OhioHealth Announces $700 Million New Albany Methodist Hospital Investment

OhioHealth plans to construct a $700 million hospital in New Albany, aiming to expand medical access for the growing population in northeast Columbus by late 2030.

Building a New Medical Campus

The project, announced on Wednesday, positions a 600,000-square-foot facility just south of State Route 161 near Hamilton Road. According to OhioHealth, the site—formerly home to the Big Lots headquarters—will be rebuilt, combining 325,000 square feet of reimagined space with 275,000 square feet of new construction.

Construction is slated to begin in early 2027. Once operational, the hospital will provide 160 inpatient beds, with a structural design that allows for an eventual expansion to 208 beds to accommodate future demand.

This rendering shows a wide view of an OhioHealth medical facility that will be built in New Albany — Photo: wosu.org

Addressing Regional Growth

The decision to build in New Albany follows a long-term strategy to place healthcare services closer to where residents live and work. Estimates provided by OhioHealth suggest that roughly 340,000 people currently reside within a 15-minute drive of the proposed campus.

“Central Ohio is growing and we need to make sure access to high-quality care grows with it. New Albany Methodist is a significant investment in the future of this region and in making care more accessible to the families we serve in northeast Columbus and communities north and east of New Albany.”

That assessment came from Steve Markovich, president and CEO of OhioHealth. He emphasized that the facility is intended to provide inpatient capacity and high-acuity care on par with that provided at Riverside Methodist and Grant Medical Center.

OhioHealth announces plans to build New Albany Methodist Hospital — WBNS 10TV

Economic Impact and Employment

Beyond the medical services provided, the project represents a substantial infusion of capital into the local economy. The $700 million investment—which does not include the property purchase price—is expected to support thousands of jobs. The construction phase alone will involve 1,500 to 2,000 workers, with more than 250 on site at peak construction.

Once the hospital reaches full operation, it is projected to employ approximately 1,700 people. This workforce will include more than 140 physicians and advanced practice providers, with annual wages and benefits expected to total at least $220 million.

Future Services and Community Integration

While specific service lines are still being finalized, the hospital is slated to offer comprehensive care in cardiac, neuroscience, stroke, and trauma. This focus on complex medical needs is designed to mirror the capabilities of the larger, established hospitals within the OhioHealth network.

Bill Ebbing, president and CEO of The New Albany Company, said that the hospital aligns with the area’s broader development goals. “OhioHealth’s investment builds on that vision by bringing greater access to high-quality healthcare, creating jobs and adding another important resource that will serve New Albany and the surrounding region for generations to come,” Ebbing said in the announcement.