OUR TAKE ON TECH NICHE RISING

As the industrial sector evolves beyond traditional warehousing, niche property types are drawing growing attention from investors, developers and municipalities. The rise in e-commerce fueled demand for distribution centers and last-mile logistics, but the next wave of industrial real estate growth appears to be centered on specialized tech-driven assets. Data centers, cold storage facilities, electric vehicle (EV) battery plants and even quantum computing campuses are becoming more prominent in development pipelines. These facilities serve rapidly scaling industries and require high capital investment, advanced infrastructure and large footprints, which are factors that historically deterred widespread adoption but are now increasingly seen as worthwhile bets.

Each of these tech-forward asset types comes with distinct challenges. Cold storage facilities demand precise climate controls and are costly to build and operate. EV battery plants require massive tracts of land, access to renewable energy and proximity to supply chains. Quantum computing campuses, still largely in their infancy, call for highly secure and temperature-sensitive environments. Yet, what they all offer in return is the potential for long-term growth and regional economic development. Their presence often brings not just jobs, but also high-skilled labor, innovation clusters and new infrastructure.

Perhaps most telling is the shift in perception among elected officials and community stakeholders. Projects that would have once faced resistance due to environmental or logistical concerns are increasingly welcomed when they offer a compelling economic upside. Tax incentives, zoning flexibility and public-private partnerships have smoothed the path for many of these tech-focused developments. The narrative has evolved from resistance to readiness, particularly when the local economic impact is demonstrable.

Impact on Columbus CRE

Columbus is uniquely positioned to benefit from this rising tide of tech-oriented industrial real estate. The region’s central location, robust infrastructure, and growing tech and manufacturing talent pool make it an attractive destination for specialized industrial investment. Intel’s semiconductor development has already heightened national attention on the region, and it could be the catalyst for further interest in related facilities such as EV battery manufacturing or quantum computing hubs. Additionally, with The Ohio State University and several leading research institutions nearby, the area offers both intellectual capital and workforce training opportunities that appeal to advanced industry players. As tech niche facilities expand their national footprint, Columbus is well-prepared to capture a sizable share, offering new growth channels for the local commercial real estate market across both industrial and office segments.