The College’s newest building is the culmination of public-private partnership investing more than $40 million in the Cleveland Avenue corridor

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) Columbus State Community College today dedicated Cameron Mitchell Hall, the College’s new home for the School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts. The building is named after renowned restaurateur Cameron Mitchell of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants’ (CMR) who generously took the lead on the philanthropic campaign and provided a $2.5 million gift in support of the project.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin joined Mitchell, CMR President David Miller and Columbus State President David Harrison for the dedication ceremony in recognition of the collaborative effort that made Mitchell Hall a reality. The $34.5 million project is funded by $10 million from the state, $10 million in private philanthropy and $14.5 million from the college, and is complemented by more than $7 million in streetscape improvements funded by the city of Columbus.

“This is a proud moment for the state of Ohio and for Columbus State,” DeWine said. “A year ago, this site was a parking lot. Today, it’s a state-of-the-art hospitality and culinary education center that will provide access to good-paying jobs in a high-demand industry. This is a great example of partners in the private and public sectors working together to invest in projects that will train Ohioans for the jobs of the future.”

“Mitchell Hall is a great example of public-private partnership for the betterment of the future of our City,” Ginther said. “The College has been a true partner toward the development of the Cleveland Avenue ‘Opportunity Corridor.’ We believe this project will be a catalyst for further improvements within the neighborhood and is a sign of more good things to come.”

“I am beyond pleased with the realization of the vision for this project,” Mitchell said. “It was just a few years ago that I asked the question, ‘How can we make this happen?’ With such great partners, it turns out that the answer was enthusiastic coordination from all sides coming together for a common purpose. I look forward to seeing these talented students continue to elevate our city’s culinary reputation.”

“Today is a celebration of an accomplishment made possible by many hands joining together for a common goal,” Dr. Harrison said. “Columbus State gives thanks to all of our partners for creating an unprecedented pathway for students to thrive in a rapidly growing industry.”

The Mitchell Hall dedication ceremony represents the culmination of 18 months of construction. Project architect is DesignGroup. Gilbane is construction manager.

Features of the 80,000-square-foot, three-floor facility include:

• More than doubling Hospitality and Culinary Arts enrollment capacity to more than 1,500 students.
• Degrees, a professionally managed, student-staffed 50-seat sit-down restaurant and bar and Blend, a 20-person retail café and bakery, both with outdoor seating.
• A 400-plus seat banquet-capacity conference center with onsite catering and a sweeping balcony overlooking downtown.
• A 100-seat culinary theater.

“The Mitchell Hall project will be an incredible asset for our community, adding to the creative momentum in the Discovery District,” Hardin said. “Even more important than the bricks and mortar, we will provide our young people direct access to world-class culinary training so they can thrive in Columbus’ middle class.”

“The greater Columbus hospitality and culinary industry is ready for the pipeline of talent Mitchell Hall will produce,” Miller said. “Columbus State’s enrollment and program growth comes at the right time to support this booming sector of our economy.”

Media Contact: Brent Wilder (bwilder5@cscc.edu), Director of Strategic Communications 614.287.5789