(The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center in Lewis Center, Ohio, features a tranquil lakeside setting with illuminated fountains and event space overlooking the water. Photo courtesy of The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center.)
Renovated Lewis Center property adds outdoor space, flexible ballrooms, and exhibit upgrades as it shifts away from internal Nationwide use
The property now known as The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center, located about 20 miles north of downtown Columbus, Ohio, has undergone many changes in its 80-year history, beginning as a radio station in the 1940s, later serving as a Nationwide Insurance training site, and eventually operating as a low-profile conference center in the suburb of Lewis Center. This summer, the venue is stepping into a new role: an open-for-business event destination for planners across the region.
The shift comes with a new name, extensive renovations, and a clear goal: to bring in third-party bookings that were once out of reach.
The 20-acre campus has been overhauled to appeal to association planners, corporate groups, and tradeshows seeking a Midwestern option with flexible space, on-site lodging, and outdoor amenities. The improvements include upgraded ballrooms, expanded pre-function areas, refreshed guest rooms, and a new outdoor gathering space called the Grand Patio.
Kathryn Burton, chief operating officer of Columbus Hospitality Management, says the upgrades are about more than aesthetics. She points to increased interest from planners who had previously ruled out the venue due to layout or size constraints.
“One of the biggest differences now is capacity,” Burton says. “We can handle larger programs and offer more options for indoor-outdoor setups. We’ve had planners come back who hadn’t considered us previously due to capacity or layout. That’s no longer a limitation.”
The Grand Patio, which includes fireplaces and open-air seating, is already being used for receptions and networking functions. Inside, ceiling heights have been raised, lighting improved, and the flow between breakout and general session space redesigned to allow smoother transitions between segments.
“It’s quickly becoming a favorite among planners for cocktail receptions and evening events, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere,” she says.
Burton adds that the changes reflect how planners are building events today, with shorter agendas, hybrid-friendly formats, and a greater focus on informal connection.
“We’re seeing more events that include wellness elements, time to network, and less time stuck in a ballroom all day,” she says.
Located in Lewis Center, an unincorporated community in Orange Township, Delaware County, the venue offers complimentary parking, on-site dining, and a quiet, walkable layout that stands in contrast to urban hotels and convention centers. The area has seen steady residential and commercial growth, supported by nearby destinations like Highbanks Metro Park and Alum Creek State Park. Just west of Lewis Center, the city of Powell is also drawing attention for its small-town charm, access to trails and green space, and proximity to the Columbus Zoo—features that appeal to families and professional groups alike.
New Bookings Reflect the Shift
The Ohioan’s repositioning is already showing up in the calendar. Upcoming bookings include the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Workforce Summit, the Ohio Association of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, and the 340B Midwest Regional Conference & Expo, all scheduled for August. The Ohio TESOL Conference is confirmed for November. These third-party events represent exactly the type of professional programming the rebrand is targeting.
History & Evolution
The property has quietly evolved over eight decades. Originally a radio broadcast facility in the 1940s, it became the Green Meadows Inn in the 1960s. Nationwide Insurance purchased the site and converted it into a private training campus in 1974, complete with themed buildings and residential lodging. In the early 2000s, it expanded into a public-facing hotel and conference center. Columbus Hospitality Management took over operations in 2010 and has helped guide its latest transition toward external events and full-scale bookings.
The rebrand to “The Ohioan” signals a new chapter. Alongside the infrastructure improvements, the hotel commissioned three Ohio-based artists to install original works throughout the public areas, bringing in regional storytelling and design elements. Renovations to the 193 guest rooms and on-site pub are scheduled to continue into the fall, but the venue remains open and booking for 2025 and beyond.
“This has always been a well-run facility,” Burton says. “But now it’s more accessible and more aligned with what planners need.”
