Construction on future Ikea store hits key milestones

The newest Ikea location in Ohio is closer to completion.

The Swedish home furnishings retailer announced it reached two construction milestones this week at its future Columbus location — keeping the store on track to open by next summer.

This week, cranes will be placing the letters to form the words “Ikea” and “Home furnishings” onto the blue, exterior panels of the south side of the building.

>>> RELATED: Ikea construction progresses in Columbus

Crews will also initiate the setting of 42 roof-mounted air conditioning units, placed by a helicopter. The AC units range in weight from 2,500 pounds to 7,500 pounds.

The new Ikea property is approximately 15 miles north of downtown Columbus. Pepper Construction is building the project, according to a release from IKEA. The Swedish company’s plans include the 355,000-square-foot building plus 1,100 parking spaces on 33 acres at in the Polaris Centers of Commerce development.

IKEA announced the creation of 500 jobs during the construction phase, and approximately 300 more workers will be employed when the new store opens.

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IKEA Columbus will offer nearly 60 food service opportunities in its restaurant, Swedish food market, bistro and coworker cafeteria.

The company has locations in 48 countries, and has 42 in the U.S. The retailer also has a store located in West Chester Twp., just north of Cincinnati. The West Chester location was the first to open in Ohio in 2008.

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