Top headlines of the week, July 18 2025
Here are some stories you may have missed this week in central Ohio.
One of central Ohio’s most popular malls has been bought by an international real estate development company.
Polaris Fashion Place, located at 1500 Polaris Parkway in Columbus, was officially acquired by O’Connor Capital Partners as of July 23, according to a press release from the same day. The shopping center’s previous owner, the Columbus-based Washington Prime Group, had announced plans to sell the north suburban mall and its 70 other shopping centers nationwide — eight of which were in Ohio — in early April after laying off over 100 workers.
Washington Prime filed for bankruptcy in June 2021, citing financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s unclear how much the shopping center was sold for, but the Delaware County auditor lists its current taxable value at nearly $102 million.
Bill O’Connor, CEO of O’Connor Capital Partners, said in the release that the company has been an investor in Polaris for over a decade. The company will now assume complete operational control of the mall, including day-to-day management, leasing and operations.
“This acquisition reflects our long-term confidence in the Columbus market and in Polaris Fashion Place as a cornerstone asset,” O’Connor said in the release. “By curating a thoughtful tenant mix and continuing to deliver a best-in-class experience, we will ensure that Polaris remains a cornerstone of the community.”
Opened in 2001, Polaris Fashion Place sits on nearly 1.3 million square feet and hosts over 160 national and local storefronts, including retail, dining and entertainment offerings.
This is not the first time O’Connor Capital Partners has been active in the Columbus area. The company partnered with fellow real estate investment firm Trident Capital Group to acquire 230 acres of land for the Rickenbacker Industrial Center, which will be 3.67 million square feet upon completion, according to the press release.
Beyond central Ohio, O’Connor Capital Partners has invested over $35 billion into real estate across the United States, Europe and South America over its 40-year history, according to the press release and the company’s website.
Polaris Fashion Place general manager Tamra Bower said she is looking forward to working with the mall’s new owners, according to the release.
“I’m incredibly excited about the new chapter ahead with O’Connor Capital Partners,” Bower said in the release. “Their deep experience and commitment to creating vibrant, community-centered destinations align perfectly with our vision for Polaris.”
Reporter Emma Wozniak can be reached at [email protected], or @emma_wozniak_ on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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