A new chapter is unfolding for the ECO Center as renovations transform the former Health and Physical Education Center at Ohio University Eastern into a vibrant hub for education, events, and community engagement.

Acquired by the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (ECOESC), the facility is being reimagined as a flexible and welcoming space that serves schools, organizations, and residents throughout the region. Construction began last summer and was just recently completed. 

The ECO Center serves as a venue for large gatherings including graduation ceremonies for Ohio University Eastern, Belmont Career Center, and St. Clairsville High School. With a spacious facility and a main parking lot with 70 spaces, the location has already proven itself capable of hosting large community events.

Recent renovations are designed to enhance that experience while expanding the types of activities the facility can support.

One of the most noticeable updates is the refreshed lobby area, which now features a welcoming reception space, the ECO Cafe which offers Proudly Serving Starbucks, and a fully renovated kitchen operated by Hall of Fame Cafe West. In addition, a second floor space has been renovated to house the OVAC Executive Director’s Office. These improvements create a central gathering area for visitors attending meetings, events, and programs.

Other updates reimagine underutilized areas of the building. Upper bleacher sections that were rarely used have been converted into dental and medical spaces for Ohio Hills Health Centers as well another 1,500 square feet of recently renovated space available for lease. A former gym on the second level has also been repurposed for Edwards Absolute Kinetics, a local privately owned physical therapy business, bringing new health and wellness services into the facility.

These improvements create a true community resource center that supports both education and regional collaboration.

The ECO Center has already hosted a wide range of events including professional development sessions, athletic competitions, school musicals, spelling bees, luncheons, awards programs, birthday parties, and graduation ceremonies. With the renovated space, the Center will now be able to support even more activities such as fundraiser events, workshops, hands on learning programs, senior programming, volunteer events, and collaborative gatherings with local organizations. The facility will also be able to serve as a Red Cross shelter location if needed.  An indoor swimming pool is also a part of the long-term vision for the ECO Center.

For the East Central Ohio ESC and the surrounding communities, the project represents an investment in shared spaces that bring people together. The updated facility provides modern and flexible areas for learning, collaboration, and community events while strengthening connections between schools and the broader region.

After sitting vacant for many years, the renewed activity within the building is one of the most exciting outcomes of the project.

As the renovations near completion, the ECO Center is positioned to continue growing as a central gathering place for education, wellness, and regional engagement, helping meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves for years to come.