Breaching the Erection

Mike embarks on this multi-part quest to explore the emerging structure that will be known as the Merchant Building in Columbus, Ohio, adjacent to the North Market in its former parking lot.

Good evening, it is the winter solstice, 21 December 2025, and I am coming to you live from the construction site of the Merchant Building. I saw this giant skyscraper going up and couldn't resist!

Right now, I’m in the staircase on the 8th floor, which is 2 stories above the 5-story parking garage. I’m going to keep my voice quiet, because I am not technically authorized to be here… 😉

This is a multi-use building; the bottom floors are for commercial development, and the skinnier top part is for residential units. I’m currently in what looks like the project management or construction team's 'base camp'. Moving to Level 9, they haven't installed the curtain glass yet, so there is a wide-open view facing south toward the Nationwide building and arena. They’ve done a good job cordoning off fall hazards, but I’ve already violated a major safety rule by not wearing a hard hat.

The site is clean, and there are no security cameras yet, though security patrols are in cars outside the perimeter. I’m passing some HVAC air handlers that look like big ovens. Now I’m at the 10th floor, which is smaller, so we must be entering the residential tower part of the facility.

Oh, wow — I found a blueprint here for level 11!

Ascending the Tower: Floors 11 through 21

I had to turn my flashlight off to stay hidden. Looking at the map, the building is shaped like a big 'L.' I’m going to skip some floors to save time and battery, but let’s check out Floor 12. They are keeping the doors shut to keep the building 'toasty,' so I’ll do the same. These industrial heat blowers at the end of each hall look like the Eye of Sauron!

I’m going to take a short break at this porter potty to take a 'tinkle'…

I’m back, and I think I’m on the 19th floor now. The ceilings are much taller here, which might imply very nice apartments or perhaps a sky lobby to connect between the express elevators and the local ones, functioning akin to a highway interchange for the building. On the 20th floor, there’s more HVAC equipment.

I want to be out by 5:00. I’m looking down a duct shaft from the 21st story — a 20+ story vertical drop with pipes along the perimeter. I see doorways that look like they lead to balconies, but there are no railings installed on them yet.

The Tower Summit - Floor 30

I’ve finally reached Floor 30, the top of the Merchant Building. This is the closest accessible floor to the top of the crane. I thought about breaching the crane, but I don’t have the stomach to climb a 30-story ladder! There are steel girders here for what I assume will be a penthouse.

I’m watching my step around here; there is some ice up here near the edge. It’s a beautiful view of Columbus. From what I’ve read, the building tops off at just over 30 stories. Since I’ve completed my quest and it’s 4:20, I’m going to smoke a victory bong! This has been a lovely adventure, and the weather isn't too miserable. Now I just have to figure out how to get back down.

Pics or I

I’m filming this quick clip of my face on the 30th floor just to prove to y’all that I did this and I’m not some AI voiceover. This is me breaching a construction site on the longest night of the year!

The Descent and Exit

We are on the home stretch now. Nonetheless, I shall stay alert to avoid falling into complacency and running into Parking Garage KAREN just prior to the exit.

I’m now leaving the secured zone and heading down the final ramp…

Goodbye, Merchant Building!

I’ve successfully scaled the whole thing and made it out without getting caught! I even snagged some PPE while I was in there, just in case anyone tries to report me for a safety violation! No one got caught, no one got hurt, and no one got arrested.

What a privilege it was to have this opportunity. This has been Mike George, live from the Convention Center District on High Street.

Happy winter solstice and Merry Christmas! Take care of yourselves, and take care of somebody else.