POWELL, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is looking to evolve from a single-day destination into a multi-day resort experience. The organization has officially launched a search for a private development partner to design and construct an upscale hotel on its grounds, a move intended to anchor the zoo’s long-term master plan and capture a larger share of regional tourism revenue.
The proposed project, which would be located on a portion of the zoo’s existing parking facilities near the Zoombezi Bay Water Park, is envisioned as a 130-room property. Preliminary plans for the facility include animal-themed guest rooms, balconies with views of the zoo, and an indoor pool complex equipped with a waterslide. According to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the project is estimated to carry a total cost between $32 million and $45 million, with all funding to be provided by the selected private developer rather than the zoo itself.
For visitors and local stakeholders, the effort to build a signature hotel experience represents a significant shift in how the zoo interacts with the broader Powell and Shawnee Hills economy. By providing on-site lodging, the zoo aims to retain guests who might otherwise stay in neighboring municipalities like Dublin or the Polaris area.
Economic Implications for Local Businesses
The prospect of increased foot traffic has been met with optimism by business owners in the immediate vicinity. For those operating in the nearby village areas, the hotel could serve as a vital link between the zoo’s high visitor volume and local commercial hubs.
Laura Coleman, who opened the Dolce Vita Baby Boutique in Shawnee Hills three years ago, views the potential for an influx of overnight guests as a transformative opportunity. “That would be larger than life for us to have people that are coming to the zoo to come to this plaza, to come to this store,” Coleman said. While her business has seen steady growth, she noted that the area has the capacity to absorb more retail activity. “We could always be bigger,” she added.
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This sentiment is shared by other local service providers. Gabrielle Avesian, director of marketing at Hydrate Me IV hydration med spa, pointed out that the current lack of nearby lodging forces visitors to travel further afield. “Because the closest thing is going to be Bridge Park, and this really just brings you back a little bit,” Avesian said, suggesting the hotel would naturally funnel more visitors toward local storefronts.
The city’s economic development office confirms that the region currently faces a significant deficit in overnight capacity. Sean Hughes, Powell’s Economic Development Administrator, estimates the local market sees approximately 95,000 overnight stays annually, many of which are currently captured by surrounding suburbs. “We’re losing all those to Dublin, Polaris and other areas that have hotels,” Hughes said. “So, having those additional people staying here that are already possibly visiting the zoo, spending more money, is going to be good for our businesses.”
Project Timeline and Development Logistics
The zoo has set a strict deadline for the first phase of the project: developers must submit their qualifications by this Friday. This request for qualifications (RFQ) marks the beginning of a multi-year development cycle. Zoo officials have stated that the chosen partner will be responsible for ensuring the final design aligns with the zoo’s established mission and brand identity.
Once a developer is finalized, the project will move into the design and permitting stages. A spokesperson for the zoo indicated that the total time from the selection of the developer to the grand opening of the hotel is expected to span approximately three to three and a half years.
| Project Phase | Status/Timeline |
|---|---|
| Developer Qualifications Deadline | This Friday |
| Design and Permitting | Pending selection |
| Estimated Construction Duration | 3 to 3.5 years |
| Total Estimated Investment | $32 million – $45 million |
The Future of the Zoo’s Master Plan
The hotel is not an isolated project but rather a component of the zoo’s broader vision for future growth. By integrating hospitality into the campus, the Columbus Zoo aims to create a more immersive experience for families, mirroring trends seen at other major zoological institutions across the country that have successfully transitioned to “resort-style” wildlife destinations.
The reliance on private funding is a key constraint of the plan, ensuring that the financial risk associated with construction and operations remains with the developer. This structure allows the zoo to expand its service offerings without diverting resources from its primary focus: animal conservation, education, and public engagement.
As the Friday deadline for initial submissions approaches, the focus for the zoo’s administration will shift to evaluating the proposals to ensure the successful candidate can balance the complex requirements of an upscale, family-oriented hotel with the operational realities of a major zoo property.
The next major checkpoint for the project will occur after the Friday deadline, when the zoo’s selection committee begins the process of vetting potential partners. Official updates regarding the progression of the hotel project will be released through the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s official media portal. We will continue to monitor the development as the zoo moves closer to selecting a partner.
Do you think an on-site hotel will change your family’s plans for visiting the zoo? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
