COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Columbus State Community College has commenced construction on OhioHealth Hall, a new academic building aimed at doubling the number of graduates in high-demand healthcare fields. The facility, set to open in 2027, will feature state-of-the-art labs, simulation spaces, and classrooms to train students in nursing, respiratory care, and surgical technology.
“OhioHealth Hall will have a huge impact on our community by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals that will care for local residents for generations to come,” said David Harrison, president of Columbus State. “Our healthcare programs lead to well-paying, meaningful jobs that also address key community needs.”
The $66.5 million project is funded by bond proceeds approved by Franklin County residents, with OhioHealth contributing a $25 million philanthropic endowment. This donation is one of the largest-ever to an American community college. The Columbus State Foundation is also working to raise an additional $10 million for equipment procurement.
“This is a critical time to invest in the healthcare workforce as the region’s population grows,” said Stephen Markovich, MD, OhioHealth’s president and CEO. “We’re proud to invest in a talent pipeline our entire region will benefit from, and to continue our deep partnership with Columbus State to ensure we continue to meet the growing and changing needs of the diverse communities we serve.”
OhioHealth Hall will be Columbus State’s first new building since the 2019 completion of Mitchell Hall. The college is also transforming Franklin Hall into a modern classroom building, scheduled for completion in 2026. These projects are part of a broader initiative funded by a $300 million Franklin County bond issue, state capital funding, and public-private partnerships to enhance academic programs and facilities.
“Community support for the 2020 bond issue has launched a new era of growth and opportunity at Columbus State,” Harrison said. “That support has allowed us to modernize our campus, expand facilities, and create the spaces where students prepare for the careers our region needs most.”
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services projects a 14.5% increase in healthcare support jobs in Ohio from 2020 to 2030, highlighting the urgent need for more industry-ready graduates. The Aspen Institute predicts central Ohio will require 9,000 additional healthcare workers by 2028 to meet the demands of a growing and aging population.
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