IKEA store in Columbus nears completion

IKEA, the world’s largest furniture retailer, is one step closer to opening its newest store in Columbus.

The Swedish retailer announced plans to install solar panels atop its future Columbus store, which opens in this summer. Panel installation will begin in early 2017, with completion expected in the spring for what will be the second IKEA solar array in Ohio.

IKEA installed rooftop solar panels at the IKEA in West Chester in 2012. The company’s plans also include the 354,000-square-foot building plus 1,100 parking spaces on 33 acres at in the Polaris Centers of Commerce development.

RELATED: IKEA construction progresses in Columbus

The new Ikea property is approximately 15 miles north of downtown Columbus.

“We are excited about furthering our sustainability commitment with solar panels on the future Columbus store,” said Lars Petersson, IKEA U.S. president. “At IKEA, we have a mission to create a better everyday life for the many, and IKEA Columbus can add to this goal while also making us the largest non-utility solar owner in Ohio.”

This installation will represent the 46th solar project for IKEA in the U.S. Nearly 90 percent of the company’s U.S. locations have roof solar panels.

RELATED: Construction on future IKEA store hits key milestones

More than 500 jobs will be created during the construction phase, and approximately 300 more workers will be employed when the new store opens.

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.

About the Author