Company Eyeing Big Darby Watershed for Potential Data Center

Karis Critical CMH LLC, a Florida-based developer, is assessing land use options for a 127-acre site near the ecologically sensitive Big Darby Creek.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:12am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a collection of polished, geometric objects arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the abstract ideas of data infrastructure, corporate strategy, and environmental impact.A conceptual still life representing the delicate balance between economic development and environmental protection in the Big Darby watershed.Columbus Today

Karis Critical CMH LLC, a Florida-based real estate developer specializing in data centers and industrial sites, has purchased 127 acres of land in Prairie and Brown townships near the Big Darby Creek watershed. The company is evaluating the property for potential development, including the possibility of a data center or other industrial use, despite the land being designated for mixed residential and commercial use under the current draft of the Big Darby Accord.

Why it matters

The Big Darby Creek watershed is an ecologically diverse and protected area, with strict regulations on development to preserve its environmental integrity. Karis' interest in building an industrial facility in this sensitive region has raised concerns among local officials and environmentalists about the potential impact on the watershed.

The details

Karis Critical CMH LLC bought the 127-acre property around 535 Cole Road near Amity Road in December 2024 for nearly $2 million. However, the current draft of the Big Darby Accord, an agreement among Franklin County jurisdictions to regulate development in the watershed, designates most of the Karis property for mixed-use residential and commercial development, not industrial use. Karis says the site has 'strong characteristics' for a data center or other industrial project, citing its proximity to a railroad, high-voltage transmission lines, and an electrical substation. The company claims it would meet or exceed all environmental and land use requirements if it proceeds with development.

  • Karis Critical CMH LLC purchased the 127-acre property in December 2024.
  • The current draft of the Big Darby Accord, which has not yet been approved by partner jurisdictions, designates most of the Karis property for mixed-use residential and commercial development.

The players

Karis Critical CMH LLC

A Florida-based real estate developer that specializes in data centers, cold storage, and industrial sites.

Jeff Heuerman

The CEO of Karis Critical CMH LLC.

Rod Pritchard

A trustee for Prairie Township, where most of the Karis property is located.

Bryan Clark

A deputy director of development for the City of Columbus.

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What they’re saying

“Karis is in the preliminary stages of evaluating this property for potential development, alongside additional acreage in the surrounding area, assessing land use options, development standards, and community efforts to amend the Big Darby Accord.”

— Jeff Heuerman, CEO, Karis Critical CMH LLC

“We're trying to make it as tough as possible. Our attorneys told us, somewhere in this township, we have to have the ability to build anything – commercial, industrial, anything – we can't single out something and say, 'No you can't do this.' But what we can do is restrict the heck out of it.”

— Rod Pritchard, Trustee, Prairie Township

“You as elected leaders will make that decision.”

— Bryan Clark, Deputy Director of Development, City of Columbus

What’s next

Columbus City Council is likely to consider a vote to accept the new draft version of the Big Darby Accord sometime this month and could make amendments as needed. Some environmentalists and others are urging the city to wait until an Ohio Department of Natural Resources study of the watershed is completed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental protection in the Big Darby watershed. While Karis sees the site's potential for a data center or industrial use, local officials are determined to strictly regulate any development in this ecologically sensitive area to preserve its natural integrity.