The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (ECOESC) will celebrate the completion of the newly renovated ECO Center with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 11 a.m. at 68332 Bannock Road in St. Clairsville, Ohio.
The ECO Center is the result of a major transformation of the former Health and Physical Education Center at Ohio University Eastern. Acquired by ECOESC, the facility has been reimagined as a regional destination for education, wellness, events, and community engagement.
Renovations began in the summer of 2025 and have created a multi-purpose space designed to serve residents, students, organizations, and businesses throughout East Central Ohio.
One of the center’s most significant additions is an expanded healthcare partnership with Ohio Hills Health Centers. The organization has established medical offices within the ECO Center to provide primary care, dental, and behavioral health services to area residents.
Through the Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, a historic $64 million investment by Gov. Mike DeWine and the State of Ohio to improve access to healthcare throughout Appalachian Ohio, the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center received $3 million to develop the student-centered health center. This project was supported through funding from the Ohio Department of Development’s Appalachian Community Grant Program, helping expand access to affordable healthcare services close to home and improving the well-being of families across the region.
Additional renovations include a redesigned lobby and reception area, the new ECO Café serving Starbucks coffee, and Hall of Fame Café West, which provides concessions during events and catering services. The facility also includes office space for the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Executive Director, fitness and wellness services through Edwards Absolute Kinetics, and additional leasable space to support future community partnerships and growth.
Even before the renovation project was completed, the ECO Center had become a gathering place for the region. The facility serves as the site for commencement ceremonies for Ohio University Eastern, Belmont Career Center, and St. Clairsville High School, while also hosting professional development programs, athletic competitions, awards ceremonies, and other community events.
With renovations now complete, ECOESC leaders say the center is positioned to expand its offerings to include workshops, senior programming, fundraising events, volunteer initiatives, and collaborative opportunities with local organizations.
“The ECO Center represents a significant investment in the future of East Central Ohio,” said Randy Lucas, superintendent of the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center. “We are excited to welcome the community to see the transformation firsthand and celebrate the opportunities this facility will provide for years to come.”
Community members, business leaders, elected officials, and regional partners are invited to attend the ribbon cutting and open house.
Those interested in learning more about the ECO Center can visit the redesigned website at theecocenter.org.
Guests are asked to RSVP by July 27 to Angela Hannahs, Director of Operations, at 330-308-9939 ext. 8804 or angie.hannahs@ecoesc.org.