Columbus mass timber tower tops out 10 weeks early, cutting build time and carbon

A new student housing complex in Columbus reached its full structural height on September 8, finishing the main frame about 10 weeks ahead of schedule.

The project, known as Intro Columbus, consists of 186 units spanning 242,000 square feet. It stands 158 feet tall with 13 stories, setting a height record for mass timber student housing in the city, according to project spokesperson Marguerite Munoz.

Harbor Bay Ventures, a Chicago-based real estate and investment firm, developed the property. CEO Mark Bell stated in a press release that the exposed wood design distinguishes the building from other options near the University District. The structure utilizes cross-laminated timber panels and prefabricated glue-laminated columns and beams.

Josh Dortzbach, principal at Forefront Structural Engineers, noted that the prefabricated materials allowed the team to construct 2.5 floors every two to three weeks. He explained that saving time on the superstructure allowed other trades to begin work earlier, shifting the interior buildout and commissioning phases forward.

The building stores 1,128 metric tons of carbon, a figure that compares favorably to a steel and concrete design. Munoz said the project also reduced transportation-related carbon emissions by 55 percent by sourcing materials from Alabama.

Cameron Jacobson, a senior associate and project architect at DLR Group, said the design kept timber exposed in apartments, hallways, and study lounges. Munoz added that this approach eliminates the need for extra finish layers, making the design more economical. She also noted that exposed wood can lower blood pressure and heart rates, promoting a calmer environment for residents.

Leasing for the 2027-28 academic year is expected to begin soon, with the building located at the corner of Ninth Avenue and High Street.