Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is expanding its research presence by purchasing the 180,000-square-foot Digital Futures 2 building in the Cincinnati Innovation District (CID).
As the Cincinnati Business Courier reported, the new facility at 3090 Exploration Ave. will house over 200 researchers and create 100 new research jobs.
The CID is an ecosystem anchored by the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's. It is home to UC's 1819 Innovation Hub and the UC Digital Futures buildings. The area is fast becoming known as the Center for the Silicon Heartland, an ecosystem focused on innovation and research in the Midwest.
Cincinnati Children's plans to occupy the top two floors of Digital Futures 2, a six-story building, while the remaining floors will be leased to prospective tenants. The research building will drive additional jobs and investment in the CID and the site will also include eateries, enhancing the collaborative innovation environment.
The initiative is part of a significant effort by Cincinnati Children's and UC, who collaboratively invest over $450 million annually in research. These investments fuel innovations that lead to startup creation in the tech and health care sectors, attracting Fortune 500 companies and fostering growth.
The build-out is expected to take nine to 12 months. JobsOhio, the state's nonprofit economic development corporation, supports the project through a $32 million low-interest loan as part of its $100 million commitment to the CID. The project also involves Terrex Development & Construction, Messer Construction and other local firms, showcasing the community's commitment to building out the new space.
The collaboration between the state, JobsOhio, the city, UC and Cincinnati Children's Hospital within the CID is driving enduring benefits. The partnership firmly establishes the region as a hub for innovation and transformation as part of the larger ecosystem that is the Center for the Silicon Heartland.
Featured image at top: The Digital Futures 2 building, on the left, and UC Digital Futures. Photo/Greg Glevicky
