Automotive retailer moving forward with Columbus project, including ‘vehicle vending tower’

This long-awaited project near Polaris finally seems to be moving forward.

In 2022, online auto retailer Carvana purchased 8350 Lyra Dr. for $6.2 million, replacing the defunct Magic Mountain location. The 7.77-acre site began initial project plans, including demolition and excavation. Construction later stalled, the site appeared abandoned, and the company went quiet until 2025.

Caravan revived the project in 2025 when it submitted plans for a new Customer Care Center, including offices, customer service space, vehicle delivery bays, and the company’s iconic automatic vehicle display and delivery tower, otherwise known as the “car vending machine.”

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Since the permits were submitted last year, the project still appeared stagnant, yet recent permits issued for the site on July 1 suggest Carvana is moving forward.

According to the recent electrical permit, Carvana requested updates, including interior and site lighting, along with a new power and fire alarm system. The construction timeline remains unclear, and Carvana has not confirmed a tentative opening.

Columbus would be Carvana’s first Customer Care Center in the Central Ohio region and its second investment in the state. The company currently operates an inspection and reconditioning facility in Heath.

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