Have you driven past a construction site in Columbia and wondered what’s going there? You’re probably not alone.
Between new apartments, businesses, road improvements, and major development plans, Columbia, Missouri, has plenty of changes in the works.
Some projects are already under construction, while others are still moving through the approval process. Here are five projects around Columbia worth keeping an eye on.
Also, read about 8 Columbia Businesses You Probably Didn’t Know Existed and these 5 New Places to Check Out Around Columbia, MO!
Big Changes Coming to Katy Station
Location: Downtown Columbia, near the existing Katy Station building
Status: Proposed
One of Columbia’s more interesting development proposals involves the site of the existing Katy Station building.
Plans submitted in October 2026 call for two new apartment buildings with 300 residential units combined, ground-floor amenities, and retail space. The proposal also includes 371 parking spaces. (source: ABC17)
But there’s something else making this project worth watching.
The existing Katy Station building has a long history in Columbia. Once a railroad passenger depot, it currently houses Shiloh Bar & Grill. A local group is working to preserve the historic structure and potentially relocate it.
The development team has been in discussions with the preservation group, but the project’s future remains subject to the city’s review process.
Why watch it? This proposal could bring hundreds of new residents and additional businesses downtown while raising important questions about preserving a piece of Columbia’s history.
A New Logboat Location Is Part of the Midtown Development
Location: Midtown development off Grindstone Avenue
Status: Development in progress
Columbia’s south side has another project to watch, especially for anyone who enjoys keeping up with local restaurants and businesses.
Logboat Brewing Company plans to open a second location inside the Millhouse Building, part of the Midtown development off Grindstone Avenue.
The planned three-story building will combine retail space on the first floor with apartments on the upper two floors.
Adding another Logboat location could make this development particularly interesting for Columbia residents.
Why watch it? A new location for a familiar Columbia business, combined with additional retail and residential space, could give residents another reason to visit the Grindstone area.
A New Veterinary Hospital Is Proposed for East Columbia
Location: 200 N. Keene St.
Status: Conditional use permit recommended for approval
A former medical facility in East Columbia could soon have a new purpose.
The University of Missouri is pursuing plans for a veterinary hospital at the former Thompson Center for Autism building on North Keene Street.
The property includes an existing two-story building with approximately 13,000 square feet of space. (source: ABC17)
The proposal still has additional steps to complete before the facility can move forward.
Why watch it? Unlike a completely new development, this project would give an existing building a new use while potentially expanding veterinary services in Columbia.
A New Sherwin-Williams Store Is Coming to North Columbia
Location: 2520 Restaurant Row, near Menards
Status: Under construction as of August 2026
If you’ve noticed construction near Menards in North Columbia, a new Sherwin-Williams paint store is one of the projects taking shape.
The store will occupy one acre of a five-acre property, leaving additional land available for future development. (source: CoMo Business Times)
Why watch it? The new paint store is just one piece of a larger property. With four acres remaining, there’s potential for additional businesses to move into the area.
New Shopping Development Planned for South Columbia
Location: Nifong Boulevard and Bethel Road, Columbia, MO
Status: Planned development, with completion projected for spring 2027
More shopping and business space could be coming to South Columbia!
A new retail development called Nifong Plaza is planned near the intersection of Nifong Boulevard and Bethel Road, bringing additional commercial space to an already busy part of town.
The project will offer retail spaces ranging from 1,500 to 12,000 square feet. The flexible layouts could accommodate different types of businesses, depending on who signs leases.
The development is currently targeting completion during the second quarter of 2027.
So, what’s actually moving in?
That’s the big question! The developer is advertising available retail space, but specific tenants haven’t been announced on its project page.
Why watch it? With room for multiple businesses, Nifong Plaza could eventually bring new shopping, dining, or service options to South Columbia. We’ll be watching to see which businesses announce plans to move in.
What Else Is Being Built Around Columbia?
These five projects are only part of what’s happening around town.
New businesses, housing developments, road improvements, and renovations continue to change different parts of Columbia.
And sometimes the most interesting projects are the ones residents notice before there’s even an official announcement.
Have you spotted construction somewhere around Columbia and wondered what’s going in?
Tell us the street, intersection, or nearby business. We’d love to hear what projects you’re curious about and keep adding updates as new information becomes available.
We’ll continue updating this list as projects move forward and additional details are announced.
There are also plenty of NEW businesses open now, so be sure to check out: (just to name a few!)
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