The Well

Where Farm meets City

The design of The Well draws directly from Hilliard’s agricultural roots and evolving identity. Inspired by the barn structures found throughout the region, the building is composed of four interconnected forms organized around a central “yard”, a modern interpretation of a familiar rural pattern.

Design Threads

• Tapestry – A layered composition of people, programs, and spaces woven into a unified whole. Wood detailing and material expression reflect the patchwork “quilt” of surrounding farmland, reinforcing the idea of a community woven together through shared experiences.

• Cultivate – A seamless blending of cultures, uses, and environments. Each space is multiuse, wellbeing is considered holistically, and different customs and cultures can feel supported.

• Ecotone – A balance between historic Hilliard and its contemporary growth. Inspired by the facility site positioned on the edge of farmland and city life.

Wellness, Recreation & Community Life

The Well integrates recreation, wellness, and healthcare into a single destination that supports the whole person. The facility includes a full aquatics center with competition and recreation pools, fitness and group exercise spaces, gymnasiums, and flexible program areas.

A community wing provides dedicated senior resources, event space, classrooms, and a teaching kitchen, while a partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center introduces a 24,000 SF wellness component focused on outpatient care. Together, these elements create a comprehensive environment for physical, mental, and social well-being.

Inclusive Design for All

Inclusivity is central to The Well’s mission. Spaces are designed to welcome people of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. Through direct engagement with local communities, the design incorporates a meditation and foot-washing room, carefully balancing spiritual orientation with flexibility for broader use. The use of screens and smart glass windows with electrochromic technology helps provide private or modest programming.