The City of Columbus has received three strong responses to its Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking a lead development partner for the Columbus Downtown 2030 Finish Fourth redevelopment sites. The firms; 1820 Ventures, Flaherty & Collins, and Build BW & Browning Day, submitted qualifications highlighting extensive experience in redevelopment, adaptive reuse, design, construction management and project financing.

Each firm emphasized decades of work on large-scale redevelopment and adaptive reuse projects, noting their intent to leverage that experience if selected. All three teams approached Finish Fourth as a cohesive district rather than a collection of individual parcels. Their proposals allow each site within the district to be developed independently, supporting a phased strategy similar to campus-style mixed-use districts seen in communities such as Fishers and Westfield.

This RFQ marks the first time Columbus has sought a lead development partner rather than pursuing site-specific development. By centralizing planning, financing and execution, the city aims to transform underutilized or obsolete assets into high-value redevelopment opportunities aligned under a unified vision. The lead development partner will also coordinate with public agencies, local stakeholders and private-sector collaborators to ensure the district generates economic, social and environmental benefits.

“By choosing a lead development partner, we’re laying the groundwork for a downtown district that will remain vibrant, walkable and economically resilient for decades,” Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon said. “Finish Fourth will be a catalyst for growth, and these responses show that developers are eager to help us deliver on that vision. I’m grateful for the work done by our amazing Columbus Downtown 2030 team; they’ve put in thousands of hours over the course of the past two years working to get us to this point. We can’t wait to get started.”

The development teams cited Columbus’ architectural significance and history as compelling reasons for engagement. Their proposals emphasized experience in public-private partnerships and financing, and included consistent themes such as hospitality, residential, commercial and civic uses, walkability, activation and long-term economic sustainability.

1820 Ventures highlighted its adaptive reuse expertise, including work on historic properties in multiple communities. The firm recently coordinated RATIO and Shiel Sexton’s efforts on the Bottleworks District and Bottleworks Hotel, which received the 2025 ULI Americas Award for Excellence.

Build BW & Browning Day noted redevelopment experience in Fishers and Westfield, including the Fishers Event Center.

Flaherty & Collins referenced its national portfolio spanning 22 states and its Indianapolis work, including redevelopment of the former Market Square Arena site.

See the responses here.