Ohio State plans $28 million building to house optometry clinic and other health sciences offices

Ohio State University is seeking approval to build a $28 million, 93,000-square-foot optometry clinic and health sciences faculty office in Columbus.

The university says the project is seen as the first step toward creating a broader interdisciplinary health sciences center, aligned with Ohio State’s strategic plan and identified in its long-term planning vision.

In April, the university approved a programing study for a health sciences center, envisioning upgraded and flexible facilities that would provide a collaborative campus for interprofessional education throughout the health sciences.

The university will seek initial approvals from its Board of Trustees to build the facility at 11th and Neil avenues. The project would prompt the relocation of three businesses: a pizza restaurant, a bank branch office, and a flower shop.

Ohio State says it is working closely with each business to identify possible relocation sites.

The university will request $600,000 toward professional services for the construction project. Plans call for the building to have a clinic operated by the College of Optometry, as well as an eyewear gallery, retail space, faculty offices and support space.

Construction is anticipated to begin in late fall 2018, pending additional Board of Trustees approval.