Nationwide Children’s Hospital commissioned Osborn Engineering to prepare a feasibility study for the relocation of the existing TAXI Data Center currently located on the main campus in Columbus, Ohio. Due to the complicated nature of the project, the process was started with a 2-day long visioning workshop which helped to map out an overall strategy and prioritize the goals of the project. Once the workshop developed a strategic direction, Osborn worked with the Relocation Planning Team, which included various NCH stakeholders (IS, Campus Engineering, Strategic Development, CFO and Capital Planning) to develop best case scenarios to achieve the goals of the project. The resulting options gave the healthcare system a broad range of possibilities, which included:

These options where then analyzed per their capital cost, operating cost, functionality, compliance with TIA-942, highest and best use for the property/location, and overall level of services for the main campus. After review of the study findings by the NCH Executive Leadership in March 2016, direction was given to pursue a new data center on the main campus and incorporate the structure into the new Campus Master Plan. Reasons for the decision included the unique requirements around data security due to HIPAA, personnel costs in multiple locations, flexibility, and, most importantly, the cost of data transmission. In April 2016, the Campus Master Planner along with NCH leadership identified the best site for the new data center building. The relocation site identified is due north of the existing TAXI Data Center and will be adjacent to a new structured public parking garage and a new 2-story public café. The executed project was based off of the conceptual plans generated by Osborn during the study.