Cameron Mitchell Restaurants leads $10 million fundraising campaign with $2.5 million gift

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) Columbus State Community College announced today that Cameron Mitchell Restaurants has pledged $2.5 million toward the College’s fundraising efforts for its planned 2019 new Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts building.

The $33 million Discovery District gateway project at 250 Cleveland Avenue will be funded by a $10 million philanthropic campaign, $10 million in state capital funding, and project financing secured by the College. Columbus State is also working with the City of Columbus on aligned streetscape, utilities and parking improvements in support of the project.

“It is an incredible honor to give back to the community that has embraced our company for 25 years and provided the foundation for thousands of our associates to build meaningful and rewarding hospitality careers,” said Cameron Mitchell, CEO and founder of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. “This project will elevate Columbus State’s already outstanding programs to a level consistent with Columbus’ growing reputation as a culinary and hospitality center.”

Columbus State also revealed that the building will be named Mitchell Hall, in recognition of Mitchell’s donation and partnership with the school and his full support and chairmanship of the philanthropic campaign. CMR has provided years of support to the hospitality and culinary programs at Columbus State, as well as many volunteer hours in service to the school and numerous opportunities for its students.

“The new Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts building will serve as a new front door to Columbus State and a development driver in the Discovery District’s ‘Creative Campus’ neighborhood,” said College President David Harrison. “We are proud to take our service to the community to the next level by introducing this asset, which will offer significant benefits to the public.”

In addition to doubling Hospitality and Culinary Arts enrollment capacity to more than 1,500 students, the new 80,000-square-foot, three-floor facility will include a professionally managed, student-staffed, 100-seat sit-down restaurant and bar and 20-person retail café and bakery, both with outdoor seating; and a 400-plus seat banquet-capacity conference center with onsite catering and a sweeping balcony overlooking downtown. The site will also feature a teaching and innovation kitchen, farm-to-table food production gardens and a 100-seat culinary theater, among many other student education assets.

Mitchell Hall is Columbus State’s first new building project since its completion of the Center for Workforce Development in 2006. The project is part of the College’s facilities master plan to expand programs that are responsive to area workforce needs.

Groundbreaking is planned in spring 2018 with completion in autumn 2019. Project architect is DesignGroup. Gilbane is construction manager.

Media contacts:
Brent Wilder, Columbus State Community College, 614.287.5789
Molly Linehan, for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, 603.508.1097