The first large-scale mass-timber student dorm to be built in Columbus, Ohio—and the tallest of its kind anywhere in the United States—will use a special type of wood-on-wood connectors that could set a new benchmark for timber engineering. It comes after Harbor Bay Ventures started work on 9th and High, a 13-story, 186-unit, 493-bed complex at 1497 North High Street, a stone’s throw away from the Ohio State University campus, last month
“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 standardised details are designed to streamline the framing process and accelerate construction.”
The off-the-shelf concealed connectors are expected to achieve a Fire Resistance Rating (FRR) of two hours, he said, adding that his company has developed unique composite connectors that integrate the topping slabs with the cross-laminated timber deck. “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,” he said.
Deflection refers to the degree to which a structural member, such as a beam, joist, rafter or floor system bends or sags under a load. “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 added. “In the process, we will realise a net sequestration of 1,128 metric tons of CO₂e—the equivalent of 2,169 round-trip flights from Columbus to Key West.”
Wood Central understands that the developers opted for mass timber over steel and concrete to reduce carbon emissions, accelerate the build process, and showcase the warm, tactile quality of exposed wood. “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, Harbor Bay’s CEO. He added that local and state officials have embraced what he called “true innovation.”
SmartLam North America—among the nation’s largest mass-timber manufacturers—will deliver 4,306 cubic metres of domestically grown cross-laminated panels and glue-laminated columns and beams. In collaboration with Forefront Structural Engineers, the design integrates concealed Simpson Strong-Tie connectors to secure a two-hour fire-resistance rating. “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,” said Josh Dortzbach, Forefront’s CEO. Columbus-based Elford Construction will oversee the build, aiming to welcome students by summer 2027.
“Working with Harbor Bay Ventures on 9th and High has been a smooth experience,” according to Doreen Uhas Sauer, the chair of the Columbus planning committee. “This alignment has protected diverse neighbourhoods and supported housing that reflects both sustainability and community needs.”
City planners view the project as a template for future development along North High Street. “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.
DLR Group’s architectural scheme stacks townhomes and apartments around shared lounges, fitness centres and rooftop study 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. He noted that the building’s exposed timber “shapes vibrant communities that support both connection and focus.” The new development marks Harbor Bay’s second mass-timber venture in Ohio and comes after its 2022 INTRO Cleveland project opened as the largest LEED Gold residential timber structure in the nation.
- To learn more about the push to build more timber skyscrapers in the Midwest, click here for Wood Central’s special feature from May 2025.
