The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (ECOESC) officially opened the doors to its newly renovated ECO Center Tuesday, August 4, marking the completion of a project that transformed the former Ohio University Eastern Health and Physical Education Center into a regional hub for education, health care, wellness and community life.
Community members, business leaders and elected officials gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house, capping off renovations that began in the summer of 2025.
The ribbon cutting ceremony featured remarks from several distinguished guests, including Jeff Britton, Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio Hills Health Centers; Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development; Mary Kay Irwin, Associate Vice President of School Health Services for Nationwide Children’s Hospital; and Randy Leite, Senior Advisor for the Appalachian Children Coalition. Ron Busby, President of the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center Governing Board, and Lisa Kindler, Executive Director of the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce also took part in the ceremony.
The event also included the National Anthem performed by Union Local High School student Delaney Steadman, with Indian Valley High School student Sarah Gardner serving as emcee. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed light refreshments and guided tours of both Ohio Hills Health Center and The ECO Center.
Guests touring the facility got a first look at the redesigned lobby, the new ECO Cafe serving Starbucks coffee, and Hall of Fame Cafe West, which will provide concessions and catering for future events. The building also houses the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference’s executive offices, fitness and wellness programming through Edwards Absolute Kinetics, and additional space available for community partners.
“Standing here today, at the completed ECO Center, is the fulfillment of a vision built on partnership, perseverance, and purpose,” said Superintendent Randy Lucas, East Central Ohio Educational Service Center. “This facility is far more than just a renovated building, it is a landmark investment in the future of East Central Ohio that brings health, wellness, and educational opportunities together under one roof. We are thrilled to open these doors to our member districts, community partners, and families, and we look forward to seeing the transformational impact this community hub will have for generations to come.”
The renovation added a new medical office through an expanded partnership with Ohio Hills Health Centers, which now offers primary care, dental and behavioral health services on site. The project was made possible in part by a $3 million grant ECOESC received through the Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, Gov. Mike DeWine’s $64 million statewide effort to expand health care access across Appalachian Ohio.
The ECO Center has long served as a gathering place for the region, hosting commencement ceremonies for Ohio University Eastern, Belmont Career Center and St. Clairsville High School, along with professional development programs and athletic competitions. With renovations complete, ECOESC leaders said the facility is now ready to expand its offerings to include workshops, senior programming, fundraising events and volunteer opportunities.
More information about the ECO Center is available at theecocenter.org.
Department of Development
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Educational Service Center
