In 1998, the Worthington Arts Council joined with the City of Worthington and Worthington Schools in a partnership to explore the creation of an arts center. The resulting Arts Center of Worthington was envisioned as a place where the arts and the community can come together.

Fundraising began in earnest in 2001 and in 2005, John H. McConnell, founder of Worthington Industries, granted a leadership gift to the project honoring the memory of his wife, Peggy, and her passion for the arts. "Peggy would have really loved the Arts Center because she would recognize more than anybody else what it is going to do for the community," McConnell said for the creation of a special DVD celebrating his gift.

The Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington will be located near the heart of the community, at the corner of Evening Street and State Route 161 (W. Dublin-Granville Rd.) Ohio's renowned architect Frank L. Packard designed the original building, which was constructed in 1915 on land that was set aside for the community in 1803. (Packard also designed the former governor's mansion—now the home of the Columbus Foundation—, Franklin County Memorial Hall, and many buildings on the oval at The Ohio State University.)

Construction is slated to begin in late summer 2008 and to be completed in mid-2009. Click here to view exterior and interior drawings of the McConnell Arts Center, which includes a 200-seat theatre, 4 art-making studios, 2 classrooms, offices, and a main gallery. Most of these areas will be multi-use and available for public and private meetings as well as social gatherings.