State Takes Ownership of Hara Arena Site for Behavioral Health Hospital

The former Hara Arena site in Trotwood, Ohio will be transformed into a new 270,000 square foot behavioral health facility.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The state of Ohio has officially taken ownership of the old Hara Arena site in Trotwood, Ohio, clearing the way for the construction of a new 270,000 square foot behavioral health hospital. Harrison Township, which supports the facility, says the state is now mobilizing construction crews to begin preparing the site, including breaking up concrete and laying the groundwork for the project. The City of Trotwood had previously expressed opposition to the facility being located at this site.

Why it matters

The new behavioral health hospital aims to address a critical need for mental health services in the region. The Hara Arena site, which has been vacant since the arena closed, provides a centralized location for the new facility. However, the City of Trotwood's opposition highlights the importance of community engagement and addressing local concerns during the development process.

The details

The state officially took ownership of the Hara Arena site last month. Harrison Township, which supports the facility, says construction crews will soon begin preparing the site, including breaking up concrete and laying the groundwork. The new hospital will be a 270,000 square foot building. Harrison Township is waiting for the state to provide more details on the site plan and layout of the facility.

  • The state officially took ownership of the Hara Arena site last month.
  • Construction crews are expected to begin site preparation work this spring and summer.

The players

Harrison Township

A local government agency that supports the development of the new behavioral health hospital on the former Hara Arena site.

City of Trotwood

The local city government that had previously expressed opposition to the facility being located at the Hara Arena site.

State of Ohio

The state government that has taken ownership of the Hara Arena site and is overseeing the development of the new behavioral health hospital.

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What they’re saying

“You're seeing some different construction vehicles. What we can tell you at this point is the state is starting mobilize.”

— Nathan Edwards, Communications and economic development manager for Harrison Township (Dayton 24/7 Now)

“Once the ground kind of thaws out a little bit, you're gonna see trucks out there breaking up that concrete, starting to lay the groundwork for what the project will look like and that's gonna be a bulk of the work you're gonna see this spring and summer.”

— Nathan Edwards, Communications and economic development manager for Harrison Township (Dayton 24/7 Now)

“They're working to get us their site plan to show us exactly where the hospital will be going on the property and certainly, we're looking to the state on their guidance on how to engage the community and answer all the questions out there about the impact this facility will have on their neighborhood.”

— Nathan Edwards, Communications and economic development manager for Harrison Township (Dayton 24/7 Now)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.