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- calendar_today October 12, 2026
Moritz College of Law Announces Relocation to Downtown Columbus
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law is set to relocate to the historic Huntington National Bank Building at 17 S. High St. in downtown Columbus. The move will bring students, faculty, and staff into the core of the city’s legal, policy, civic, and cultural activity.
Central Location Offers Unique Professional Opportunities
This relocation positions the Moritz College of Law just minutes away from prominent law firms and courthouse facilities that recruit students from the college. Placing the college in downtown Columbus will embed students and faculty amidst professional opportunities at a scale few other facilities can offer, supporting enhanced legal education, student internships, and connections with city policymakers.
Fostering Community Engagement Through Public-Private Partnership
The historic move results from a public-private partnership between Ohio State University, the city of Columbus, Downtown Columbus, Inc., and Huntington Bank. Ohio State President Ravi V. Bellamkonda remarked that the decision aligns with the university's land-grant mission of community connection, stating, “Moving the college to this historic facility in the heart of downtown will give our students greater access to internships, future employers and city policymakers – a truly immersive experience for Ohio's future legal leaders.” He credited partners at Huntington, the city, and Downtown Columbus, Inc. for helping create such impactful opportunities.
Supporting Columbus Economic Growth and Workforce Retention
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther described the initiative as advancing economic growth and downtown resilience, noting its role in retaining and expanding the city’s workforce. The project underscores Columbus' standing as a hub for talent, governance, and innovation. Universities nationwide are increasingly placing law colleges in urban centers, integrating legal education with real-world environments where graduates will work.
Enhanced Experiential Learning in Legal Education
According to Kent Barnett, Dean of the Moritz College of Law, the new location's proximity to courts, law firms, policymakers, and public interest organizations will enable expanded externships, clerkships, and clinical experiences. "This location also amplifies the impact of our faculty’s research and community-focused programming, allowing us to engage more directly in our land-grant mission while visibly shaping the rule of law,” Barnett added.
Future Development and Community Impact
The planned facility will provide space not only for the Moritz College of Law but also for other university colleges and administrative offices as needed, promoting collaboration with private and public sector partners. Steve Steinour, CEO of Huntington Bank, emphasized Huntington’s long-standing connection to the site and expressed pride in supporting a project that brings renewed energy to downtown Columbus.
Downtown Columbus, Inc. will lead the renovation and serve as the building’s developer and lessor. Ohio State will sign a 30-year lease for the building, with the option to purchase it in the future. Board member Alex Fischer cited national models and praised the collaboration among city and university leaders in realizing the move’s potential for educational and economic benefit.
Opening Timeline
Ohio State University expects to open its new downtown location for the Moritz College of Law in the fall of 2029.
Source: news.osu.edu.
