Columbus Regional Health is pleased to announce, in conjunction with development and investment firm, Clearpath, an agreement to launch a mixed-use, vibrant gateway project for the former Clarion hotel property located on SR 46 West and the I-65 interchange. 

Columbus Regional Health signed an agreement with Bloomington, Ind. based Clearpath Services this week to sell the site, while retaining a parcel of land within the mixed-use development for the healthcare organization’s programs and services. 

“After an exhaustive and thorough process to make sure the property was environmentally and economically viable for the planned development, and further delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited to relaunch efforts surrounding this site,” said Jim Bickel, CRH President & CEO. 

CRH plans to design and construct an approximate 36,000-square-foot facility that will house both new and existing services with a focus on diagnostic and procedural outpatient services, along with other medical office building services, such as physician office space. The agreement and partnership with Clearpath serves as a catalyst for a major investment project in a very prominent location on the west side of Bartholomew County. CRH originally purchased this property in 2017 based on master facility planning, due to its high visibility and accessible interstate location. The subsequent decision to acquire the Garden City Farm acreage impacted the original scale and scope of the services planned for the former hotel property. The mixed-use site will address short-term health system needs for existing services and provide room for growth and service expansion. It will also provide economic development opportunities for the community and surrounding region. 

“Columbus has a well-earned reputation as Athens of the Prairie.  With its long commitment to public art and notable architecture, Columbus deserves an iconic gateway development worthy of its reputation. With an unparalleled and exceptional design, our team is prepared to provide Columbus with an architecturally significant development that announces, ‘you have arrived somewhere unique—somewhere worthy of exploration,’” said Randy Lloyd, Principal & General Counsel of Clearpath.

Clearpath, in partnership with Woolpert—an architecture, engineering and geospatial firm—will work with CRH on the design and construction of the medical building, while integrating it within the larger site vision and plan. The planned project is anticipated to include over 550,000 square feet of mixed-use space.  The new urbanist development concept will include a walkable design with eco-friendly elements and amenities to serve residents and visitors alike.

“I am confident the partnership between CRH and these two firms will result in a development that amplifies our city’s already vibrant and booming west side,” said Bickel. “This project will meet CRH’s needs as we continue to increase our west side presence as well as benefit the greater Columbus community, both residentially and economically.” 

“Our vision for this project is intended to compliment and connect to all that is unique about this community.  The development is more than a destination—it is an invitation to explore all that the City of Columbus has to offer,” said Lloyd. “Our team looks forward to working with CRH and the City.”

Clearpath anticipates beginning the formal approval process with the City of Columbus this summer.  If approval is granted, construction is slated to begin 4th quarter 2021. 

About Clearpath Services

Clearpath is a Bloomington, Indiana based real estate development, investment and services firm. Our mission is to create collaborative solutions that build inspiring and sustainable communities one project at a time.  Clearpath Services is comprised of a diverse group of professionals with varied backgrounds and experiences. Together, we are a nimble, creative, hard-charging professional team that has a track record of delivering projects on time and on budget.  For more information, visit www.clearpath-services.com 

About Woolpert

Woolpert is the premier architecture, engineering, geospatial (AEG) and strategic consulting firm, with a vision to become one of the best companies in the world. We innovate within and across markets to effectively serve public, private and government clients worldwide. Woolpert is an ENR Top 150 Global Design Firm, recently earned its fifth-straight Great Place to Work certification and actively nurtures a culture of growth, inclusion, diversity and respect. Founded in 1911 in Dayton, Ohio, Woolpert has been America’s fastest-growing AEG firm since 2015. The firm has over 1,100 employees and 42 offices in three countries. For more, visit woolpert.com.