Project Description
A NEIGHBORHOOD ROOTED IN MOVEMENT
The name Crossline was purposefully created for this new development to honor the layered history of Weinland Park. The neighborhood once thrived as a streetcar suburb, with intersecting transit lines connecting residents to downtown jobs, churches, and neighborhood businesses. These lines shaped not only the physical layout of the community, but also the daily lives of those who lived there.
In developing the brand identity for this project, we drew directly from that history. Crossline represents a place of connection and transition, a point where past and future meet. It reflects the neighborhood’s evolution and our commitment to contributing to its continued growth through thoughtful, intentional development.
Inspired by this legacy, Crossline brings modern urban living to a neighborhood with deep historical roots. The multifamily/mixed-use development reflects a commitment to renewal and reinvestment in a place that has long held significance in the city’s story.
VERTICAL INTEGRATION IN ACTION
Crossline exemplifies the benefits of vertical alignment between Marker Development and Marker Construction. With both entities working together from early design through final construction, the team achieved a high level of coordination and decision-making efficiency. This structure enabled streamlined communication, faster problem solving, and strong alignment between vision and execution.
By keeping development and construction under one roof, Marker delivered a cohesive project even as labor shortages and supply chain challenges emerged through the COVID-19 pandemic. The shared ownership of both process and outcome helped ensure that the final product reflected the original intent.
Moody Nolan served as the architect for Crossline. As one of the country’s leading Black-owned architecture firms, their approach brought both design excellence, cultural insight, and historical links to the neighborhood. Their collaboration with Marker added meaningful value throughout the development process.
DESIGN THAT REFLECTS HISTORY AND PLACE
Crossline offers more than 10 distinct floor plans, ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. Each residence features expansive windows, balconies, and modern finishes that create light-filled spaces designed for contemporary urban lifestyles.
The brand identity and visual language draw directly from the neighborhood’s streetcar history. The name Crossline references the historic streetcar grid, while the custom wordmark uses double-line letterforms to echo movement and intersection. Every detail, from emblem design to color palette, reinforces a sense of place and purpose.
Technology features include smart locks and Spectrum’s first fiber-to-the-unit infrastructure in a Columbus multifamily building. Residents enjoy strong digital connectivity alongside thoughtful, physical design.
The rooftop amenity space spans over 11,000 square feet and includes a pool with a 30,000-gallon capacity, cabanas, grilling areas, and a fire pit lounge. This space provides an elevated experience for residents and adds an inviting, shared gathering point at the heart of the property.
A CATALYST FOR REVITALIZATION
Crossline holds a key location between Ohio State University, the Short North Arts District, and downtown Columbus. As one of the first mixed-use developments along the East Fifth Avenue corridor east of Fourth Street, it played a pivotal role in reactivating this portion of Weinland Park.
By delivering high-quality housing and commercial space, Crossline has contributed to the area’s physical transformation. The project introduced new residential options and is attracting businesses that serve both residents and the broader neighborhood.
Its presence is helping to draw new interest and energy to the area. Crossline has supported the creation of jobs, improved the local economy, and brought renewed visibility to a neighborhood that had experienced decades of disinvestment.
RESPONDING TO CHALLENGES WITH ADAPTABILITY
In 2021, a widespread skilled labor shortage in Central Ohio affected the construction industry. Marker Construction responded by stepping in to self-perform critical scopes of work. One of the most complex challenges involved the steel balconies. Of the 164 fabricated balconies delivered, only four matched the design specifications.
Marker’s teams established a field-based solution. The steelwork was disassembled, resized, re-welded, cold-galvanized, and reassembled onsite. The process included a team to remeasure every unit, a fabricating crew working in an improvised outdoor shop, and an installation crew that placed each balcony with precision tolerances of under 1/8 inch.
This proactive response ensured construction stayed on track through key inspections and deadlines. It also demonstrated the flexibility and deep commitment of Marker’s construction team to delivering a high-quality result.
RECOGNITION AND RESULTS
In 2024, Crossline was named Runner-Up for Mixed-Use/Multi-Family Project by NAIOP Central Ohio. The award highlighted the development’s contribution to the community and the quality of its design and construction. The project also received an ABC Ohio Valley Merit award in 2024.
Crossline continues to serve as a benchmark for neighborhood-focused development. It combines modern living, historical awareness, and operational excellence in a way that reflects both the identity of Weinland Park and the future of urban living in Columbus.
THE PROOF
“Marker recognized the importance of public and stakeholder engagement in the success of the Crossline Project. They prioritized communication with the public, striving to deliver a project that not only met construction objectives but also contributed positively to the historic Weinland Park Community. Their commitment to providing affordable housing during a time of pressing demand in Central Ohio underscores their dedication to societal welfare. In return, they were welcomed with open arms by community members and stakeholders, and Marker reciprocated with a remarkable development project.”
“The Crossline project enabled Marker Construction to help make a positive impact too the Central Ohio housing needs, by supporting the construction of new market-rate and affordable housing units. We enjoyed working with the Marker Construction Team on the project. and commend them on the outstanding job they provided.”
“The close attention to detail and time spent by the Marker team to coordinate items throughout the process were some of the important interactions I recall. Never once did I see anyone back down from a challenge, and there were many. And when things went sideways, there was no hesitation by your team to correct the situations and always do the right thing. The fact that after all was completed on the project, your team spent the time to put together a “lessons learned” meeting for all to ensure that projects of this scale can be completed even more successfully in the future, and to share that information with the design team and your industry partners, shows that not only is your team forward thinking, but provides better success for the entire building industry.
I am glad to have partnerships like your company in Columbus as it proves the leadership, diversity, honesty, and expertise needed to make this City a great success.”