Milhaus and Harbor Group International Form Joint Venture to Develop Class-A Apartments in Hilliard's First Entertainment Hub Alongside Equity

INDIANAPOLIS (March 22, 2024) — A joint venture between Milhaus, a national award-winning developer, owner and operator of Class-A multifamily properties, and Harbor Group International (“HGI”), a real estate investment and management firm, today announced the ground-up development of Tempo, a multifamily community in Hilliard, Ohio. The project is in the heart of commercial real estate firm Equity’s master mixed-use development, TruePointe, which broke ground in July 2023, creating a unique and highly activated entry point into Hilliard. Milhaus will lead the development of Tempo with HGI providing 80% of the common equity, combining the firms’ local market knowledge to deliver modern and well-located apartment housing to Hilliard’s growing renter base. 

Located in Hilliard’s first true live-work-play destination, Tempo will feature 359 units spanning 12 floorplan types from studios to three bedrooms. Tempo residents will have access to 42,000 square feet of high-end experiential retail and fine dining, pubs and convenient fast-casual restaurants just steps from their doors. Stretching across 27 acres, TruePointe will not only be home to individuals and families, but also a bustling global headquarters for Advanced Drainage Systems, with 290,000 total square feet of Class-A office and coworking space ensuring that work, leisure and lifestyle are seamlessly intertwined. For visitors, the master development will feature a Home2 Suites by Hilton at the center of the vibrant entertainment hub.

“TruePointe is truly place-making with partners coming together to create a unique mixed-use destination in Hilliard,” said Spencer Lee, Development Associate at Milhaus. “We are thrilled to be on the forefront of Hilliard’s newest urban environment and play a part in attracting a talented workforce and residents to the community alongside Equity.”

Tempo will offer residents an unparalleled living experience with its own premier amenity package, complemented by TruePointe's expansive green spaces, miles of walking trails, a serene six-acre lake, and inviting pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. The community will feature a resort-style pool and courtyard complete with cabanas, fire pits and grilling stations, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Residents can also enjoy a variety of indoor amenities, including a stylish resident lounge, modern co-working spaces, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a sky lounge with panoramic views. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the on-site dog park, beach volleyball court, and outdoor pizza kitchen, while those seeking tranquility can unwind in the Zen courtyard. Situated just off I-270, Tempo will provide residents with convenient access to Columbus and the surrounding area, making it an ideal location for both work and leisure.

On partnering with Milhaus, Equity’s CEO Steve Wathen said, “As we sought out a best-of-class partner to help us integrate apartments into TruePointe, Milhaus was an easy choice. We are developing TruePointe as a one-of-a-kind destination in Central Ohio, and the unique quality, innovation, and excellent management offered by Milhaus was exactly what we wanted. TruePointe will be a place that people will want to live, work and visit, and it is truly transformative to the City of Hilliard.”

“First Internet Bank is committed to developing innovative projects that support growth and development in our communities,” noted Nick Campbell, First Vice President, Commercial Real Estate at First Internet Bank. “We are excited to partner with Milhaus to provide financing for Tempo, an important addition to the Hilliard, Ohio area.”

HGI’s Chief Investment Officer – Multifamily, Yisroel Berg added, “With its location in a growing Columbus suburb, this development is positioned to benefit from the area’s long-term multifamily fundamentals, as well as the convenience and accessibility offered to future residents. The Tempo apartments are a strong addition to Harbor Group International’s extensive portfolio of Columbus-area multifamily communities, and we are pleased to have experienced partners in Milhaus and Equity to develop the sole apartment community within the TruePointe community.”

Architecture firm MA+ Design, SJL Design Group and The Kleingers Group will collaborate with Milhaus to develop the residential properties. Construction has begun and is expected to conclude in spring 2026.