Ohio 15 July 18, 2026

$46M Findlay Community Center Under Construction

disinvestment and population migration to outlying neighborhoods. By the late 1900s and early 2000s, the area faced deep socioeconomic challenges. The neighborhood had largely fallen into disrepair.”

The southern portion of OTR is recognized for its growing small businesses, strong arts and cultural footprint and ongoing efforts to maintain equity and diversity. Now, the non-profit 3CDC is focused on the northern portion of OTR, where the Findlay Community Center is under construction.

The $46 million project includes an 8,400-sq.-ft. early learning childcare center, a public outdoor space and a playground.

“North OTR has been identified as an area with incidents tied to chronic vacancy, open-air drug activity and blight,” said Hassan. “As a result, it’s faced issues with public safety and sanitation in recent years. Despite these challenges, North OTR is entering a historic redevelopment phase, with several large projects planned and underway that are intended to catalyze neighborhoodwide change.”

Prior to redevelopment, the site was home to the former Findlay Playground, which had served the neighborhood for years, but had become increasingly underused and in need of

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Blaine Hill Bridge Re-Opens Two Years Ahead of Schedule

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine joined the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Belmont County community leaders to celebrate the re-opening of the U.S. Route 40 Blaine Hill Bridge two years ahead of the original project completion date.

“I am proud of the teamwork that brought this project to completion significantly ahead of schedule,” said DeWine. “This new bridge restores a vital connection between neighboring communities and delivers the safe, dependable roadway that Belmont County drivers expect and deserve.”

ODOT closed the Blaine Hill Bridge, also known as the Arches of Memory Bridge, in August 2024

after a routine bridge inspection revealed significant deterioration, including cracking on the deck and damage to the columns and concrete structure.

Construction to overhaul the bridge deck was originally expected to begin in 2027, but ODOT accelerated the project’s timeline to begin work in 2025.

“Safety dictates every decision we make at ODOT, which is why the closure in 2024 was absolutely necessary,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn.

“However, thanks to the relentless dedication of ODOT engineers and design partners, we fast-tracked this project. We appreciate the patience of Belmont

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Skanska Crews Work in Tight Spaces for Community Center

Skanska photo

Heavy machinery on the job includes excavators, backhoe loaders, dump trucks, bulldozers, compactors, skid steers, auger drill rig/crane, pile driver rig/crane, telebelt conveyor trucks, concrete truck mixers, concrete pump trucks, crawler cranes, aerial lifts, rough-terrain forklifts and rough-terrain scissor lifts.

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“Much of the existing infrastructure and play equipment was outdated, and the space lacked the programming, lighting and amenities needed to support consistent positive activity throughout the day.”

Hassan underscored the importance of engaging underprivileged youth in positive programming, calling it essential for the long-term health and productivity of a community.

“These programs provide safe, reliable spaces where young people can spend their time, while building critical social and emotional skills, confidence, leadership, communication and problem-solving abilities. Such skills directly support academic success, future employability and personal resilience, especially for youth who may lack access to other enrichment opportunities.”

Adults also will be able to use these spaces to stay active and engaged in the community, regardless of social or financial status. Memberships will be offered on a sliding scale based on income.

Work on the project began in May of 2025 and is expected to be completed this November. When asked by Construction Equipment Guide about the main concerns for crews on the job, Sam Fintel, Skanska USA Building project manager, said, “It’s a tight job site, which creates logistical difficulties related to access, phasing, trade coordination and the installation of exterior details and finishes. It’s also challenging dealing with auger cast piles across the entire building footprint, complicated by unknown subsurface obstructions such as remnants of an abandoned house and school foundations, cisterns, boulders and brick debris.”

In addition, pool construction requires excavation and installation through the

city’s Goose Alley. Workers must tie-in to the existing building, while also working in close proximity to neighboring structures.

Site demolitions and building pad prep are complete, along with foundations, the underground storm detention system, load bearing masonry for the structure, interior masonry walls for the locker rooms and structural steel installation in the pool, gym, locker area, roller rink and part of the lobby. Other finished tasks include roof decking at the pool, gym, locker area and roller rink, installation of the TPO roofing membrane at the pool and underground utility work across the entire site.

Steel work in the lobby and childcare areas, including trusses and detailing, is ongoing, along with roof work for the gym, installation of hangers and supports for building systems in the pool, gym and track areas, MEP installation, ductwork, piping and conduit in the pool area.

With site work is complete, crews were working on construction of the Findlay retaining wall, playground preparation, utility tie-ins, site concrete, fencing, landscaping and installation of site furnishings.

Fintel explained pool excavation will be particularly complex because it must be completed through an opening on the west side of the building via Goose Alley.

“In addition, the project site housed several residential buildings and a school, resulting in unsuitable soils throughout the area. This created challenges during excavation, foundation work and underground utility installation. Fortunately, most of these unsuitable soils were identified in the project’s geotechnical report and were accounted for in both the structural design and the construction plan.”

Roughly 6,250 cu. yds. of dirt will be moved during construction. Heavy machinery on the job includes excavators,

compactors, skid steers, auger drill rig/ crane, pile driver rig/crane, telebelt conveyor trucks, concrete truck mixers, concrete pump trucks, crawler cranes, aerial lifts, roughterrain forklifts and rough-terrain scissor lifts.

Among the main materials needed are auger cast piles, concrete foundations, CMU load-bearing walls, structural steel, concrete slabs and composite roofs, concrete and stainless steel pool structure, cold-formed metal framing and sheathing, brick, metal panels, TPO roofing, storefront windows and glazing, athletic flooring, wood sports flooring, tile and paint.

Fintel said because of strong planning and close coordination with the on-site contractors, weather has not significantly affected project progress.

“Cold temperatures were managed with temporary heating to keep load-bearing CMU block installation on schedule through the winter. The late-January winter storm only halted work for one day, which

impacted several activities, such as roofing, but all critical path work remained on schedule.”

Despite the unforgiving schedule, Fintel said it’s extremely satisfying to be part of such a meaningful project.

“It’s an honor to help deliver a hub for the Cincinnati community and the neighboring residents in OTR, supporting healthier lifestyles at the recreation center and providing children with a safe, comfortable and inspiring environment to learn and grow in the childcare and early learning center.”

Said Hassan, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the Findlay Community Center project coming to life. This has been a vision shaped by years of hard work, collaboration and community input. Watching construction move forward is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in our neighborhoods. It’s more than a project — it’s a symbol of opportunity, connection, and hope for everyone who calls this area home.”

 CEG

Officials Gather for Blaine Hill

ODOT photo

photo

Construction to overhaul the bridge deck was originally expected to begin in 2027, but ODOT accelerated the project’s timeline to begin work in 2025.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine joined the Ohio Department of Transportation and Belmont County community leaders to celebrate the re-opening of the U.S. Route 40 Blaine Hill Bridge.

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County drivers and are proud to safely open the Blaine Hill Bridge while preserving its historical significance.”

Built in the 1930s, the reinforced concrete bridge consists of four iconic arch spans and connects the local communities of Blaine, Boydsville, Lansing, Brookside and St. Clairsville. To enhance safety and accommodate both bicycle and pedestrian traffic, the new bridge configuration has one lane in each direction and features a 12-ft. shoulder on the westbound side of the bridge, along with a 3-ft. sidewalk and a 4-ft. shoulder on the eastbound side.

ODOT photo ODOT closed the Blaine Hill Bridge, also known as the Arches of Memory Bridge, in August 2024 after a routine bridge inspection revealed significant deterioration.

The bridge overlooks the original 1828 Blaine Hill “S” Bridge, which was part of the historic National Road project. The “S” Bridge was saved from demolition in 1999 and designated Ohio’s official Bicentennial Bridge in 2001.

The project was designed by Michael Baker International and Beaver Excavating, Inc. led the construction team. The project required 1,600 cu. yds. of concrete (enough to cover two football fields at a depth of 4.5 in.) and included the removal and replacement of 440 box beams.

For more information, visit transportation. ohio.gov/BlaineHillBridge. 

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