ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio (AVC News) — The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center officially opened the doors to its newly renovated ECO Center Tuesday with a ribbon cutting and open house.
The project transformed the former Ohio University Eastern Health and Physical Education Center into a regional hub combining education, health care, wellness and community activities.
Renovations began in the summer of 2025, with community members, business leaders and elected officials gathering Tuesday to celebrate the completed project.
The ceremony included remarks from representatives of Ohio Hills Health Centers, the Ohio Department of Development, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Appalachian Children Coalition, along with ECOESC and St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce leaders.
Guests were also able to tour the renovated facility, including a redesigned lobby, the new ECO Cafe featuring Starbucks coffee and the 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 for community partners.
The renovation also expanded the partnership with Ohio Hills Health Centers, which now offers primary care, dental and behavioral health services at the facility.
The project was made possible in part by a $3 million grant awarded to ECOESC through the Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, a statewide effort launched by Governor Mike DeWine to expand health care access across Appalachian Ohio.
ECOESC Superintendent Randy Lucas called the completed project an investment in the future of East Central Ohio, saying the facility brings health, wellness and educational opportunities together under one roof.
The ECO Center has long served as a gathering place for the region, hosting commencement ceremonies, professional development programs and athletic competitions.
With the renovations complete, ECOESC officials say the facility can now accommodate an expanded range of activities, including workshops, senior programs, fundraising events and volunteer opportunities.
More information about the ECO Center is available at theecocenter.org.
Last Updated on August 7, 2026 by AVC News
