Structural Engineers.
These connectors are designed to achieve a two-hour Fire Resistance Rating (FRR). In addition, Forefront Structural Engineers have developed composite connectors that bind the topping slabs to the cross-laminated timber (CLT) deck, enabling longer spans and reduced deflections. This is crucial for maintaining the performance of the building’s high-efficiency exterior envelope.
“This advancement improves the structural performance of the deck by enabling longer spans and reducing deflections—critical to supporting the building’s high-performance exterior enclosure,” Dortzbach added.
In structural engineering, deflection refers to the extent a component such as a beam or joist bends under weight. Reducing deflection increases durability and performance in high-use areas.
The dorm has been optimized for the North American mass timber supply chain, using domestically sourced materials. This approach offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to urban construction while showcasing American timber innovation.
“This project was optimised for the North American supply chain, demonstrating that we can build tall mass timber cost-effectively in the heart of the Midwest, with our own forests in truly sustainable ways,” Dortzbach explained.
The environmental impact is significant. The development will sequester 1,128 metric tons of CO₂e, equivalent to 2,169 round-trip flights from Columbus to Key West.
Choosing mass timber over traditional materials like steel and concrete significantly reduces embodied carbon. It also allows for faster construction timelines and creates a more welcoming, tactile environment through the use of exposed wood surfaces.
“This cutting-edge project hits on so many important topics, including sustainability, affordability, forest management, an evolving workforce and American timber production from our friends at SmartLam,” said Mark J. Bell, CEO of Harbor Bay Ventures.
The mass timber components will be supplied by SmartLam North America, one of the country’s largest producers of glue-laminated beams and CLT panels. The firm will deliver over 4,300 cubic meters of timber for the project.
“We optimised the design for the North American supply chain and will sequester 1,128 metric tons of CO₂e—the equivalent of 2,169 round-trip flights from Columbus to Key West,” reaffirmed Dortzbach.
The building is being constructed by Columbus-based Elford Construction, with a completion target of summer 2027.
Local officials and city planners are embracing the development for its innovation and its alignment with community needs.
“Working with Harbor Bay Ventures on 9th and High has been a smooth experience,” said Doreen Uhas Sauer, Chair of the Columbus Planning Committee. “This alignment has protected diverse neighbourhoods and supported housing that reflects both sustainability and community needs.”
According to city officials, the project also sets a precedent for future development along the North High Street corridor.
“We’re excited to welcome a new partner to Columbus who will not only bring much-needed housing to a high-demand area but also introduce innovative building materials that will be vital to delivering the density we need,” said Erin Prosser, Deputy Director of Housing Strategies for the City of Columbus.
The architectural design by DLR Group features a smart stacking of townhomes and apartments around common areas including lounges, fitness spaces, and rooftop terraces.
“9th and High is more than student housing; it’s a prototype for the next generation to live, learn and thrive,” said Cameron K. Jacobson, AIA, Project Architect at DLR Group. “The building’s exposed timber shapes vibrant communities that support both connection and focus.”
This project is Harbor Bay’s second major mass timber venture in Ohio, following its 2022 success with INTRO Cleveland, which earned international acclaim as the largest LEED Gold-certified residential timber building in the U.S.
News Source- https://woodcentral.com.au/
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Tags: American timber innovation, Columbus Ohio development, cross-laminated timber, mass timber construction, timber construction, woodworking industry
