Lon Arnett – Dayton Children’s

At Dayton Children’s Hospital, every new project begins with a single guiding principle: to make care more accessible for children and families throughout the region. The construction team, led by Director of Construction Lon Arnett, plays a vital role in advancing that mission. As the only hospital in the area solely dedicated to pediatric care, Dayton Children’s serves as a lifeline for families across 20 counties in Ohio and eastern Indiana. Its team of pediatricians, specialists, and clinical staff ensures that everything from room design to medical equipment is built with children in mind.

Dayton Children’s is also a regional referral center, accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and affiliated with Wright State University’s School of Medicine. With more than 200 physicians and residents, and a staff of over 3,500 employees and volunteers, the hospital provides the highest quality pediatric care while remaining rooted in its community.

Arnett and his team are responsible for ensuring that the hospital’s facilities reflect that same standard of excellence. “Everything we do starts with one question,” he says. “What’s best for the hospital, and ultimately, what’s best for the kids and families who depend on it?”

That mindset has guided Arnett through 14 years with Dayton Children’s, during which time he’s seen the construction program grow from managing $5 million in annual small projects to over $200 million a year. His leadership reflects a mix of old-school grit and practical problem-solving that keeps projects moving and teams united by purpose. “I came in without a background in healthcare construction,” he says, “but it didn’t take long to realize that this was where I was supposed to be.”

Addressing a growing need

Among the many projects under Arnett’s direction, one stands out as both a professional milestone and a community achievement: the Mathile Center for Mental Health & Wellness. This new, three-story, $100 million facility represents a turning point for the hospital and the city of Dayton. Set to open on July 15, the 48-bed center doubles the hospital’s capacity for mental health services and consolidates programs that were previously scattered across different locations.

“The demand for mental health services has grown tremendously in our community,” Arnett explains. “This building allows us to bring everything under one roof and treat children faster, in an environment designed specifically for them.”

The project is part of the hospital’s broader “Do More” campaign, which has raised nearly $85 million to date. It also reflects a strategic shift in Dayton Children’s long-term plan to prioritize mental health alongside physical health. The support of the Mathile family, whose name graces the new facility, underscores the strong community backing behind the project. “Having a family like the Mathiles put their name and their trust behind this building means a lot,” Arnett says. “It shows how deeply the community believes in what we’re doing.”

Beyond expanding capacity, the new facility brings clinical, therapeutic, and administrative teams together in one location, improving coordination and creating a more supportive environment for patients and staff alike. Every detail of the design was shaped by feedback from clinical professionals, ensuring that the final result met both aesthetic and functional needs.

Designing with children in mind

For Arnett and his team, the Mathile Center is more than just another construction project—it’s a chance to create an environment that inspires healing. From the earliest design stages, the focus was on ensuring the facility felt safe, welcoming, and uplifting. The building incorporates outdoor courtyards, colorful spaces, and plenty of natural light. “We didn’t want anything to feel institutional,” Arnett says. “This should be a place where kids can be kids, even while they’re getting the care they need.”

Each patient room will include upgraded digital boards—large interactive screens that allow children to play games, listen to music, or connect virtually with their families. Dayton Children’s was one of the first hospitals in the country to implement such technology, and the Mathile Center represents an evolution of that idea.

“Technology is a big part of how we make the experience better for patients,” Arnett notes. “It helps reduce anxiety, gives them a sense of control, and keeps them connected to the people they love.”

Sustainability also played a key role in the project. The new facility improves the hospital’s overall Energy Star rating from 85 to 89, thanks to efficient systems and smart design choices. “We’re always looking at ways to be more energy efficient,” Arnett says. “It’s not just about saving money—it’s about building responsibly so that we can keep providing the best care for years to come.”

For Arnett, seeing the finished building will be a proud moment, but it’s the people inside who will make it truly meaningful. “This is a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility,” he says, “but what makes it special is that it gives our clinicians the tools and spaces they need to do what they do best—provide the best care possible.”

Building a legacy of care

The success of projects like the Mathile Center reflects how far the hospital’s construction team has come under Arnett’s leadership. When he joined Dayton Children’s, he saw a chance to build something lasting—a growing organization that combined professional challenge with community purpose. Over the years, that vision has only deepened.

“I’ve been here long enough to see how much the hospital means to this city,” he says. “Every time we open a new building or renovate a space, we’re strengthening that bond with the community.”

Arnett’s philosophy is simple: treat every project, no matter how large or small, as a contribution to the hospital’s mission. His “can-do” mindset and hands-on leadership style have earned him a reputation for dependability and teamwork. “My approach has always been that we figure it out together,” he says. “If there’s a challenge, we don’t stop—we find a way to get it done.”

That spirit of collaboration is what allows the construction department to handle projects that directly impact patient care. Whether it’s building a new facility or upgrading existing spaces, the team’s efforts are visible in every corner of the hospital. Each project represents another step toward expanding Dayton Children’s reach and ensuring that families throughout the region have access to the care they need.

The Mathile Center for Mental Health & Wellness will stand as a symbol of that ongoing commitment. For Arnett, it’s also a reflection of what drew him to the organization in the first place—the chance to make a tangible difference through his work. “It’s been amazing to watch the hospital grow,” he says. “But what really matters is knowing that everything we build helps someone. That’s what keeps me motivated every day.”

As Dayton Children’s continues to expand across the region, Arnett and his team will remain at the heart of that growth, shaping the spaces where children heal, families find hope, and the community comes together. Their work ensures that the hospital’s mission—caring for children in an environment designed just for them—continues to thrive, one project at a time.