June 29, 2026
By Rachel Scofield

Violet Township has entered into a multi-phase development agreement with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for the construction of a 29.5-acre health care campus at Violet Woods, 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Road.

The project, formalized under a March 6 contract, was approved by the Ohio State University Board of Trustees on June 3 and unanimously accepted by the Violet Township trustees on June 17. The agreement outlines a long-term transformation of 29.5 acres of the 62.4-acre site into a regional medical destination.

Violet Township officials said the development builds on years of planning for Violet Woods. The township purchased the property in 2018 from the Wolfe family, who had developed it into a private retreat they named “The Wigwam.” See Violet’s Wigwam

The agreement with Wexner Medical Center preserves many of the property’s existing assets.

“Although OSU may very well have liked the option to purchase the entire property, we are very committed to preserving the offices, event center, theatre, and a significant portion of the woods, some of which we dream of someday opening with better public access and a park-like setting with paths for the community,” Trustee Lori Sanders said.

Phase I: Outpatient Care Near I-70

With a purchase price of $5,068,291, Phase I includes outpatient facilities on 17.01 acres along the northern portion of the site adjacent to I-70.

Construction is expected to begin within three years but depends on the Ohio Department of Transportation’s plans for a new interchange at Taylor Road and I-70. According to the agreement, construction cannot begin until ODOT has acquired the acreage it needs and the interchange project is at least 25% complete.

Infrastructure Improvements

The agreement requires significant infrastructure obligations for the township, including roadway, utility, and access improvements. Costs could reach up to $4.5 million.

“The land purchase had a large per-acre value,” Sanders said. “The value is based on being ready for development. We are not there yet.”

Access to the site will require converting the existing one-way entrance lane into a two-way road with new lighting, sidewalks, and a multiuse path.

For the Taylor Road entrance, plans call for a roundabout if infrastructure costs remain within the estimated $4.5 million budget. Otherwise, the township may instead install a three-way stop as a lower-cost alternative.

In addition to the interchange, which officials say will greatly improve traffic flow on Hill Road and Blacklick-Eastern Road, the township has applied for grants to widen portions of Blacklick-Eastern Road.

“Will it be enough?” Sanders asked. “Not in my opinion, but let’s recall 204 (Blacklick-Eastern) is controlled by ODOT, whose officials likely don’t drive that road every day. But maybe they’ll get tired of hearing us whine sooner rather than later!”

Phase II: Long-Term Expansion Decision

To allow for future expansion, the university purchased an additional 12.4 acres south of the initial parcel for $3,681,709. If within 10 years, Ohio State decides not to move forward with Phase II, then the smaller parcel will be sold back to the township.

Benefits to the Community

“The new medical facility will provide world-class care, above-average-paying jobs, and a development that isn’t houses,” Trustee Mark Matthews said. “Our schools are struggling with growth. I see this as a win, win, win.”

The parcels slated for development are the northernmost acres bordering I-70. Trustees intend for the remaining woods to become a public park with access expanded beyond the current hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Funds generated through the property agreement will enable the development of that park as well as other community projects.

“Five years ago, we laid out township goals that focused first and foremost on generating revenue,” Sanders said. “The township currently operates on a shoestring budget when it comes to general operations. Our tax levies are for fire, roads, and senior services.”

The township does not collect an income tax nor does it have a recreation levy, which is how many communities fund public parks.

“I personally don’t intend to ask residents for additional tax dollars to fund parks and amenities,” Sanders said. “I am happy to leave that as only essential services.”

JEDD Designation and Economic Structure

The Violet Woods site is located within a Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) with Lancaster, allowing both entities to collect income tax revenue within the district.

“The reason we did not partner with Pickerington is because they have a 1% income tax vs. a 2% with Canal, and 2.3% with Lancaster,” Sanders said.

The JEDD also establishes a 50-year moratorium preventing municipalities such as Pickerington or Reynoldsburg from annexing the property with an additional 25 year extension, according to Violet Township Administrator Vince Utterback.

Under Ohio law, revenue collected through the district must be used for development within the district or for other lawful purposes.

“Those economic development tools have been put in place over the past five years, and collectively we are starting to see revenue streams generated from them,” Sanders said. “Make no mistake, it is not millions. For a township our size, improvements take time and more money than most.”

Ohio State will join the JEDD as part of the purchase agreement, Utterback said.

Particulars to Be Addressed

“In the coming months, we can begin to fine-tune the footprint of the site to prepare for the purchase,” Sanders said. “Once this occurs, we can begin developing a master plan for the township’s remaining property. With so many moving parts, this will take time. The township will work with any program currently using the property to relocate as needed. If features like the gazebo or the gold gates on 204 interfere with development, we will certainly find a new home for them on the property.”

Violet Path

In 2021, the township entered into a 10-year lease agreement with the Fairfield County Park District to create and maintain the one-mile Violet Path around the southwest portion of the property.

About one-quarter mile of the trail has already been completed through the woods. The remainder will follow part of the property’s perimeter to create a loop.

The wooded section was partially cleared as part of an Eagle Scout project by Heath Scofield. The park district widened the path and regularly inspects the trail surface, removes debris, and addresses hazards and maintenance needs.

“Park District staff has addressed drainage issues by adding small culverts and aggregate to elevate the trail in some locations that historically stayed wet,” Fairfield County Park District Deputy Director Tommy Springer said. “We have also ordered and constructed 4-by-4 posts with the township-approved violet flower graphic to serve as blazes marking the trail.”

Until those markers are installed, the trailhead is difficult to locate behind the theater. The trail is easier to find where it opens into the grassy area west of the front gate.

Disclosure: Scofield is a staff member of Pickerington Online.