Setting the Stage for Learning: IIDA Members Explore the New Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 CampusThe IIDA Ohio Kentucky Chapter received an exclusive look into the future of educational design with their first building tour of 2026.
IIDA Members Explore the New Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus
The IIDA Ohio Kentucky Chapter received an exclusive look into the future of educational design with their first building tour of 2026. About 30 members of the local design community gathered in February to explore the new Cuyahoga Falls City Schools 6-12 Campus, a project led by ThenDesign Architecture.
This 365,000 SF school contains grades 6-12, along with a series of specialized career technical learning spaces. The intensive design process unfolded over 2021 and 2022 with the interior design being a key focus of the project. Key challenges included breaking down the scale of such a large building while ensuring wayfinding remained intuitive throughout.
TDA Lead a Group from the IIDA Ohio Kentucky Chapter on a Tour of the New 6-12 Cuyahoga Falls Campus
Lessons Learned
The evening began with an introduction by Cuyahoga Falls City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Andrea Celico. She shared insights into the collaborative design process and its impacts on the student experience since moving to the new facility. Her perspectives highlighted the connection between well-designed spaces and student well-being, a theme that resonates throughout IIDA’s mission.
Following the welcome and introduction, Dr. Celico and ThenDesign Architecture’s Project Manager, Scott Alleman, and Senior Interior Designer, Rhonda Franklin, along with other TDA members, guided the visitors through the building.
The tour showcased several thoughtful interior design elements. Distinct color palettes define spaces by grade level, making navigation easy and creating a sense of identity for each area. Natural daylighting was a clear priority, with windows placed to maximize sun exposure in core academic spaces. The dynamic interior design was achieved using durable materials, ensuring the campus’s longevity. The career technical education areas offered a glimpse into professional, yet accessible learning environments.
TDA Lead a Group from the IIDA Ohio Kentucky Chapter on a Tour of the New 6-12 Cuyahoga Falls Campus
Beyond exploring the architecture and design, the event provided an opportunity for designers to further discuss current interior design trends in the education market. This collaborative environment allowed professionals from across the educational industry to exchange ideas and share techniques that have proven successful, fostering a spirit of innovation for future projects.
The IIDA professional tour of the Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus offered a firsthand look at a state-of-the-art educational facility and a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to learn from one another.
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Setting the Stage for Learning: IIDA Members Explore the New Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 CampusThe IIDA Ohio Kentucky Chapter received an exclusive look into the future of educational design with their first building tour of 2026.
IIDA Members Explore the New Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus
The IIDA Ohio Kentucky Chapter received an exclusive look into the future of educational design with their first building tour of 2026. About 30 members of the local design community gathered in February to explore the new Cuyahoga Falls City Schools 6-12 Campus, a project led by ThenDesign Architecture.
This 365,000 SF school contains grades 6-12, along with a series of specialized career technical learning spaces. The intensive design process unfolded over 2021 and 2022 with the interior design being a key focus of the project. Key challenges included breaking down the scale of such a large building while ensuring wayfinding remained intuitive throughout.
TDA Lead a Group from the IIDA Ohio Kentucky Chapter on a Tour of the New 6-12 Cuyahoga Falls Campus
Lessons Learned
The evening began with an introduction by Cuyahoga Falls City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Andrea Celico. She shared insights into the collaborative design process and its impacts on the student experience since moving to the new facility. Her perspectives highlighted the connection between well-designed spaces and student well-being, a theme that resonates throughout IIDA’s mission.
Following the welcome and introduction, Dr. Celico and ThenDesign Architecture’s Project Manager, Scott Alleman, and Senior Interior Designer, Rhonda Franklin, along with other TDA members, guided the visitors through the building.
The tour showcased several thoughtful interior design elements. Distinct color palettes define spaces by grade level, making navigation easy and creating a sense of identity for each area. Natural daylighting was a clear priority, with windows placed to maximize sun exposure in core academic spaces. The dynamic interior design was achieved using durable materials, ensuring the campus’s longevity. The career technical education areas offered a glimpse into professional, yet accessible learning environments.
TDA Lead a Group from the IIDA Ohio Kentucky Chapter on a Tour of the New 6-12 Cuyahoga Falls Campus
Beyond exploring the architecture and design, the event provided an opportunity for designers to further discuss current interior design trends in the education market. This collaborative environment allowed professionals from across the educational industry to exchange ideas and share techniques that have proven successful, fostering a spirit of innovation for future projects.
The IIDA professional tour of the Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus offered a firsthand look at a state-of-the-art educational facility and a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to learn from one another.
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
Fairport Harbor Village: A Small Town with a Big SchoolFairport Harbor Village is a small town with a big school. The one-square-mile community voted to pass a bond issue to help fund a new PreK-12 campus on the existing Harding High School site to replace the century-old buildings the district had been using. Residents and local officials came together in December 2025 to celebrate its opening at the ribbon cutting ceremony and took a tour of the new school.
Fairport Harbor Ribbon Cutting for the New PreK-12 Campus
The Village of Fairport Harbor, situated along the shores of Lake Erie, Ohio, is a 1.11 square-mile town with a population of about 3,100 people and is home to the Marine Museum and its iconic 1825 lighthouse.
Despite their century-old buildings, the school district of this small village had big ideas for the betterment of their students, with an ambitious plan to update the existing educational facilities to provide an inspiring, top-tier learning environment that would promote collaboration and be adaptable to meet personalized student needs.
The community voted to pass a $5 million bond issue in November 2021 to help fund a new 116,000 SF PreK-12 school campus on the existing Harding High School site, which would replace their aging elementary and middle-high school buildings. State funding through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) covered the remainder of the $50 million construction project cost.
With the groundbreaking ceremony in May 2023 behind them, the Fairport Harbor Exempted Village School District hosted a grand opening celebration in December 2025 for students, staff, community members, and local officials. Residents enjoyed the Fairport Harbor ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the new PreK-12 school.
A Historic Celebration
Filling student dining, the observation stands, the staircase, and the second-floor overlook, the local community packed into the new school to show their support for this notable occasion in Fairport Harbor’s history.
Superintendent Bill Billington summarized the occasion, “Today isn’t just about cutting the ribbon. It’s about opening the doors to a future full of promise, opportunity, and inspiration for every child who walks through these halls.”
Bill expressed his excitement for the opportunities Fairport Harbor students and residents will have using the new facility. “This is a place where dreams will be sparked, where students will discover their passions, and where teachers will do their most impactful work. This is also where our community will come together time and time again.”
“Wow. Three years ago, we were breaking ground right over here.” Fairport Harbor Mayor Timothy Manross thanked everyone and explained that when a small community has a shared vision, they can make big things happen. “We’re a one-square-mile town with no appreciable industry, but you decided to support our future and our children when you voted for the levy that put the school building in.”
Mayor Manross continued, “2025 will go down as a historic year in Fairport Harbor, not only for the 200-year tradition that we just celebrated at the lighthouse, but this ribbon cutting celebrates you, the community.”
“You have committed to the next hundred years of Fairport Harbor students.”
Timothy Manross
Mayor
Fairport Harbor Ribbon Cutting for the New PreK-12 Campus
Touring the New Campus
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, attendees were invited to enjoy cookies and take a self-guided tour of the new facility to experience the modern learning spaces, which included a gymnasium, classrooms, STEAM spaces, and collaborative areas.
“It’s the community that truly makes this place a home, not the building,” said ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Adam Parris, RA. “We’re hoping this building begins one hundred more years of tradition. We’re privileged to be part of this project and excited for you to see the new spaces.”
Students, parents, and curious residents walked the bright hallways, sat in the comfortable furniture, and stood at the front of the clean classrooms. Children made the best use of the gymnasium by running end to end on the shiny wood flooring. There was something of interest for everyone to see and help the community feel proud of what they accomplished.
“I have kids in the district, so I really care about what goes on here,” said Board of Education President Justine Levine. “Whether a student is college-bound or interested in the trades, we think it’s important to give them career and college opportunities to make sure they get prepared to join the workforce. Now that they’re no longer in 100-year-old buildings, our kids will get the full, modern student experience.”
The new school reflects Fairport Harbor’s history and identity while providing a modern, future-ready campus to serve students from early childhood to graduation. It was also designed as a community hub for local activities and events.
The Fairport Harbor PreK-12 campus was made possible by the determined Fairport Harbor community, the OFCC’s state co-funding, and partnerships with ThenDesign Architecture and C.T. Taylor Construction. Finish work for the parking lot is still being completed, and the first wave of students began attending the new PreK-12 school after the winter break in January 2026.
“This school represents our shared belief that our students deserve the best. And today, we deliver on that promise.”
Bill Billington
Superintendent
Fairport Harbor PreK-12 Campus Tour
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Fairport Harbor Village: A Small Town with a Big SchoolFairport Harbor Village is a small town with a big school. The one-square-mile community voted to pass a bond issue to help fund a new PreK-12 campus on the existing Harding High School site to replace the century-old buildings the district had been using. Residents and local officials came together in December 2025 to celebrate its opening at the ribbon cutting ceremony and took a tour of the new school.
Fairport Harbor Ribbon Cutting for the New PreK-12 Campus
The Village of Fairport Harbor, situated along the shores of Lake Erie, Ohio, is a 1.11 square-mile town with a population of about 3,100 people and is home to the Marine Museum and its iconic 1825 lighthouse.
Despite their century-old buildings, the school district of this small village had big ideas for the betterment of their students, with an ambitious plan to update the existing educational facilities to provide an inspiring, top-tier learning environment that would promote collaboration and be adaptable to meet personalized student needs.
The community voted to pass a $5 million bond issue in November 2021 to help fund a new 116,000 SF PreK-12 school campus on the existing Harding High School site, which would replace their aging elementary and middle-high school buildings. State funding through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) covered the remainder of the $50 million construction project cost.
With the groundbreaking ceremony in May 2023 behind them, the Fairport Harbor Exempted Village School District hosted a grand opening celebration in December 2025 for students, staff, community members, and local officials. Residents enjoyed the Fairport Harbor ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the new PreK-12 school.
A Historic Celebration
Filling student dining, the observation stands, the staircase, and the second-floor overlook, the local community packed into the new school to show their support for this notable occasion in Fairport Harbor’s history.
Superintendent Bill Billington summarized the occasion, “Today isn’t just about cutting the ribbon. It’s about opening the doors to a future full of promise, opportunity, and inspiration for every child who walks through these halls.”
Bill expressed his excitement for the opportunities Fairport Harbor students and residents will have using the new facility. “This is a place where dreams will be sparked, where students will discover their passions, and where teachers will do their most impactful work. This is also where our community will come together time and time again.”
“Wow. Three years ago, we were breaking ground right over here.” Fairport Harbor Mayor Timothy Manross thanked everyone and explained that when a small community has a shared vision, they can make big things happen. “We’re a one-square-mile town with no appreciable industry, but you decided to support our future and our children when you voted for the levy that put the school building in.”
Mayor Manross continued, “2025 will go down as a historic year in Fairport Harbor, not only for the 200-year tradition that we just celebrated at the lighthouse, but this ribbon cutting celebrates you, the community.”
“You have committed to the next hundred years of Fairport Harbor students.”
Timothy Manross
Mayor
Fairport Harbor Ribbon Cutting for the New PreK-12 Campus
Touring the New Campus
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, attendees were invited to enjoy cookies and take a self-guided tour of the new facility to experience the modern learning spaces, which included a gymnasium, classrooms, STEAM spaces, and collaborative areas.
“It’s the community that truly makes this place a home, not the building,” said ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Adam Parris, RA. “We’re hoping this building begins one hundred more years of tradition. We’re privileged to be part of this project and excited for you to see the new spaces.”
Students, parents, and curious residents walked the bright hallways, sat in the comfortable furniture, and stood at the front of the clean classrooms. Children made the best use of the gymnasium by running end to end on the shiny wood flooring. There was something of interest for everyone to see and help the community feel proud of what they accomplished.
“I have kids in the district, so I really care about what goes on here,” said Board of Education President Justine Levine. “Whether a student is college-bound or interested in the trades, we think it’s important to give them career and college opportunities to make sure they get prepared to join the workforce. Now that they’re no longer in 100-year-old buildings, our kids will get the full, modern student experience.”
The new school reflects Fairport Harbor’s history and identity while providing a modern, future-ready campus to serve students from early childhood to graduation. It was also designed as a community hub for local activities and events.
The Fairport Harbor PreK-12 campus was made possible by the determined Fairport Harbor community, the OFCC’s state co-funding, and partnerships with ThenDesign Architecture and C.T. Taylor Construction. Finish work for the parking lot is still being completed, and the first wave of students began attending the new PreK-12 school after the winter break in January 2026.
“This school represents our shared belief that our students deserve the best. And today, we deliver on that promise.”
Bill Billington
Superintendent
Fairport Harbor PreK-12 Campus Tour
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TDA Staff Tours the New Geauga County Courthouse AdditionWith the historic Geauga County Courthouse expansion and renovation project close to having its grand opening, Project Manager Brad Gellert led ThenDesign Architecture staff members and guests on a private tour of the nearly-finished facility. Brad started the tour outside the new arched stone west entrance, recounting the building’s history and local significance, pointing out unique design features and specialized materials, and he provided construction details.
TDA Staff Tours the New Geauga County Courthouse Addition
With the historic Geauga County Courthouse expansion and renovation project close to its grand opening, Project Manager Brad Gellert, AIA, NCARB, led team members and guests on a tour of the nearly-finished facility.
The tour started outside the new arched stone west entrance. Brad recounted the building’s history and local significance, pointing out unique design features, materials, and construction details. Chardon is the county seat of Geauga County, and the original courthouse was constructed in 1870 when the requirements and usage for the county court were very different.
By design, the stone on the building’s addition came from the same quarry as the original construction. Molds of the historic cornice were created during construction to fashion the new cornice and ensure it matches. There is a designated space at the entrance for a potential time capsule.
The 26-member group wound through the new three-floor building, experiencing the lobby, offices, conference rooms, hallways, courtrooms, holding cells, and the sally port.
One unique detail included a small seam between the two buildings, which was still visible in a joining doorway. While this will be covered before construction finishes, it was a unique juxtaposition between buildings that were 150 years apart.
When the original courthouse was built, the design and security philosophies were much different than today. This new addition modernizes the historic courthouse and blends the old and new on Chardon’s historic square.
For some, it was the first time they had been to the site, while others were working on it before the groundbreaking ceremony in December 2023. But everyone agreed, it was a fun, unique opportunity, and they were grateful to see the culmination of so many people’s efforts.
ThenDesign Architecture is a learning and teaching firm, providing staff with career opportunities that expand their knowledge and experience. This project tour allowed any professional in the firm the chance to gain a greater understanding of what we do and how to overcome the challenges of a historic renovation project.
Begun in December 2023, the Geauga County Courthouse renovation and expansion project is a $20 million expansion in Chardon, Ohio, which doubles the size of the existing courthouse by adding approximately 30,800 square feet to enable county services to be conducted more efficiently, while updating technology and security features.
TDA Staff Tours the New Geauga County Courthouse AdditionWith the historic Geauga County Courthouse expansion and renovation project close to having its grand opening, Project Manager Brad Gellert led ThenDesign Architecture staff members and guests on a private tour of the nearly-finished facility. Brad started the tour outside the new arched stone west entrance, recounting the building’s history and local significance, pointing out unique design features and specialized materials, and he provided construction details.
TDA Staff Tours the New Geauga County Courthouse Addition
With the historic Geauga County Courthouse expansion and renovation project close to its grand opening, Project Manager Brad Gellert, AIA, NCARB, led team members and guests on a tour of the nearly-finished facility.
The tour started outside the new arched stone west entrance. Brad recounted the building’s history and local significance, pointing out unique design features, materials, and construction details. Chardon is the county seat of Geauga County, and the original courthouse was constructed in 1870 when the requirements and usage for the county court were very different.
By design, the stone on the building’s addition came from the same quarry as the original construction. Molds of the historic cornice were created during construction to fashion the new cornice and ensure it matches. There is a designated space at the entrance for a potential time capsule.
The 26-member group wound through the new three-floor building, experiencing the lobby, offices, conference rooms, hallways, courtrooms, holding cells, and the sally port.
One unique detail included a small seam between the two buildings, which was still visible in a joining doorway. While this will be covered before construction finishes, it was a unique juxtaposition between buildings that were 150 years apart.
When the original courthouse was built, the design and security philosophies were much different than today. This new addition modernizes the historic courthouse and blends the old and new on Chardon’s historic square.
For some, it was the first time they had been to the site, while others were working on it before the groundbreaking ceremony in December 2023. But everyone agreed, it was a fun, unique opportunity, and they were grateful to see the culmination of so many people’s efforts.
ThenDesign Architecture is a learning and teaching firm, providing staff with career opportunities that expand their knowledge and experience. This project tour allowed any professional in the firm the chance to gain a greater understanding of what we do and how to overcome the challenges of a historic renovation project.
Begun in December 2023, the Geauga County Courthouse renovation and expansion project is a $20 million expansion in Chardon, Ohio, which doubles the size of the existing courthouse by adding approximately 30,800 square feet to enable county services to be conducted more efficiently, while updating technology and security features.
CMSD Celebrates the Clark PreK-8 School Ribbon Cutting CeremonyThe Clark PreK-8 School commemorated its opening of the new building with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Merging the staff and students from Walton School, the nearly 100,000 SF Segment 8 building modernizes the education spaces to promote student excellence.
CMSD Celebrates the Clark PreK-8 School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) celebrated the grand opening of the new, nearly 100,000 SF Clark PreK-8 School with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The gymnasium was packed with students, staff, distinguished guests, and the local media.
Principal Amanda Rodriguez joked about serving as Clark’s principal for twenty years, “Some of you are the children of my former students. When we get to the grandchildren of my former students, then I’ll know it’s time to pass the baton.”
She announced that Clark had been recognized as a 4.5-star school and is the 29th-highest performing school in Ohio.
Clark PreK-8 School is an Investment in the Next Generation
This day marked a unique significance because the new Clark PreK-8 School welcomed a merger of staff and students from Walton School, which closed last semester. The consolidated educational facility was designed to promote enriched educational opportunities in a comfortable environment.
“May this new school serve as a hub for growth, curiosity, and connection,” said Board of Education Chair Sara Elaqad, J.D. She added, “I love how open and accessible it feels. And I love the home that our educators have already made within it.”
Cleveland Councilwoman Jenny Spencer of Ward 15 presented a resolution from the city council to commemorate the occasion.
“When we invest in our schools, we’re investing in the hopes and dreams of the next generation,” said Michele Pomerantz, Chief of Education for the City of Cleveland.
Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, made closing remarks: “The work we’re doing through our Building Brighter Futures initiative is to ensure that all kids in the City of Cleveland have access to an excellent education.”
Dr. Morgan spoke about the challenges of being a school leader, but pointed out how academic excellence has continued to increase in the district, and the new building will help facilitate that. He added, “Keep up the good work. This is our year of leveling up.”
After a dramatic countdown, the ribbon was cut with thunderous applause, marking the official opening of the Clark PreK-8 School.
TDA is proud to be the criteria architect for CMSD’s Segment 8, which is co-funded by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC).
CMSD Celebrates the Clark School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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CMSD Celebrates the Clark PreK-8 School Ribbon Cutting CeremonyThe Clark PreK-8 School commemorated its opening of the new building with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Merging the staff and students from Walton School, the nearly 100,000 SF Segment 8 building modernizes the education spaces to promote student excellence.
CMSD Celebrates the Clark PreK-8 School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) celebrated the grand opening of the new, nearly 100,000 SF Clark PreK-8 School with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The gymnasium was packed with students, staff, distinguished guests, and the local media.
Principal Amanda Rodriguez joked about serving as Clark’s principal for twenty years, “Some of you are the children of my former students. When we get to the grandchildren of my former students, then I’ll know it’s time to pass the baton.”
She announced that Clark had been recognized as a 4.5-star school and is the 29th-highest performing school in Ohio.
Clark PreK-8 School is an Investment in the Next Generation
This day marked a unique significance because the new Clark PreK-8 School welcomed a merger of staff and students from Walton School, which closed last semester. The consolidated educational facility was designed to promote enriched educational opportunities in a comfortable environment.
“May this new school serve as a hub for growth, curiosity, and connection,” said Board of Education Chair Sara Elaqad, J.D. She added, “I love how open and accessible it feels. And I love the home that our educators have already made within it.”
Cleveland Councilwoman Jenny Spencer of Ward 15 presented a resolution from the city council to commemorate the occasion.
“When we invest in our schools, we’re investing in the hopes and dreams of the next generation,” said Michele Pomerantz, Chief of Education for the City of Cleveland.
Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, made closing remarks: “The work we’re doing through our Building Brighter Futures initiative is to ensure that all kids in the City of Cleveland have access to an excellent education.”
Dr. Morgan spoke about the challenges of being a school leader, but pointed out how academic excellence has continued to increase in the district, and the new building will help facilitate that. He added, “Keep up the good work. This is our year of leveling up.”
After a dramatic countdown, the ribbon was cut with thunderous applause, marking the official opening of the Clark PreK-8 School.
TDA is proud to be the criteria architect for CMSD’s Segment 8, which is co-funded by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC).
CMSD Celebrates the Clark School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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The New Bryden Elementary School Ribbon CuttingBeachwood Schools celebrated the grand opening of the new Bryden Elementary School on the last day of school before the winter break. Over 300 students and guests filled the gymnasium to enjoy a student-led concert after the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The New Bryden Elementary School Ribbon Cutting
On the last day of school before the holidays, Beachwood Schools, in partnership with Hammond Construction, celebrated the completion of the new Bryden Elementary School with a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a student-led winter concert. Members of TDA were proud to participate in the festivities.
Guests and over 300 students packed the gymnasium to celebrate the completion of the new Bryden School. Led by Superintendent Dr. Robert Hardis, the ceremony included comments from Board of Education President Megan Walsh, ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Ryan Schmit, RA, Bill Sherman of Hammond Construction, and Principal Michelle Nizen.
The New Bryden Elementary School Ribbon Cutting
Dr. Hardis said, “This is a beautiful building, but it is not yet a school. Once all of you bring your energy, your enthusiasm, and your imaginations here, only then will this become Bryden School.”
Board of Education President Megan Walsh thanked the Beachwood community for their involvement and support in the process, “This day did not happen because of one person or one decision. It happened because an entire community chose to show up for its children.”
Incoming Principal Michelle Nizen expressed her excitement and looked forward to having the students experience the new building, “We get to be together. Learning, laughing, growing, and building friendships. We truly just cannot wait.”
After the ribbon was cut, the students sang Christmas songs before enjoying the rest of the school day with games and fun activities. During the winter break, faculty and staff finalized the details inside the building to prepare for the continuation of the school year.
“We have an amazing 70-year history in the old Bryden building. Let’s all bring those memories into this new building and create the new Bryden School,” said Dr. Hardis.
Students will begin attending Bryden School after the winter break concludes this week.
The New Bryden Elementary School Ribbon CuttingBeachwood Schools celebrated the grand opening of the new Bryden Elementary School on the last day of school before the winter break. Over 300 students and guests filled the gymnasium to enjoy a student-led concert after the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The New Bryden Elementary School Ribbon Cutting
On the last day of school before the holidays, Beachwood Schools, in partnership with Hammond Construction, celebrated the completion of the new Bryden Elementary School with a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a student-led winter concert. Members of TDA were proud to participate in the festivities.
Guests and over 300 students packed the gymnasium to celebrate the completion of the new Bryden School. Led by Superintendent Dr. Robert Hardis, the ceremony included comments from Board of Education President Megan Walsh, ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Ryan Schmit, RA, Bill Sherman of Hammond Construction, and Principal Michelle Nizen.
The New Bryden Elementary School Ribbon Cutting
Dr. Hardis said, “This is a beautiful building, but it is not yet a school. Once all of you bring your energy, your enthusiasm, and your imaginations here, only then will this become Bryden School.”
Board of Education President Megan Walsh thanked the Beachwood community for their involvement and support in the process, “This day did not happen because of one person or one decision. It happened because an entire community chose to show up for its children.”
Incoming Principal Michelle Nizen expressed her excitement and looked forward to having the students experience the new building, “We get to be together. Learning, laughing, growing, and building friendships. We truly just cannot wait.”
After the ribbon was cut, the students sang Christmas songs before enjoying the rest of the school day with games and fun activities. During the winter break, faculty and staff finalized the details inside the building to prepare for the continuation of the school year.
“We have an amazing 70-year history in the old Bryden building. Let’s all bring those memories into this new building and create the new Bryden School,” said Dr. Hardis.
Students will begin attending Bryden School after the winter break concludes this week.
Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building DedicationThe Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building Dedication was attended by families, students, faculty, and guests who commemorated the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony and building tour. Held in the student dining area, the dedication attracted a large turnout of Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake community members. With the campus being officially open, students will begin attending the new school after the winter break in January 2026.
Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building Dedication
Held just before the winter break, the Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building Dedication was a standing-room-only event with approximately 2,000 in attendance. Community members, students, educators, government officials, and stakeholders gathered in the student dining area to watch the ribbon cutting ceremony from three floors. Afterward, all were invited to tour the newly finished building.
The Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus is a 365,000 square foot building that includes a performing arts center, black box theatre, media center, planetarium, athletic stadium and practice fields, collaborative spaces, student dining area, and three gymnasiums.
Superintendent Andrea Celico, Ph.D., officiated the ceremony and said that the campus represented a promise. “A promise that every child, every Black Tiger, will have access to opportunities that help them grow, succeed, and dream bigger than ever before.”
Cuyahoga Falls City Mayor Don Walters said the opening of the new school was the most significant event in Cuyahoga Falls in the past hundred years, and Village of Silver Lake Mayor Therese Dunphy described the campus as “pretty darn near perfect.”
“This campus belongs to all of us, and it will serve generations of students to come.”
Andrea Celico, PhD.
Superintendent
A Celebration of Potential
With ample light coming through the floor-to-ceiling windows on the brisk winter day, attendees recorded the speeches and musical performances on their phones, panning the bright, colorful space to illustrate the sense of the expansive scale.
In her final year as School Board President, Alecia Coco made heartfelt comments thanking the community for its support. “Your commitment shows what can happen when a community comes together for its students,” she said. “To our teachers and staff, you will be the heart and soul of this campus.”
Providing the emotional core of the event, Ms. Coco spoke directly to the students and future Black Tigers, “Look around. This is your home. These classrooms, labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces were created for you. For your dreams, your growth, and your success.”
“Thank you for giving us not just a school, but a home,” said Makayla Wilson, a Class of 2026 student at Cuyahoga Falls High School who also spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony in 2022. She had the unique opportunity to speak again at the ribbon cutting three years later and will spend the remainder of her senior year at the new campus.
She concluded, “Let’s open the doors to the next chapter of a story whose heart will always live right here.”
After the ribbon was cut with bursts of confetti, attendees were invited to experience the thoughtful educational spaces by engaging in a self-guided tour.
The $133 million campus project was made possible by the passage of a bond issue in 2019 and was co-funded by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC). ThenDesign Architecture partnered with Hammond Construction to design and build the 365,000 SF building. The state-of-the-art facility provides students and faculty with new technology, expanded academic spaces, and opportunities for collaboration in a comfortable, secure environment.
Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake students will begin attending the new campus starting in January 2026 after the winter break, and it will serve as a community hub and facilitate educational excellence for decades.
“We are here today because your community believes in you.”
Alecia Coco
School Board President
Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building Dedication
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Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building DedicationThe Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building Dedication was attended by families, students, faculty, and guests who commemorated the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony and building tour. Held in the student dining area, the dedication attracted a large turnout of Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake community members. With the campus being officially open, students will begin attending the new school after the winter break in January 2026.
Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building Dedication
Held just before the winter break, the Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building Dedication was a standing-room-only event with approximately 2,000 in attendance. Community members, students, educators, government officials, and stakeholders gathered in the student dining area to watch the ribbon cutting ceremony from three floors. Afterward, all were invited to tour the newly finished building.
The Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus is a 365,000 square foot building that includes a performing arts center, black box theatre, media center, planetarium, athletic stadium and practice fields, collaborative spaces, student dining area, and three gymnasiums.
Superintendent Andrea Celico, Ph.D., officiated the ceremony and said that the campus represented a promise. “A promise that every child, every Black Tiger, will have access to opportunities that help them grow, succeed, and dream bigger than ever before.”
Cuyahoga Falls City Mayor Don Walters said the opening of the new school was the most significant event in Cuyahoga Falls in the past hundred years, and Village of Silver Lake Mayor Therese Dunphy described the campus as “pretty darn near perfect.”
“This campus belongs to all of us, and it will serve generations of students to come.”
Andrea Celico, PhD.
Superintendent
A Celebration of Potential
With ample light coming through the floor-to-ceiling windows on the brisk winter day, attendees recorded the speeches and musical performances on their phones, panning the bright, colorful space to illustrate the sense of the expansive scale.
In her final year as School Board President, Alecia Coco made heartfelt comments thanking the community for its support. “Your commitment shows what can happen when a community comes together for its students,” she said. “To our teachers and staff, you will be the heart and soul of this campus.”
Providing the emotional core of the event, Ms. Coco spoke directly to the students and future Black Tigers, “Look around. This is your home. These classrooms, labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces were created for you. For your dreams, your growth, and your success.”
“Thank you for giving us not just a school, but a home,” said Makayla Wilson, a Class of 2026 student at Cuyahoga Falls High School who also spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony in 2022. She had the unique opportunity to speak again at the ribbon cutting three years later and will spend the remainder of her senior year at the new campus.
She concluded, “Let’s open the doors to the next chapter of a story whose heart will always live right here.”
After the ribbon was cut with bursts of confetti, attendees were invited to experience the thoughtful educational spaces by engaging in a self-guided tour.
The $133 million campus project was made possible by the passage of a bond issue in 2019 and was co-funded by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC). ThenDesign Architecture partnered with Hammond Construction to design and build the 365,000 SF building. The state-of-the-art facility provides students and faculty with new technology, expanded academic spaces, and opportunities for collaboration in a comfortable, secure environment.
Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake students will begin attending the new campus starting in January 2026 after the winter break, and it will serve as a community hub and facilitate educational excellence for decades.
“We are here today because your community believes in you.”
Alecia Coco
School Board President
Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building Dedication
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CMSD Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School Ribbon CuttingAfter extensive renovations were completed, the Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School officially opened with a ribbon cutting celebration organized by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The Segment 8 building provides students with improved learning opportunities in a secure, comfortable environment.
CMSD Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School Ribbon Cutting
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated 3.5-star Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Assembled in the gymnasium, students, staff, dignitaries from local and state governments, community members, stakeholders, and the local media marked the occasion with inspirational words and congratulations.
Among those in attendance were Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, CMSD CEO Dr. Warren Morgan, CMSD Board of Education Chair Sara Elaqad, JD, Ohio State Senator Nickie Antonio, Ohio State Representative Tristan Rader, Cleveland City Councilwoman Jenny Spencer, and Cleveland City Councilman Martin Sweeney.
“I want to thank all the amazing residents who voted to make sure this building was possible,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. “I’m very impressed by Cowboy Nation. It’s wonderful to see the incredible culture you have already created in this school.”
Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School Cultivates Potential
Mayor Bibb had inspirational words for the students, “To all the young leaders in this room, this building is not only an investment in you today, but also an investment in your future. Because in this city, we want to make sure that your God-given potential is realized.”
Expressing his school pride by sporting a cowboy hat, Principal Lennox Thompson was excited for the opportunities his students will receive in the refreshed spaces throughout the building. “Today is a joyful celebration,” he said. “This is a reflection of our leaders and the unwavering dedication of our teachers. We are grateful to those who poured their sweat, tears, and heart into our school. We see you. We thank you. And we will carry your legacy forward.”
Cleveland Councilwoman Jenny Spencer mentioned her personal connection to the school. “Joseph M. Gallagher is so special to me,” she said. “I live about a five-minute walk from here. So, I walked to your school today.”
State Senator Nickie Antonio told the students she grew up in Cleveland on West 90th Street. She concluded, “We expect great things from all of you as you go forward because you truly are our future.”
“You are very fortunate to have a supportive community that voted for the tax levies to build this school,” said State Representative Tristan Rader. “I’m going to share your story about how you built this new school in the footprint of the old one, and inside the original structure, to provide such a state-of-the-art facility.”
Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, stressed the importance of the Building Brighter Futures initiative. “What makes a school a school are the people. You’re blessed to have this wonderful building. We want to ensure that every child in Cleveland has access to a high-quality education.”
The event culminated with the enthusiastic cutting of the ribbon to officially commemorate the grand opening of the Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School.
TDA is proud to be the criteria architect for CMSD’s Segment 8, which is co-funded by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC).
“There are so many great things happening in this building.”
Dr. Warren Morgan
CEO, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
CMSD Celebrates the Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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CMSD Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School Ribbon CuttingAfter extensive renovations were completed, the Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School officially opened with a ribbon cutting celebration organized by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The Segment 8 building provides students with improved learning opportunities in a secure, comfortable environment.
CMSD Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School Ribbon Cutting
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated 3.5-star Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Assembled in the gymnasium, students, staff, dignitaries from local and state governments, community members, stakeholders, and the local media marked the occasion with inspirational words and congratulations.
Among those in attendance were Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, CMSD CEO Dr. Warren Morgan, CMSD Board of Education Chair Sara Elaqad, JD, Ohio State Senator Nickie Antonio, Ohio State Representative Tristan Rader, Cleveland City Councilwoman Jenny Spencer, and Cleveland City Councilman Martin Sweeney.
“I want to thank all the amazing residents who voted to make sure this building was possible,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. “I’m very impressed by Cowboy Nation. It’s wonderful to see the incredible culture you have already created in this school.”
Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School Cultivates Potential
Mayor Bibb had inspirational words for the students, “To all the young leaders in this room, this building is not only an investment in you today, but also an investment in your future. Because in this city, we want to make sure that your God-given potential is realized.”
Expressing his school pride by sporting a cowboy hat, Principal Lennox Thompson was excited for the opportunities his students will receive in the refreshed spaces throughout the building. “Today is a joyful celebration,” he said. “This is a reflection of our leaders and the unwavering dedication of our teachers. We are grateful to those who poured their sweat, tears, and heart into our school. We see you. We thank you. And we will carry your legacy forward.”
Cleveland Councilwoman Jenny Spencer mentioned her personal connection to the school. “Joseph M. Gallagher is so special to me,” she said. “I live about a five-minute walk from here. So, I walked to your school today.”
State Senator Nickie Antonio told the students she grew up in Cleveland on West 90th Street. She concluded, “We expect great things from all of you as you go forward because you truly are our future.”
“You are very fortunate to have a supportive community that voted for the tax levies to build this school,” said State Representative Tristan Rader. “I’m going to share your story about how you built this new school in the footprint of the old one, and inside the original structure, to provide such a state-of-the-art facility.”
Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, stressed the importance of the Building Brighter Futures initiative. “What makes a school a school are the people. You’re blessed to have this wonderful building. We want to ensure that every child in Cleveland has access to a high-quality education.”
The event culminated with the enthusiastic cutting of the ribbon to officially commemorate the grand opening of the Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School.
TDA is proud to be the criteria architect for CMSD’s Segment 8, which is co-funded by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC).
“There are so many great things happening in this building.”
Dr. Warren Morgan
CEO, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
CMSD Celebrates the Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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Inside Wickliffe’s Family Resource Center: Strengthening CommunitiesThe Wickliffe Family Resource Center, operated by the Wickliffe City School District, teamed up with ThenDesign Architecture to produce a series of informational videos showcasing the free services provided to community members and students, including primary care, behavioral health, and oral care. It is designed to be a model for resource centers across the country. In close partnership with Signature Health, the non-profit organization is connected to the new PreK-12 Campus in Wickliffe, Ohio.
Inside Wickliffe’s Family Resource Center: Strengthening Communities
A series of documentary videos was created to explain what the Wickliffe Family Resource Center is and how it can assist those in need. Offering physical resources such as food, clothing, and household supplies through the WicKloset program is in addition to Signature Health’s free primary care, behavioral health, and oral health services.
Part 1: Who Are We?
“The Wickliffe Family Resource Center is a one-stop shop for members of the community, students, and staff to get any of their needs met,” commented former superintendent Joe Spiccia on the WFRC.
The FRC has become a community hub, operating under the guiding principle: “We never say no.” Built from a careful examination of Wickliffe’s students and our families, the center’s vision, championed by Director of Strategic Innovation Julie Ramos, is to ensure student success by complementing the work of schools.
The FRC, which includes a secure on-campus clinic co-located within the PreK-12 school, provides critical food, clothing, medical, and mental health services. The initiative is designed to wrap around students and families, offering a safe location and the necessary supports so they can level up. Local leadership, including the mayor, emphasizes that the FRC is one way this tight-knit community provides for its neighbors and students who may be going through challenging times. The district’s student experience is impacted for the better because, as one community member noted, “If you needed any help, it was there.”
Part 2: Partnership with Signature Health
Many students have unmet mental or chronic health needs, and we know that those can negatively impact their attendance and their performance. Having a clinic at the WFRC allows us to address those needs and see success in students,” said Medical Director, Primary Care for Signature Health, Dr. Todd Wagner. They aim to provide students with key services that benefit their lives.
The success of the Wickliffe School District’s academic mission relies on students being “healthy, happy, and feeling good,” according to Superintendent Joe Spiccia. This led to the partnership with Signature Health, a community health center specializing in serving those at any socioeconomic scale.
Signature Health at the Family Resource Center (FRC) provides comprehensive, co-located healthcare, including primary care, behavioral health, and oral health. The service is unique in that it is open to anybody, regardless of zip code, status, or income.
This collaboration addresses significant barriers to academic performance—such as hunger, housing instability, or unmet mental health needs—that impede a student’s ability to learn. By offering vaccines and physicals on-site, students do not miss instructional time. Clinicians can work as a team with school staff to address chronic conditions like asthma or provide individual and family counseling for emotional needs. This proactive support system is critical for the student experience, allowing children who were once struggling to “thrive,” see their “grades improve,” and ultimately graduate. The goal is to expand the impact on the entire community.
Part 3: Making a Difference
The Wickliffe Family Resource Center (FRC) utilizes a unique “wraparound service” model to assist individuals in need. Director of Strategic Innovation for Wickliffe City Schools, Julie Ramos, stated, “By having a wraparound service, we aim to benefit each person outside of just an academic setting. If we don’t provide the service, we’re going to figure it out.” This approach sets Wickliffe apart by offering comprehensive resources in one location, ensuring that when a family or student presents a challenge, the FRC commits to providing a solution.
Core services include the WicKloset, which offers seasonal clothing, shoes, and dry storage food. Crucially, the FRC helps students by providing counseling services, an outlet that was unavailable to previous generations of struggling single-parent families. This support directly impacts the student experience, providing the necessary aid that allows young people to focus on their education.
The FRC is supported by the community, with citizens donating and volunteering to help out those in need. High school students are learning empathy and leadership by giving back, recognizing that helping others creates a positive “chain reaction” for the whole community. Grant support from the state and federal government recognizes the importance of this work, which provides significant downstream savings through early intervention.
Part 4: Measuring Success
Since opening in 2019, the Family Resource Center (FRC) has served over 10,000 people across 22 ZIP codes, demonstrating a significant community impact. Last year alone, the FRC served approximately 2,000 individuals through programs like the WicKloset, ensuring food and clothing for community members.
The FRC’s true measure of success is the tangible impact on family and student outcomes. By addressing non-academic barriers, the district has seen a 12% reduction in the chronic absenteeism rate and an improved graduation rate. There has also been an increase in participation in extracurricular activities, partially credited to the availability of free physicals at the center.
For struggling students, the center provides crucial primary care and behavioral health services, which have been proven to lead to better school attendance and performance. Success is measured in many ways—but the FRC’s data confirms that its “big mountain to climb” approach is making a direct, positive difference in the overall student experience and the community at large.
Part 5: Building the Campus
“We knew that if we served the whole community, we were then serving the students,” commented former superintendent Joe Spiccia on the construction of the new PreK-12 school.
The Wickliffe community is a close-knit entity. The schools, which are a central part of that community, launched meetings in 2017 to address their aging facilities. The result was a consensus to build a new Preschool through 12th-grade campus, consolidating all students into one secure location.
The design of the new campus and the attached Family Resource Center (FRC) was strategically executed with ThenDesign Architecture (TDA). The FRC, which was designed as a part of the new school, was created as a secure, safe location with its own outside entrance and connection to the school. This physical design ensures safety while maximizing accessibility.
The FRC’s success stems from extensive collaboration; the district met with every social service agency in Lake County, securing Signature Health as its primary partner. State government officials also provided crucial support to secure funding. The center operates on the premise that serving the whole community inherently serves the students, creating a supportive environment where students know, “We’ve got you. Even if you trip, you have somewhere to go.” This thoughtfully designed space ensures every student can get back up and continue moving forward.
Part 6: Setting the Example
“This is the future of education. It is really, truly addressing the entire human and by using our partnerships and working collaboratively to bring in those nonprofits, we benefit families and students,” states Director of Strategic Innovation for Wickliffe City Schools, Julie Ramos.
The Wickliffe Family Resource Center (FRC) is positioned as a successful model that needs to be replicated in communities nationwide. Stakeholders assert the FRC represents the future of education, stressing that its value goes “way beyond any return on investment” by creating happier, healthier communities.
The center’s mission is to support the whole child, whole family, and whole community. By addressing the entire human through strong partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and foundations, the FRC ensures students receive comprehensive support. This holistic approach significantly improves the student experience by removing non-academic barriers.
Wickliffe leaders are inviting other school districts seeking to build similar programs to “call us.” They pledge to be an “open book,” sharing every step of their journey to demonstrate how any community—whether in Lake County or five states away—can benefit from this center and utilize its services. The existence of the FRC is a major asset that offers support to many families in need.
Inside Wickliffe’s Family Resource Center: Strengthening CommunitiesThe Wickliffe Family Resource Center, operated by the Wickliffe City School District, teamed up with ThenDesign Architecture to produce a series of informational videos showcasing the free services provided to community members and students, including primary care, behavioral health, and oral care. It is designed to be a model for resource centers across the country. In close partnership with Signature Health, the non-profit organization is connected to the new PreK-12 Campus in Wickliffe, Ohio.
Inside Wickliffe’s Family Resource Center: Strengthening Communities
A series of documentary videos was created to explain what the Wickliffe Family Resource Center is and how it can assist those in need. Offering physical resources such as food, clothing, and household supplies through the WicKloset program is in addition to Signature Health’s free primary care, behavioral health, and oral health services.
Part 1: Who Are We?
“The Wickliffe Family Resource Center is a one-stop shop for members of the community, students, and staff to get any of their needs met,” commented former superintendent Joe Spiccia on the WFRC.
The FRC has become a community hub, operating under the guiding principle: “We never say no.” Built from a careful examination of Wickliffe’s students and our families, the center’s vision, championed by Director of Strategic Innovation Julie Ramos, is to ensure student success by complementing the work of schools.
The FRC, which includes a secure on-campus clinic co-located within the PreK-12 school, provides critical food, clothing, medical, and mental health services. The initiative is designed to wrap around students and families, offering a safe location and the necessary supports so they can level up. Local leadership, including the mayor, emphasizes that the FRC is one way this tight-knit community provides for its neighbors and students who may be going through challenging times. The district’s student experience is impacted for the better because, as one community member noted, “If you needed any help, it was there.”
Part 2: Partnership with Signature Health
Many students have unmet mental or chronic health needs, and we know that those can negatively impact their attendance and their performance. Having a clinic at the WFRC allows us to address those needs and see success in students,” said Medical Director, Primary Care for Signature Health, Dr. Todd Wagner. They aim to provide students with key services that benefit their lives.
The success of the Wickliffe School District’s academic mission relies on students being “healthy, happy, and feeling good,” according to Superintendent Joe Spiccia. This led to the partnership with Signature Health, a community health center specializing in serving those at any socioeconomic scale.
Signature Health at the Family Resource Center (FRC) provides comprehensive, co-located healthcare, including primary care, behavioral health, and oral health. The service is unique in that it is open to anybody, regardless of zip code, status, or income.
This collaboration addresses significant barriers to academic performance—such as hunger, housing instability, or unmet mental health needs—that impede a student’s ability to learn. By offering vaccines and physicals on-site, students do not miss instructional time. Clinicians can work as a team with school staff to address chronic conditions like asthma or provide individual and family counseling for emotional needs. This proactive support system is critical for the student experience, allowing children who were once struggling to “thrive,” see their “grades improve,” and ultimately graduate. The goal is to expand the impact on the entire community.
Part 3: Making a Difference
The Wickliffe Family Resource Center (FRC) utilizes a unique “wraparound service” model to assist individuals in need. Director of Strategic Innovation for Wickliffe City Schools, Julie Ramos, stated, “By having a wraparound service, we aim to benefit each person outside of just an academic setting. If we don’t provide the service, we’re going to figure it out.” This approach sets Wickliffe apart by offering comprehensive resources in one location, ensuring that when a family or student presents a challenge, the FRC commits to providing a solution.
Core services include the WicKloset, which offers seasonal clothing, shoes, and dry storage food. Crucially, the FRC helps students by providing counseling services, an outlet that was unavailable to previous generations of struggling single-parent families. This support directly impacts the student experience, providing the necessary aid that allows young people to focus on their education.
The FRC is supported by the community, with citizens donating and volunteering to help out those in need. High school students are learning empathy and leadership by giving back, recognizing that helping others creates a positive “chain reaction” for the whole community. Grant support from the state and federal government recognizes the importance of this work, which provides significant downstream savings through early intervention.
Part 4: Measuring Success
Since opening in 2019, the Family Resource Center (FRC) has served over 10,000 people across 22 ZIP codes, demonstrating a significant community impact. Last year alone, the FRC served approximately 2,000 individuals through programs like the WicKloset, ensuring food and clothing for community members.
The FRC’s true measure of success is the tangible impact on family and student outcomes. By addressing non-academic barriers, the district has seen a 12% reduction in the chronic absenteeism rate and an improved graduation rate. There has also been an increase in participation in extracurricular activities, partially credited to the availability of free physicals at the center.
For struggling students, the center provides crucial primary care and behavioral health services, which have been proven to lead to better school attendance and performance. Success is measured in many ways—but the FRC’s data confirms that its “big mountain to climb” approach is making a direct, positive difference in the overall student experience and the community at large.
Part 5: Building the Campus
“We knew that if we served the whole community, we were then serving the students,” commented former superintendent Joe Spiccia on the construction of the new PreK-12 school.
The Wickliffe community is a close-knit entity. The schools, which are a central part of that community, launched meetings in 2017 to address their aging facilities. The result was a consensus to build a new Preschool through 12th-grade campus, consolidating all students into one secure location.
The design of the new campus and the attached Family Resource Center (FRC) was strategically executed with ThenDesign Architecture (TDA). The FRC, which was designed as a part of the new school, was created as a secure, safe location with its own outside entrance and connection to the school. This physical design ensures safety while maximizing accessibility.
The FRC’s success stems from extensive collaboration; the district met with every social service agency in Lake County, securing Signature Health as its primary partner. State government officials also provided crucial support to secure funding. The center operates on the premise that serving the whole community inherently serves the students, creating a supportive environment where students know, “We’ve got you. Even if you trip, you have somewhere to go.” This thoughtfully designed space ensures every student can get back up and continue moving forward.
Part 6: Setting the Example
“This is the future of education. It is really, truly addressing the entire human and by using our partnerships and working collaboratively to bring in those nonprofits, we benefit families and students,” states Director of Strategic Innovation for Wickliffe City Schools, Julie Ramos.
The Wickliffe Family Resource Center (FRC) is positioned as a successful model that needs to be replicated in communities nationwide. Stakeholders assert the FRC represents the future of education, stressing that its value goes “way beyond any return on investment” by creating happier, healthier communities.
The center’s mission is to support the whole child, whole family, and whole community. By addressing the entire human through strong partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and foundations, the FRC ensures students receive comprehensive support. This holistic approach significantly improves the student experience by removing non-academic barriers.
Wickliffe leaders are inviting other school districts seeking to build similar programs to “call us.” They pledge to be an “open book,” sharing every step of their journey to demonstrate how any community—whether in Lake County or five states away—can benefit from this center and utilize its services. The existence of the FRC is a major asset that offers support to many families in need.
Mentor Public Schools Career Academics Renovation CompletedThe Mentor Public Schools Career Academics renovations have been completed. TDA and Mentor Public Schools worked to update and design modern spaces that improve the quality of education for students in the district. With renovated CTE spaces that include the Digital Media/Cyber Security Academies, the Culinary Academy, and the Construction Academy, Mentor High School students are better prepared to enter a professional trade with real-world skills developed through the Career Technical programs.
Mentor Public Schools Career Academics Renovation Completed
Mentor Public Schools hosts a robust Career Technical curriculum for its students. Offering 22 different pathway programs, each career academy provides educational opportunities for students to learn in-demand trades that best suit their preferences. On October 3, 2025, the district hosted a tour and ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of the renovation project at Mentor High School.
Last year, the school district secured a $2.2 million grant to expand its offerings by renovating some of the existing spaces at Mentor High School. Those upgrades were completed before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Superintendent Craig Heath said, “It was a very ambitious construction project, and we’re so excited with how these spaces turned out.”
Mentor Public Schools operates seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and one state-of-the-art specialized school for students with autism, CARES. The philosophy of the district is to focus on career exposure starting at the elementary level to give young people a sense of what types of job fields are available in the community. There is also a drive to expand the current career exploration programs for middle schoolers.
“We want to think completely outside the box as we’re reimagining the path forward,” Craig said to a group of guests during a pre-tour discussion. “We want to explore more things our kids have an interest in so they can get the experience that provides credentials, certificates, and college credit.”
“We want our kids to leave Mentor High School with skills they can take out into the world.”
Craig Heath
Superintendent
Mentor Public Schools Career Academics Renovated Spaces Are Completed
Touring the Renovated Career Academics Spaces
Led by Assistant Principal Jaclyn Nemes, the group toured the newly renovated spaces at Mentor High School, which included the Digital Media/Cyber Security Academies, the Culinary Academy, and the Construction Academy. A two-year Robotics and Engineering Academy is enjoying its inaugural year, and once construction is completed at the stadium, the Sports Medicine Academy will be located there.
The group of over forty people stopped to look through the large new windows in the hallways before entering each class. “We’re very excited to show you these beautiful spaces,” Jaclyn said. “If you’ve been here before, you’ll be amazed at how different they look.”
“The tour and ribbon cutting today showcase everything we’ve been working for so many years,” Jaclyn said. “Mentor Schools has always had a very robust CTE program, but now that we’re moving from a compact with other districts to being a comprehensive model located just on campus, we’re able to provide so many more opportunities for our students without leaving Mentor High School.”
One of the most significant changes during the renovation was the creation of a Construction Academy with all new equipment. Three band saws are connected to the ventilation system stationed in the wood storage room. Students now have access to a large CNC machine, drill presses, a planer, a drum sander, a miter saw, a router, a staining table, and a wood-burning station. As an enhanced safety feature, the table saw has advanced SawStop technology to prevent serious injury.
Offering one-year and two-year programs, the Mentor Schools Career Academies currently support over 350 students, and around 350 are enrolled in College Credit Plus (CCP) courses.
“Over 350 students have an opportunity to gain real-world career-based learning.”
Jaclyn Nemes
MHS Assistant Principal
Guests Tour Mentor Public Schools the Renovated Career Academics Spaces
A Lasting Partnership
“We had some CTE programs when I was in school, but it was more around farming and agriculture,” said ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Ryan Schmit. He smiled and added, “But that was not my particular interest.”
Ryan and his team worked with the school district to renovate the existing spaces to create more comfortable, effective environments for students to learn technical skills. “I love the big windows in the hallways so kids can take an interest in what their classmates are doing. The tiered, stadium-styled seating in the computer lab gives a collegiate feel. And the metal paneling in the Construction Academy is a cool finish. Mia Katz came up with that.”
TDA and Mentor Public Schools have enjoyed a partnership of over twenty years, which is reflected in the mutual respect and understanding built over the multiple projects. Ryan spoke on the importance of programs like those the school district provides and why he enjoys supporting them through design. “I like that they’re offering students opportunities they otherwise might not have to pursue careers right after high school. Giving them real-world training for jobs that are in need right now is a worthwhile plan.”
Mentor High School Principal John Fullerman sees the benefits of students gaining essential hands-on experience before graduating from high school. “Programs like we have help them see what their likes and dislikes are before they commit to them. They can discover their passions and then go for it.”
Mentor Public Schools plans to keep adding more CTE programs. John said, “That’s the nice part of these grants. They allow us to give more and more opportunities to our students.”
“I’m looking forward to Mentor Schools being a standalone CTE provider,” said Superintendent Craig Heath. “Our focus this year will be to expand the career learning opportunities for our students. We hope that by providing more specialized education experiences, they will be even more prepared to enter the adult workforce.”
“The more opportunities we can provide, the better.”
John Fullerman
MHS Principal
Mentor Public Schools Career Academics Renovation and Ribbon Cutting
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Mentor Public Schools Career Academics Renovation CompletedThe Mentor Public Schools Career Academics renovations have been completed. TDA and Mentor Public Schools worked to update and design modern spaces that improve the quality of education for students in the district. With renovated CTE spaces that include the Digital Media/Cyber Security Academies, the Culinary Academy, and the Construction Academy, Mentor High School students are better prepared to enter a professional trade with real-world skills developed through the Career Technical programs.
Mentor Public Schools Career Academics Renovation Completed
Mentor Public Schools hosts a robust Career Technical curriculum for its students. Offering 22 different pathway programs, each career academy provides educational opportunities for students to learn in-demand trades that best suit their preferences. On October 3, 2025, the district hosted a tour and ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of the renovation project at Mentor High School.
Last year, the school district secured a $2.2 million grant to expand its offerings by renovating some of the existing spaces at Mentor High School. Those upgrades were completed before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Superintendent Craig Heath said, “It was a very ambitious construction project, and we’re so excited with how these spaces turned out.”
Mentor Public Schools operates seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and one state-of-the-art specialized school for students with autism, CARES. The philosophy of the district is to focus on career exposure starting at the elementary level to give young people a sense of what types of job fields are available in the community. There is also a drive to expand the current career exploration programs for middle schoolers.
“We want to think completely outside the box as we’re reimagining the path forward,” Craig said to a group of guests during a pre-tour discussion. “We want to explore more things our kids have an interest in so they can get the experience that provides credentials, certificates, and college credit.”
“We want our kids to leave Mentor High School with skills they can take out into the world.”
Craig Heath
Superintendent
Mentor Public Schools Career Academics Renovated Spaces Are Completed
Touring the Renovated Career Academics Spaces
Led by Assistant Principal Jaclyn Nemes, the group toured the newly renovated spaces at Mentor High School, which included the Digital Media/Cyber Security Academies, the Culinary Academy, and the Construction Academy. A two-year Robotics and Engineering Academy is enjoying its inaugural year, and once construction is completed at the stadium, the Sports Medicine Academy will be located there.
The group of over forty people stopped to look through the large new windows in the hallways before entering each class. “We’re very excited to show you these beautiful spaces,” Jaclyn said. “If you’ve been here before, you’ll be amazed at how different they look.”
“The tour and ribbon cutting today showcase everything we’ve been working for so many years,” Jaclyn said. “Mentor Schools has always had a very robust CTE program, but now that we’re moving from a compact with other districts to being a comprehensive model located just on campus, we’re able to provide so many more opportunities for our students without leaving Mentor High School.”
One of the most significant changes during the renovation was the creation of a Construction Academy with all new equipment. Three band saws are connected to the ventilation system stationed in the wood storage room. Students now have access to a large CNC machine, drill presses, a planer, a drum sander, a miter saw, a router, a staining table, and a wood-burning station. As an enhanced safety feature, the table saw has advanced SawStop technology to prevent serious injury.
Offering one-year and two-year programs, the Mentor Schools Career Academies currently support over 350 students, and around 350 are enrolled in College Credit Plus (CCP) courses.
“Over 350 students have an opportunity to gain real-world career-based learning.”
Jaclyn Nemes
MHS Assistant Principal
Guests Tour Mentor Public Schools the Renovated Career Academics Spaces
A Lasting Partnership
“We had some CTE programs when I was in school, but it was more around farming and agriculture,” said ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Ryan Schmit. He smiled and added, “But that was not my particular interest.”
Ryan and his team worked with the school district to renovate the existing spaces to create more comfortable, effective environments for students to learn technical skills. “I love the big windows in the hallways so kids can take an interest in what their classmates are doing. The tiered, stadium-styled seating in the computer lab gives a collegiate feel. And the metal paneling in the Construction Academy is a cool finish. Mia Katz came up with that.”
TDA and Mentor Public Schools have enjoyed a partnership of over twenty years, which is reflected in the mutual respect and understanding built over the multiple projects. Ryan spoke on the importance of programs like those the school district provides and why he enjoys supporting them through design. “I like that they’re offering students opportunities they otherwise might not have to pursue careers right after high school. Giving them real-world training for jobs that are in need right now is a worthwhile plan.”
Mentor High School Principal John Fullerman sees the benefits of students gaining essential hands-on experience before graduating from high school. “Programs like we have help them see what their likes and dislikes are before they commit to them. They can discover their passions and then go for it.”
Mentor Public Schools plans to keep adding more CTE programs. John said, “That’s the nice part of these grants. They allow us to give more and more opportunities to our students.”
“I’m looking forward to Mentor Schools being a standalone CTE provider,” said Superintendent Craig Heath. “Our focus this year will be to expand the career learning opportunities for our students. We hope that by providing more specialized education experiences, they will be even more prepared to enter the adult workforce.”
“The more opportunities we can provide, the better.”
John Fullerman
MHS Principal
Mentor Public Schools Career Academics Renovation and Ribbon Cutting
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North Ridgeville City Schools’ Ranger RallyNorth Ridgeville City School’s Ranger Rally was a celebration of the start of the new school year and a show of appreciation to the local community for their continued support of the new high school project. The Ranger Rally hosted food trucks, games, informational booths, bouncy houses, a rock climbing wall, the opening of the Wilcox Elementary Class of 2000 Time Capsule, and a groundbreaking ceremony.
North Ridgeville City Schools’ Ranger Rally
North Ridgeville City Schools’ Ranger Rally served as a thank you to the community and a celebration of the start of another school year. The Friday evening back-to-school kickoff culminated with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new North Ridgeville High School, which will open in 2028.
As visitors arrived, they were greeted by the marching band and cheerleaders, guiding them to dozens of activities, booths, and food trucks inside Ranger Stadium. A rock climbing wall, inflatable bouncy houses, games, and balloon animals created a carnival-like atmosphere for families to enjoy.
“A part of our evening tonight was to show appreciation for our families and all of their support for the schools,” said Meghan Hignite, Principal of North Ridgeville High School.
“We are honored to be the architects designing the Transportation and Maintenance Center in addition to the new high school.”
Claire Bank, AIA, NCARB, ALEP
Project Manager, ThenDesign Architecture
The Ranger Rally Revisits the Past
The 2000 Wilcox Elementary School Time Capsule was opened near the entrance to the high school, and a letter from the class of 2000 was read. William Noll from the North Ridgeville Historical Society explained the history of the school and Superintendent Elizabeth Wilcox, for whom it was named. Former Wilcox principals Chris McCully and Lee Armbruster gave comments, sharing their personal connections to the school.
The site for the new North Ridgeville High School had been prepared for construction and was an ideal location to host the groundbreaking ceremony.
“We are truly grateful to have you all here to share in such a meaningful milestone for our community,” said Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio. “Since the day I became a Ranger, we have been working toward this very moment, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see it come to life today. This ceremony is not just about breaking ground. It’s about building the future for students today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
North Ridgeville Mayor Kevin Corcoran read a proclamation, “This new facility will provide modern, innovative learning spaces that reflect North Ridgeville City School’s mission of empowering students to design their preferred future and support its academic achievement, career readiness, and extracurricular opportunities for generations of students.”
“There will be more features than ever before for our students to thrive.”
Hayleigh Cass
Student, Class of 2026
North Ridgeville City Schools’ Ranger Rally
A Grateful School District
“This event is a culmination of strong community support, unbelievable leadership from the school district and the school board, and a lot of hard work from ThenDesign Architecture,” said Bill Schurman, PE, owner of Hammond Construction, while expressing his excitement for the project. “We want to thank you all for trusting us to build your new high school. We want to turn over a high school that you will be proud of for many generations.”
Board of Education President Frank Vacha expressed his heartfelt gratitude, “A lot of hard work got us here today. Hard work from my fellow board members, the administrative team, Citizens for Better Schools, and so many people in our community. Thank you.”
The North Ridgeville City Schools’ Ranger Rally offered a unique experience filled with fun activities for students, their families, and the community to celebrate the start of the 2025-2026 school year. This memorable back-to-school event, including the groundbreaking ceremony, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the local community.
“This project is the embodiment of our mission to provide every student with the opportunities, tools, and environment they need to reach their fullest potential.”
Roxann Ramsey-Caserio
Superintendent
North Ridgeville’s New High School Groundbreaking
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North Ridgeville City Schools’ Ranger RallyNorth Ridgeville City School’s Ranger Rally was a celebration of the start of the new school year and a show of appreciation to the local community for their continued support of the new high school project. The Ranger Rally hosted food trucks, games, informational booths, bouncy houses, a rock climbing wall, the opening of the Wilcox Elementary Class of 2000 Time Capsule, and a groundbreaking ceremony.
North Ridgeville City Schools’ Ranger Rally
North Ridgeville City Schools’ Ranger Rally served as a thank you to the community and a celebration of the start of another school year. The Friday evening back-to-school kickoff culminated with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new North Ridgeville High School, which will open in 2028.
As visitors arrived, they were greeted by the marching band and cheerleaders, guiding them to dozens of activities, booths, and food trucks inside Ranger Stadium. A rock climbing wall, inflatable bouncy houses, games, and balloon animals created a carnival-like atmosphere for families to enjoy.
“A part of our evening tonight was to show appreciation for our families and all of their support for the schools,” said Meghan Hignite, Principal of North Ridgeville High School.
“We are honored to be the architects designing the Transportation and Maintenance Center in addition to the new high school.”
Claire Bank, AIA, NCARB, ALEP
Project Manager, ThenDesign Architecture
The Ranger Rally Revisits the Past
The 2000 Wilcox Elementary School Time Capsule was opened near the entrance to the high school, and a letter from the class of 2000 was read. William Noll from the North Ridgeville Historical Society explained the history of the school and Superintendent Elizabeth Wilcox, for whom it was named. Former Wilcox principals Chris McCully and Lee Armbruster gave comments, sharing their personal connections to the school.
The site for the new North Ridgeville High School had been prepared for construction and was an ideal location to host the groundbreaking ceremony.
“We are truly grateful to have you all here to share in such a meaningful milestone for our community,” said Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio. “Since the day I became a Ranger, we have been working toward this very moment, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see it come to life today. This ceremony is not just about breaking ground. It’s about building the future for students today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
North Ridgeville Mayor Kevin Corcoran read a proclamation, “This new facility will provide modern, innovative learning spaces that reflect North Ridgeville City School’s mission of empowering students to design their preferred future and support its academic achievement, career readiness, and extracurricular opportunities for generations of students.”
“There will be more features than ever before for our students to thrive.”
Hayleigh Cass
Student, Class of 2026
North Ridgeville City Schools’ Ranger Rally
A Grateful School District
“This event is a culmination of strong community support, unbelievable leadership from the school district and the school board, and a lot of hard work from ThenDesign Architecture,” said Bill Schurman, PE, owner of Hammond Construction, while expressing his excitement for the project. “We want to thank you all for trusting us to build your new high school. We want to turn over a high school that you will be proud of for many generations.”
Board of Education President Frank Vacha expressed his heartfelt gratitude, “A lot of hard work got us here today. Hard work from my fellow board members, the administrative team, Citizens for Better Schools, and so many people in our community. Thank you.”
The North Ridgeville City Schools’ Ranger Rally offered a unique experience filled with fun activities for students, their families, and the community to celebrate the start of the 2025-2026 school year. This memorable back-to-school event, including the groundbreaking ceremony, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the local community.
“This project is the embodiment of our mission to provide every student with the opportunities, tools, and environment they need to reach their fullest potential.”
Roxann Ramsey-Caserio
Superintendent
North Ridgeville’s New High School Groundbreaking
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A New Home for Chardon Local Schools District OperationsThe new Chardon Local Schools operations facility is currently under construction. Designed to enhance operational comfort and efficiency, the Business Affairs and Transportation Facility will support district staff to better serve students and the community. District mechanics will maintain the $3.6 million vehicle fleet in the new facility, and it could ultimately alleviate traffic challenges at Chardon High School.
A New Home for Chardon Local Schools District Operations
In late 2023, Chardon Local Schools embarked on the design of a new two-building Business Affairs and Transportation Facility, located a few blocks from the high school, to enhance operational efficiency and support student success. This state-of-the-art facility includes professional maintenance bays for buses, workshop spaces for fabrication, a staff meeting area, and offices for various departments.
The two buildings under construction will feature modern equipment and address the many challenges faced by the transportation and maintenance departments, which currently operate in cramped, aging spaces. District mechanics will be able to maintain the $3.6 million vehicle fleet in the new facility that will include reinforced parking spaces, a dedicated driver training lot, and secure fuel access.
The larger operations building houses business offices, a professional development room, a repair workshop, and a storage area. The smaller transportation center is specialized for vehicle maintenance with expansive service bays and a bus lift. The new Chardon Local Schools operations facility will improve the work environment for staff, protect the critical taxpayer investment, and enhance student safety.
The project will ensure that students and community members continue to receive the best possible transportation service provided by skilled, dedicated staff members. The new Business Affairs and Transportation Facility will improve efficiency in a more pleasing environment that will directly support the learning experience and safety of every student in the Chardon Local School District.
Chardon Local Schools’ New Facilities Are Under Construction
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A New Home for Chardon Local Schools District OperationsThe new Chardon Local Schools operations facility is currently under construction. Designed to enhance operational comfort and efficiency, the Business Affairs and Transportation Facility will support district staff to better serve students and the community. District mechanics will maintain the $3.6 million vehicle fleet in the new facility, and it could ultimately alleviate traffic challenges at Chardon High School.
A New Home for Chardon Local Schools District Operations
In late 2023, Chardon Local Schools embarked on the design of a new two-building Business Affairs and Transportation Facility, located a few blocks from the high school, to enhance operational efficiency and support student success. This state-of-the-art facility includes professional maintenance bays for buses, workshop spaces for fabrication, a staff meeting area, and offices for various departments.
The two buildings under construction will feature modern equipment and address the many challenges faced by the transportation and maintenance departments, which currently operate in cramped, aging spaces. District mechanics will be able to maintain the $3.6 million vehicle fleet in the new facility that will include reinforced parking spaces, a dedicated driver training lot, and secure fuel access.
The larger operations building houses business offices, a professional development room, a repair workshop, and a storage area. The smaller transportation center is specialized for vehicle maintenance with expansive service bays and a bus lift. The new Chardon Local Schools operations facility will improve the work environment for staff, protect the critical taxpayer investment, and enhance student safety.
The project will ensure that students and community members continue to receive the best possible transportation service provided by skilled, dedicated staff members. The new Business Affairs and Transportation Facility will improve efficiency in a more pleasing environment that will directly support the learning experience and safety of every student in the Chardon Local School District.
Chardon Local Schools’ New Facilities Are Under Construction
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Enhancing Safety and Accessibility at Chardon High SchoolEnhancing safety and accessibility at Chardon High School, Chardon Local Schools has a newly renovated ADA-compliant entrance. A dedicated front office makes for efficient visitor check-in. The project reflects the school’s commitment to supporting a safe, secure, and accessible learning environment, significantly improving the daily experience for students.
Enhancing Safety and Accessibility at Chardon High School
Chardon Local Schools developed a new entrance for their high school to enhance safe access for all students, staff, and visitors. The new vestibule entrance at Chardon High School creates a streamlined experience and addresses the previous challenges from the original 1950s building.
The high school’s previous entry presented several logistical and safety hurdles. The main office, which wasn’t connected to the school’s entrance, required visitors to navigate a flight of stairs inside the building before checking in. This arrangement was not ideal for maintaining a secure entry point. Additionally, these stairs were not ADA-compliant and posed as a barrier for individuals with mobility challenges.
The renovated entrance was designed to enhance security and provide improved access.
A key feature of the renovated entrance is the addition of a dedicated office at the front of the building. This space enables staff members to check in visitors immediately before they enter the main school building. The office also serves as a convenient drop-off point for students during the school day, enabling staff to effectively monitor activities both inside and outside the building. It also reclaims existing square footage within the building, incorporating a ramp for ADA access that was previously unavailable. By keeping all these spaces within the existing school footprint, it helped manage construction costs.
The entrance now features new door hardware and access control systems, making the entryway more secure and user-friendly for both students and guests.
The redesigned entrance to the high school directly reflects the Chardon School’s unwavering commitment to creating a safe, secure, and accessible learning environment for its students. The project not only addresses immediate restrictions of the current entrance but also significantly improves the day-to-day experience for students by ensuring easier and more equitable access to their school.
Enhancing Safety and Accessibility at Chardon High School
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
Enhancing Safety and Accessibility at Chardon High SchoolEnhancing safety and accessibility at Chardon High School, Chardon Local Schools has a newly renovated ADA-compliant entrance. A dedicated front office makes for efficient visitor check-in. The project reflects the school’s commitment to supporting a safe, secure, and accessible learning environment, significantly improving the daily experience for students.
Enhancing Safety and Accessibility at Chardon High School
Chardon Local Schools developed a new entrance for their high school to enhance safe access for all students, staff, and visitors. The new vestibule entrance at Chardon High School creates a streamlined experience and addresses the previous challenges from the original 1950s building.
The high school’s previous entry presented several logistical and safety hurdles. The main office, which wasn’t connected to the school’s entrance, required visitors to navigate a flight of stairs inside the building before checking in. This arrangement was not ideal for maintaining a secure entry point. Additionally, these stairs were not ADA-compliant and posed as a barrier for individuals with mobility challenges.
The renovated entrance was designed to enhance security and provide improved access.
A key feature of the renovated entrance is the addition of a dedicated office at the front of the building. This space enables staff members to check in visitors immediately before they enter the main school building. The office also serves as a convenient drop-off point for students during the school day, enabling staff to effectively monitor activities both inside and outside the building. It also reclaims existing square footage within the building, incorporating a ramp for ADA access that was previously unavailable. By keeping all these spaces within the existing school footprint, it helped manage construction costs.
The entrance now features new door hardware and access control systems, making the entryway more secure and user-friendly for both students and guests.
The redesigned entrance to the high school directly reflects the Chardon School’s unwavering commitment to creating a safe, secure, and accessible learning environment for its students. The project not only addresses immediate restrictions of the current entrance but also significantly improves the day-to-day experience for students by ensuring easier and more equitable access to their school.
Enhancing Safety and Accessibility at Chardon High School
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Design Reveal: New North Ridgeville High SchoolAfter hundreds of hours of collaborative effort between the district administration, staff, students, community members and design and construction professionals, the designs for the new North Ridgeville High School are shaping up. For an inside look at the new space, we’re thrilled to share this design reveal of the new North Ridgeville High School.
Design Reveal: New North Ridgeville High School
The vision for North Ridgeville’s new high school is taking shape thanks to hundreds of hours of dedicated design work since early 2024. This collaborative effort incorporated feedback from district administration, staff, students, community members, and design and construction professionals. This ensures the new facility will serve the community for years.
“Our community is so strong. I am very proud to be a Ranger, and to be able to go to that school.”
Sophia
Incoming 10th Grade Student
During design, architects utilized 3D modeling software to visualize the interior spaces and materials. This meticulous process ensures every detail, from classrooms to common areas, is thoughtfully considered for the student’s experience.
Spanning 340,000 SF, the new high school is more than double the size of the current building, marking a significant leap forward for the district’s educational future. It features state-of-the-art academic spaces, a competition gymnasium, an auxiliary gym with an elevated walking track, a performing arts center, and a natatorium with a competition pool. This expansion allows for enhanced learning environments and a wider range of extracurricular activities, directly benefiting student engagement and well-being.
To capture the essence of this exciting project from a student’s perspective, we spoke with Cole, Sophia, Omar, and Amaya to capture their impressions. We’re thrilled to share this design reveal of the new North Ridgeville High School.
“Everyone is going to love the difference that this school is going to make.”
Amaya
North Ridgeville Graduate, Class 2025
View the Slideshow to the Board of Education on July 15th below:
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
Design Reveal: New North Ridgeville High SchoolAfter hundreds of hours of collaborative effort between the district administration, staff, students, community members and design and construction professionals, the designs for the new North Ridgeville High School are shaping up. For an inside look at the new space, we’re thrilled to share this design reveal of the new North Ridgeville High School.
Design Reveal: New North Ridgeville High School
The vision for North Ridgeville’s new high school is taking shape thanks to hundreds of hours of dedicated design work since early 2024. This collaborative effort incorporated feedback from district administration, staff, students, community members, and design and construction professionals. This ensures the new facility will serve the community for years.
“Our community is so strong. I am very proud to be a Ranger, and to be able to go to that school.”
Sophia
Incoming 10th Grade Student
During design, architects utilized 3D modeling software to visualize the interior spaces and materials. This meticulous process ensures every detail, from classrooms to common areas, is thoughtfully considered for the student’s experience.
Spanning 340,000 SF, the new high school is more than double the size of the current building, marking a significant leap forward for the district’s educational future. It features state-of-the-art academic spaces, a competition gymnasium, an auxiliary gym with an elevated walking track, a performing arts center, and a natatorium with a competition pool. This expansion allows for enhanced learning environments and a wider range of extracurricular activities, directly benefiting student engagement and well-being.
To capture the essence of this exciting project from a student’s perspective, we spoke with Cole, Sophia, Omar, and Amaya to capture their impressions. We’re thrilled to share this design reveal of the new North Ridgeville High School.
“Everyone is going to love the difference that this school is going to make.”
Amaya
North Ridgeville Graduate, Class 2025
View the Slideshow to the Board of Education on July 15th below:
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
The Renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center OpensThe renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center opens after nearly ten years of planning with a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony and community tour. Intended for the youngest swimmers to seasoned athletes to active seniors, the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center is a cornerstone of wellness and recreation in Sandusky, Ohio, providing a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all.
The Renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center Opens
With the completion of the nearly ten-year project, Sandusky City Schools celebrated the grand opening of the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community tour. Students, staff, alumni, and guests were some of the first to experience the state-of-the-art facility that will also be available to the community in partnership with the Erie County Health Department.
Due to its proximity to Lake Erie, swimming is a significant element of the Sandusky culture, and the new facility will provide a sense of pride for local residents. Designed for competition and training, the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center includes a family locker room with bathroom/changing rooms.
Central to the facility is the 6-lane, 8-foot-deep, 75-foot competition pool that is monitored and maintained by an advanced filtration and treatment system. The 141,390 gallon pool is handicap accessible through the specially designed extended entry stairs or a motorized lift. Swimmers will experience enhanced communication through the underwater sound system.
Spectators will enjoy the plentiful 7-row, 250-seat bleachers alongside the pool, giving them a clear view of the action and timing system with a digital scoreboard.
“This center is much more than just a pool. It’s a space for learning, for growth, for connection, and for safety,” said Sandusky City Schools Superintendent Daniel Rambler, “It reflects our district’s ongoing commitment to student success, community engagement, and lifelong wellness.”
“This incredible milestone has been a true testament to collaboration, with many people working toward a shared vision.”
Daniel Rambler
Superintendent
More Than Just A Pool
Intended for the youngest swimmers to seasoned athletes to active seniors, the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center is a cornerstone of wellness and recreation in Sandusky, Ohio, providing a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all.
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Arie Swirsky, RA, was the architect for the project. “This pool is more than a renovation,” he said, “It stands as a symbol of resilience, collaboration, and vision. We had unique challenges to overcome, like COVID, bedrock, and inflation. We navigated through those complexities within an existing building.”
One of the engineering challenges was explained by Senior Project Manager Rick Kusmer with Mosser Construction Group. He shared a story about using a large excavator fitted with a ramming hoe for one month straight in the deep end of the pool. The excavator hammered out rock five feet deep and eight feet across.
After a support wall was removed, the roof of the building was held up by steel stilts. Rick said, “Many nights I’d wake up at about three in the morning thinking, ‘I hope those things hold.’ We do a lot of engineering, but even contractors sit up at night worrying about that stuff.”
“The project is an achievement that reflects the heart, vision, and collaboration of our entire community,” said Interim Athletic Director Steve Camella. “This is more than just a pool. This is a place where dreams begin, where confidence grows, and where champions in the water and in life will be made.”
The renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center is meant to be a resource for the community. Whether visitors take swim lessons, join in water fitness classes, or want to spend quality time with family and friends, the clean and welcoming atmosphere is intended to be a shared space that strengthens community ties.
“This facility will serve as a place of growth, connection, and creation of unforgettable moments.”
Arie Swirsky, RA
Project Manager
The Renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center Opens
A Community Comes Together
“This couldn’t have happened without all the generous donations,” said Sandusky City Schools CFO and Treasurer Yvonne Anderson, who expressed her gratitude and hope for the future. “I’m sure our community and students will cherish this wonderful aquatic center for many years to come.”
The renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center was made possible because of the kindness of over 500 organizations and individual donors, with the support of the Sandusky Education Foundation. The foundation had a significant impact on the project’s development.
During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Past-President James Hart explained how the organization began, “A little over eight years ago, a group of Blue Streak alums and supporters met on numerous occasions to talk about the condition of the SHS swimming pool that was built in the 1950s. A group fondly called the Pool Committee was formed.”
The Pool Committee became the Sandusky Education Foundation, and their efforts made the vision of a cutting-edge athletic facility become a reality. Open to the community and other school districts, the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center is the gold standard for fostering athletic excellence by providing a dedicated space for student athletes to train, grow, and compete.
“This renovation ensures that swimmers of all skill levels can enjoy a safe, inclusive, and high-quality experience,” Arie said. “Whether learning to swim, training for competition, or simply enjoying time in the water, this facility will serve as a place of growth, connection, and forging unforgettable moments.”
Placing a high value on health and wellness for people of all abilities and ages, the center promotes swim lessons and water safety to ensure students and community members have access to life-saving learning opportunities.
With a successful open house ribbon cutting ceremony and tour, the newly renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center and competition pool will serve Sandusky City Schools, the Erie County Health Department, and surrounding communities for decades to come.
“This is your space. Treat it with pride. The lessons you learn here will follow you far beyond these walls.”
Steve Camella
Interim Athletic Director
The Renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center Ribbon Cutting and Tour
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The Renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center OpensThe renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center opens after nearly ten years of planning with a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony and community tour. Intended for the youngest swimmers to seasoned athletes to active seniors, the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center is a cornerstone of wellness and recreation in Sandusky, Ohio, providing a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all.
The Renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center Opens
With the completion of the nearly ten-year project, Sandusky City Schools celebrated the grand opening of the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community tour. Students, staff, alumni, and guests were some of the first to experience the state-of-the-art facility that will also be available to the community in partnership with the Erie County Health Department.
Due to its proximity to Lake Erie, swimming is a significant element of the Sandusky culture, and the new facility will provide a sense of pride for local residents. Designed for competition and training, the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center includes a family locker room with bathroom/changing rooms.
Central to the facility is the 6-lane, 8-foot-deep, 75-foot competition pool that is monitored and maintained by an advanced filtration and treatment system. The 141,390 gallon pool is handicap accessible through the specially designed extended entry stairs or a motorized lift. Swimmers will experience enhanced communication through the underwater sound system.
Spectators will enjoy the plentiful 7-row, 250-seat bleachers alongside the pool, giving them a clear view of the action and timing system with a digital scoreboard.
“This center is much more than just a pool. It’s a space for learning, for growth, for connection, and for safety,” said Sandusky City Schools Superintendent Daniel Rambler, “It reflects our district’s ongoing commitment to student success, community engagement, and lifelong wellness.”
“This incredible milestone has been a true testament to collaboration, with many people working toward a shared vision.”
Daniel Rambler
Superintendent
More Than Just A Pool
Intended for the youngest swimmers to seasoned athletes to active seniors, the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center is a cornerstone of wellness and recreation in Sandusky, Ohio, providing a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all.
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Arie Swirsky, RA, was the architect for the project. “This pool is more than a renovation,” he said, “It stands as a symbol of resilience, collaboration, and vision. We had unique challenges to overcome, like COVID, bedrock, and inflation. We navigated through those complexities within an existing building.”
One of the engineering challenges was explained by Senior Project Manager Rick Kusmer with Mosser Construction Group. He shared a story about using a large excavator fitted with a ramming hoe for one month straight in the deep end of the pool. The excavator hammered out rock five feet deep and eight feet across.
After a support wall was removed, the roof of the building was held up by steel stilts. Rick said, “Many nights I’d wake up at about three in the morning thinking, ‘I hope those things hold.’ We do a lot of engineering, but even contractors sit up at night worrying about that stuff.”
“The project is an achievement that reflects the heart, vision, and collaboration of our entire community,” said Interim Athletic Director Steve Camella. “This is more than just a pool. This is a place where dreams begin, where confidence grows, and where champions in the water and in life will be made.”
The renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center is meant to be a resource for the community. Whether visitors take swim lessons, join in water fitness classes, or want to spend quality time with family and friends, the clean and welcoming atmosphere is intended to be a shared space that strengthens community ties.
“This facility will serve as a place of growth, connection, and creation of unforgettable moments.”
Arie Swirsky, RA
Project Manager
The Renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center Opens
A Community Comes Together
“This couldn’t have happened without all the generous donations,” said Sandusky City Schools CFO and Treasurer Yvonne Anderson, who expressed her gratitude and hope for the future. “I’m sure our community and students will cherish this wonderful aquatic center for many years to come.”
The renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center was made possible because of the kindness of over 500 organizations and individual donors, with the support of the Sandusky Education Foundation. The foundation had a significant impact on the project’s development.
During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Past-President James Hart explained how the organization began, “A little over eight years ago, a group of Blue Streak alums and supporters met on numerous occasions to talk about the condition of the SHS swimming pool that was built in the 1950s. A group fondly called the Pool Committee was formed.”
The Pool Committee became the Sandusky Education Foundation, and their efforts made the vision of a cutting-edge athletic facility become a reality. Open to the community and other school districts, the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center is the gold standard for fostering athletic excellence by providing a dedicated space for student athletes to train, grow, and compete.
“This renovation ensures that swimmers of all skill levels can enjoy a safe, inclusive, and high-quality experience,” Arie said. “Whether learning to swim, training for competition, or simply enjoying time in the water, this facility will serve as a place of growth, connection, and forging unforgettable moments.”
Placing a high value on health and wellness for people of all abilities and ages, the center promotes swim lessons and water safety to ensure students and community members have access to life-saving learning opportunities.
With a successful open house ribbon cutting ceremony and tour, the newly renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center and competition pool will serve Sandusky City Schools, the Erie County Health Department, and surrounding communities for decades to come.
“This is your space. Treat it with pride. The lessons you learn here will follow you far beyond these walls.”
Steve Camella
Interim Athletic Director
The Renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center Ribbon Cutting and Tour
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New Brunswick High School GroundbreakingThe new Brunswick High School Groundbreaking ceremony enjoyed a robust turnout from the community despite the wet weather.
New Brunswick High School Groundbreaking
Despite the wet and chilly weather, the Brunswick community turned out to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for Brunswick High School’s new construction project on May 3, 2025. Under the welcoming cover of tents and beside the prepared site, the Brunswick City School District hosted a lively event with musical performances by the middle and high school choir and the high school marching band to mark the significant milestone in the project’s progress.
With construction work set to begin within a few days afterward, brief speeches were given by Superintendent Jason Neidermyer, Mayor Ron Falconi, High School Principal Keith Merrill, and School Board President Mary Weinhauer. Representing Hammond Construction, Derrick Semilia informed the attendees that the project was on schedule for the students to occupy the new campus in August 2027.
The skies may have looked gloomy, but the atmosphere was optimistic and cheerful. 11th grader Emily and 8th grader Vish remarked on how consequential the new educational facility will be, enhancing the learning environment of future students.
New Brunswick High School Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Brunswick community passed a bond issue in early 2023 and also secured co-funding for $42.6 million from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC). The school district expressed profound appreciation to the people of Brunswick for their continued support in making the new high school project possible.
New Brunswick High School GroundbreakingThe new Brunswick High School Groundbreaking ceremony enjoyed a robust turnout from the community despite the wet weather.
New Brunswick High School Groundbreaking
Despite the wet and chilly weather, the Brunswick community turned out to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for Brunswick High School’s new construction project on May 3, 2025. Under the welcoming cover of tents and beside the prepared site, the Brunswick City School District hosted a lively event with musical performances by the middle and high school choir and the high school marching band to mark the significant milestone in the project’s progress.
With construction work set to begin within a few days afterward, brief speeches were given by Superintendent Jason Neidermyer, Mayor Ron Falconi, High School Principal Keith Merrill, and School Board President Mary Weinhauer. Representing Hammond Construction, Derrick Semilia informed the attendees that the project was on schedule for the students to occupy the new campus in August 2027.
The skies may have looked gloomy, but the atmosphere was optimistic and cheerful. 11th grader Emily and 8th grader Vish remarked on how consequential the new educational facility will be, enhancing the learning environment of future students.
New Brunswick High School Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Brunswick community passed a bond issue in early 2023 and also secured co-funding for $42.6 million from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC). The school district expressed profound appreciation to the people of Brunswick for their continued support in making the new high school project possible.
Lakeland Community College Veterans Center RenovationThe Lakeland Community College Veterans Center renovation brought thoughtful design, abundant natural light, and comfortable furniture to the spaces where veterans gather and relax. The center is situated near the balcony of the second floor, where a 3D United States flag graphic identifies the space while expressing appreciation for veterans’ service. Including a conference area, computer lab, kitchenette, and offices, the new Veterans Center is a bright place for service members to socialize.
Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation
As part of the Master Plan project for Lakeland Community College, the expansion and renovation of the Engineering Technology Building necessitated the relocation of the school’s Veterans Center. After finding the optimal location in a more centralized area of the campus, the Veterans Center opened its doors with a ribbon cutting celebration.
The Lakeland Community College Veterans Center is “committed to helping active duty personnel, veterans, reservists, and dependents attain their personal and professional goals.” It also “supports the path of educational success and personal development for veterans and military-connected students.”
The renovation created an opportunity to tailor the design of the center to best suit the needs of Lakeland students and veterans. The move to a more central area makes the Veterans’ services more accessible and easier to find.
Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation
A New Location, A New Look
“The college didn’t want to give up any classrooms, so we looked at about five different locations,” noted ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Brad Gellert. “There was an open area on the second floor of the dining and study facility,” Brad recalled. “When we started the project, the school was still implementing COVID-19 social distancing, and they were actually storing tables and chairs along the wall next to the balcony.”
The second floor of Building S was ideal for placing the new Veterans Center because it was well-lit with abundant natural light and located adjacent to the Student Service Center. “We captured the natural light from the atrium and brought it into the space,” Brad said. “The frosted glass allows light in but adds some privacy so people don’t feel like they’re in a fishbowl.”
ThenDesign Architecture Interior Designer Rhonda Franklin commented on the team effort of the project. “Brad and I helped them realize their vision. We presented ideas for how open or closed the space would feel by showing them different samples of frosted glass. It was absolutely a group process.”
To balance brightness with privacy, the computer lab has opaque glass walls, but the top sections are clear.
“It was a good location, but we had the potential to make it even better.”
Brad Gellert
Project Manager
Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation
Working Together to Benefit the Veterans
“They had some very grand ideas in mind when we started collaborating on designing the space,” said Rhonda. “They wanted to do a lot of different things in one place, which was a challenge. But, we all shared the same goal: to make the center look very professional and show respect for the veterans.”
Meeting with college and veteran center administrators, the design team worked together on creating a computer lab for quiet study, a conference table meeting area, a kitchenette, a space to watch TV or play video games, and two offices. Adjacent to the Veterans Center is a multi-use student affairs meeting room that is available to the broader student population and large enough to host banquets or student conferences.
“They wanted a place for students and veterans to relax,” Rhonda mentioned. “They didn’t want it to feel super academic. It’s a beautiful space, and I think we gave them more than they expected.”
The sprawling United States flag graphic is the signature iconography of the exterior. It acts as a wayfinding element that is easily visible from the dining area on the lower level. Brad explained, “The flag was meant to be cheery and patriotic as a ‘Thank you for your service’ welcome to visitors.” He added, “It salutes the veterans and gives them a notable presence in the building.”
Rhonda described how the theme of red, white, and blue was carried inside the center. “The paint color, carpeting, furniture choices, and finishes reflect the flag idea. The vibrant colors and comfortable furniture keep everything feeling light. They really liked how it turned out.”
“The college made some really good decisions about keeping the space functional but also quite beautiful.”
Rhonda Franklin
Interior Designer
Design Details of the Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation
Designing an Inviting, Relaxing Space
Due to the high ceiling, sound baffles extend over the conference table, and tiles inside the computer lab made the spaces feel more intimate by reducing echo to increase vocal privacy.
Curved blue acoustically absorbent sound baffles reminiscent of a flag waving in the breeze were installed above the conference table to help define the area. “This is one of my favorite finishes here,” Rhonda remarked. “There are light fixtures between the sheets, but the acoustic material is made of recycled soda bottles. So, that’s pretty awesome.”
Other environmental considerations for the renovation included using high-quality products from reputable commercial companies, including low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sustainable fabrics, and zero-VOC paints. The flooring had no off-gassing, and the carpet is recyclable.
Brad noted that the Veterans Center utilized the existing environmental footprint, “We took advantage of the embodied carbon that was already expended when it was constructed. We didn’t increase the building’s heating or air conditioning load.”
Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Lakeland Veterans Center Ribbon Cutting
Brad commented on the partnership with Marous Brothers Construction during the project, “You could tell it was a labor of love on their part. They wanted to do an excellent job and had a wonderful project manager. We were very pleased with their performance and collaborating with them.”
The Lakeland Community College Veterans Center held a well-attended ribbon cutting ceremony on November 7, 2023, for veterans and their families, students, local government officials, and guest speakers. Veterans Center Manager S. Rhonda Osagie-Erese, MSSA, LSW, was presented with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition and Achievement honoring Lakeland Community College.
Rhonda Franklin reflected on the project’s outcome, “I think they couldn’t have known just how lovely it would turn out. I’m proud of how it all came together.”
“It’s a great addition to the college and respectfully honors the veterans,” Brad Gellert added. “We hope they enjoy it for years to come.”
“This project helped strengthen our relationship with the school district.”
Brad Gellert
Project Manager
Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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Lakeland Community College Veterans Center RenovationThe Lakeland Community College Veterans Center renovation brought thoughtful design, abundant natural light, and comfortable furniture to the spaces where veterans gather and relax. The center is situated near the balcony of the second floor, where a 3D United States flag graphic identifies the space while expressing appreciation for veterans’ service. Including a conference area, computer lab, kitchenette, and offices, the new Veterans Center is a bright place for service members to socialize.
Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation
As part of the Master Plan project for Lakeland Community College, the expansion and renovation of the Engineering Technology Building necessitated the relocation of the school’s Veterans Center. After finding the optimal location in a more centralized area of the campus, the Veterans Center opened its doors with a ribbon cutting celebration.
The Lakeland Community College Veterans Center is “committed to helping active duty personnel, veterans, reservists, and dependents attain their personal and professional goals.” It also “supports the path of educational success and personal development for veterans and military-connected students.”
The renovation created an opportunity to tailor the design of the center to best suit the needs of Lakeland students and veterans. The move to a more central area makes the Veterans’ services more accessible and easier to find.
Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation
A New Location, A New Look
“The college didn’t want to give up any classrooms, so we looked at about five different locations,” noted ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Brad Gellert. “There was an open area on the second floor of the dining and study facility,” Brad recalled. “When we started the project, the school was still implementing COVID-19 social distancing, and they were actually storing tables and chairs along the wall next to the balcony.”
The second floor of Building S was ideal for placing the new Veterans Center because it was well-lit with abundant natural light and located adjacent to the Student Service Center. “We captured the natural light from the atrium and brought it into the space,” Brad said. “The frosted glass allows light in but adds some privacy so people don’t feel like they’re in a fishbowl.”
ThenDesign Architecture Interior Designer Rhonda Franklin commented on the team effort of the project. “Brad and I helped them realize their vision. We presented ideas for how open or closed the space would feel by showing them different samples of frosted glass. It was absolutely a group process.”
To balance brightness with privacy, the computer lab has opaque glass walls, but the top sections are clear.
“It was a good location, but we had the potential to make it even better.”
Brad Gellert
Project Manager
Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation
Working Together to Benefit the Veterans
“They had some very grand ideas in mind when we started collaborating on designing the space,” said Rhonda. “They wanted to do a lot of different things in one place, which was a challenge. But, we all shared the same goal: to make the center look very professional and show respect for the veterans.”
Meeting with college and veteran center administrators, the design team worked together on creating a computer lab for quiet study, a conference table meeting area, a kitchenette, a space to watch TV or play video games, and two offices. Adjacent to the Veterans Center is a multi-use student affairs meeting room that is available to the broader student population and large enough to host banquets or student conferences.
“They wanted a place for students and veterans to relax,” Rhonda mentioned. “They didn’t want it to feel super academic. It’s a beautiful space, and I think we gave them more than they expected.”
The sprawling United States flag graphic is the signature iconography of the exterior. It acts as a wayfinding element that is easily visible from the dining area on the lower level. Brad explained, “The flag was meant to be cheery and patriotic as a ‘Thank you for your service’ welcome to visitors.” He added, “It salutes the veterans and gives them a notable presence in the building.”
Rhonda described how the theme of red, white, and blue was carried inside the center. “The paint color, carpeting, furniture choices, and finishes reflect the flag idea. The vibrant colors and comfortable furniture keep everything feeling light. They really liked how it turned out.”
“The college made some really good decisions about keeping the space functional but also quite beautiful.”
Rhonda Franklin
Interior Designer
Design Details of the Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation
Designing an Inviting, Relaxing Space
Due to the high ceiling, sound baffles extend over the conference table, and tiles inside the computer lab made the spaces feel more intimate by reducing echo to increase vocal privacy.
Curved blue acoustically absorbent sound baffles reminiscent of a flag waving in the breeze were installed above the conference table to help define the area. “This is one of my favorite finishes here,” Rhonda remarked. “There are light fixtures between the sheets, but the acoustic material is made of recycled soda bottles. So, that’s pretty awesome.”
Other environmental considerations for the renovation included using high-quality products from reputable commercial companies, including low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sustainable fabrics, and zero-VOC paints. The flooring had no off-gassing, and the carpet is recyclable.
Brad noted that the Veterans Center utilized the existing environmental footprint, “We took advantage of the embodied carbon that was already expended when it was constructed. We didn’t increase the building’s heating or air conditioning load.”
Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Lakeland Veterans Center Ribbon Cutting
Brad commented on the partnership with Marous Brothers Construction during the project, “You could tell it was a labor of love on their part. They wanted to do an excellent job and had a wonderful project manager. We were very pleased with their performance and collaborating with them.”
The Lakeland Community College Veterans Center held a well-attended ribbon cutting ceremony on November 7, 2023, for veterans and their families, students, local government officials, and guest speakers. Veterans Center Manager S. Rhonda Osagie-Erese, MSSA, LSW, was presented with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition and Achievement honoring Lakeland Community College.
Rhonda Franklin reflected on the project’s outcome, “I think they couldn’t have known just how lovely it would turn out. I’m proud of how it all came together.”
“It’s a great addition to the college and respectfully honors the veterans,” Brad Gellert added. “We hope they enjoy it for years to come.”
“This project helped strengthen our relationship with the school district.”
Brad Gellert
Project Manager
Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center RenovationThiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center completed a vital phase in its long-term plan to modernize the most populated academic building on the campus. The renovation transformed spaces, including the main entrance, lobby, and lower level, made possible by the generosity of donors, including the Spence and Longiotti families. This project is a testament to the power of alumni investment and will have a lasting impact on campus life.
Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Renovation
The renovation of the Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center at Thiel College marks a completed phase of a long-term plan to modernize the college’s most prominent and heavily used academic building. Completed in early 2025, this 14,000 SF renovation reimagines the building’s main entrance, lobby, and lower level—transforming a dimly lit and uninviting space into a bright, welcoming environment for students, faculty, and visitors.
The reimagined lobby hosts many of the college’s courses and serves as the central hub for academic life on campus. The entry and lobby, now known as Longiotti Commons, provide one large, multifunctional space that supports student life, campus tours, orientation events, lectures, and community engagement.
Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Renovation
Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center renovation project is especially meaningful to the college and school community, as it was made possible largely through the generosity of alumni donors, including the Spence and Longiotti families. It represents a significant investment not only in the physical campus but also in Thiel’s academic and community programming.
The renovation also included the creation of new suites on the lower level, supporting the college’s growing nursing program and offering new opportunities for outreach through clinics, simulation labs, and volunteer-based training with community members.
Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Wayfinding Details
Challenges with the Existing Building
Navigating the building was challenging for many students and guests, particularly in the lower level, with few wayfinding or exterior views for orientation.
Wayfinding was a top priority for the design team, who used color, flooring patterns, and wall graphics to help users intuitively understand their location. The color palette was established during an earlier project update and carried throughout the new project to create cohesion and visual clarity between buildings. These elements improved orientation and contributed to a stronger sense of place.
Designing within the constraints of the existing brutalist structure posed unique challenges. The ceiling height was cramped, so the design team focused on brightening the space with painted ceilings, modern lighting, and reflective surfaces. The original untreated concrete and fluorescent lighting were replaced with varied lighting strategies, including uplighting and downlighting, enhancing the environment to make the space feel open and inviting.
The renovation also extended outdoors with a new vestibule entry that reduces air loss, improved landscaping, and the addition of barn stone seating and outdoor furniture to encourage gathering and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces. Sustainable and energy-efficient features were woven throughout the project, including LED lighting, a new energy-efficient air handler, recycled materials, and landscape improvements designed to enhance both aesthetics and performance.
Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Lower Level
Construction of the Spence Center
The center remained fully operational during construction, underscoring the project’s thoughtful phasing and logistical planning. Despite budget constraints, this first phase marks an outstanding transformation, earning positive feedback from students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community. The success has already strengthened donor engagement and spurred momentum toward the next phase, including further upgrades to classrooms, offices, common spaces, and the courtyard.
Funded in part by generous contributions from the Spence Family and Longiotti Family, this renovation project is a testament to the power of alumni investment and its lasting impact on campus life and community collaboration.
The impact of the project has been significant. Students and faculty now enjoy a functional, comfortable, and inspiring environment that reflects the college’s mission and vision for the future. The rebranded space features portraits and stories of alumni, reinforcing the connection between past, present, and future students. Feedback from stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive, and the transformation has become a visible symbol of donor impact, strengthening future fundraising efforts.
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Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center RenovationThiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center completed a vital phase in its long-term plan to modernize the most populated academic building on the campus. The renovation transformed spaces, including the main entrance, lobby, and lower level, made possible by the generosity of donors, including the Spence and Longiotti families. This project is a testament to the power of alumni investment and will have a lasting impact on campus life.
Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Renovation
The renovation of the Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center at Thiel College marks a completed phase of a long-term plan to modernize the college’s most prominent and heavily used academic building. Completed in early 2025, this 14,000 SF renovation reimagines the building’s main entrance, lobby, and lower level—transforming a dimly lit and uninviting space into a bright, welcoming environment for students, faculty, and visitors.
The reimagined lobby hosts many of the college’s courses and serves as the central hub for academic life on campus. The entry and lobby, now known as Longiotti Commons, provide one large, multifunctional space that supports student life, campus tours, orientation events, lectures, and community engagement.
Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Renovation
Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center renovation project is especially meaningful to the college and school community, as it was made possible largely through the generosity of alumni donors, including the Spence and Longiotti families. It represents a significant investment not only in the physical campus but also in Thiel’s academic and community programming.
The renovation also included the creation of new suites on the lower level, supporting the college’s growing nursing program and offering new opportunities for outreach through clinics, simulation labs, and volunteer-based training with community members.
Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Wayfinding Details
Challenges with the Existing Building
Navigating the building was challenging for many students and guests, particularly in the lower level, with few wayfinding or exterior views for orientation.
Wayfinding was a top priority for the design team, who used color, flooring patterns, and wall graphics to help users intuitively understand their location. The color palette was established during an earlier project update and carried throughout the new project to create cohesion and visual clarity between buildings. These elements improved orientation and contributed to a stronger sense of place.
Designing within the constraints of the existing brutalist structure posed unique challenges. The ceiling height was cramped, so the design team focused on brightening the space with painted ceilings, modern lighting, and reflective surfaces. The original untreated concrete and fluorescent lighting were replaced with varied lighting strategies, including uplighting and downlighting, enhancing the environment to make the space feel open and inviting.
The renovation also extended outdoors with a new vestibule entry that reduces air loss, improved landscaping, and the addition of barn stone seating and outdoor furniture to encourage gathering and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces. Sustainable and energy-efficient features were woven throughout the project, including LED lighting, a new energy-efficient air handler, recycled materials, and landscape improvements designed to enhance both aesthetics and performance.
Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Lower Level
Construction of the Spence Center
The center remained fully operational during construction, underscoring the project’s thoughtful phasing and logistical planning. Despite budget constraints, this first phase marks an outstanding transformation, earning positive feedback from students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community. The success has already strengthened donor engagement and spurred momentum toward the next phase, including further upgrades to classrooms, offices, common spaces, and the courtyard.
Funded in part by generous contributions from the Spence Family and Longiotti Family, this renovation project is a testament to the power of alumni investment and its lasting impact on campus life and community collaboration.
The impact of the project has been significant. Students and faculty now enjoy a functional, comfortable, and inspiring environment that reflects the college’s mission and vision for the future. The rebranded space features portraits and stories of alumni, reinforcing the connection between past, present, and future students. Feedback from stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive, and the transformation has become a visible symbol of donor impact, strengthening future fundraising efforts.
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
North Ridgeville Maintenance and Transportation Facility GroundbreakingIn a major step in constructing the new 9-12 North Ridgeville High School, local officials and community members came together to celebrate the North Ridgeville Maintenance and Transportation Facility groundbreaking. The new construction will enhance efficiency and offer modern, comfortable spaces to support the staff. The expansive facility aims to create an optimal working environment by housing both departments under one roof.
North Ridgeville Maintenance and Transportation Facility Groundbreaking
Marking a significant milestone in the construction process of the new high school, North Ridgeville City Schools celebrated a groundbreaking for the new Maintenance and Transportation Facility. The relocation of these district departments in the new facility will help create room for the new high school. The new building will enhance the capabilities of the support departments and enable greater efficiency by providing a larger parking lot with automatic gates, more expansive maintenance bays for buses, dedicated administration offices, and a meeting area to accommodate the entire staff.
People who attended, despite the cold weather, included local officials, school board members, teachers, parents, students, and staff. Hosted by Hammond Construction, the groundbreaking ceremony was kicked off with grateful comments by Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio. “I can’t believe we’re here right now,” she said. “What an awesome moment and event for our schools and city.”
School Board President Frank Vacha thanked the community and staff for their continued support of the school district construction projects. “Thank you to all the men and women who work in our transportation and maintenance departments. Guys, we’re almost there. You’re finally going to have the facility you deserved all along.”
“On behalf of the members of the Senate of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio, we are pleased to extend special recognition to North Ridgeville City Schools on breaking ground for its new maintenance and transportation facility… This new space convincingly demonstrates how very much can be accomplished by a group of conscientious people with clear objectives and firm resolve. And we applaud them on their tremendous work… As they celebrate the groundbreaking for this new building, they have the unique opportunity to reflect with pride on their accomplishments while looking forward to a brighter future full of promise.”
Maintenance Supervisor Seth Perry expressed his enthusiasm for the new facility, “We’ll be able to be more organized and make repairs in a better environment. I’m looking forward to our staff having dedicated workspaces to support the new high school as best we can,” he said. “I’m really excited to have all our equipment and fleet under one roof.”
The new North Ridgeville Maintenance and Transportation Facility is a collaborative effort of ThenDesign Architecture partnering with Hammond Construction. Kim Adams is the Director of Communication and Engagement for Hammond Construction. She reflected on the project’s magnitude, requiring the support and collaboration of the school district, city, and community. “This groundbreaking is an important first step in transforming the campus. This facility will improve services for the district’s operational needs and pave the way for the construction of the new North Ridgeville High School.”
Kim added, “We are excited to be a part of this dynamic team that will help build the future for North Ridgeville City Schools.”
The new Maintenance and Transportation Facility is scheduled to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening in February 2026.
North Ridgeville Maintenance and Transportation Facility GroundbreakingIn a major step in constructing the new 9-12 North Ridgeville High School, local officials and community members came together to celebrate the North Ridgeville Maintenance and Transportation Facility groundbreaking. The new construction will enhance efficiency and offer modern, comfortable spaces to support the staff. The expansive facility aims to create an optimal working environment by housing both departments under one roof.
North Ridgeville Maintenance and Transportation Facility Groundbreaking
Marking a significant milestone in the construction process of the new high school, North Ridgeville City Schools celebrated a groundbreaking for the new Maintenance and Transportation Facility. The relocation of these district departments in the new facility will help create room for the new high school. The new building will enhance the capabilities of the support departments and enable greater efficiency by providing a larger parking lot with automatic gates, more expansive maintenance bays for buses, dedicated administration offices, and a meeting area to accommodate the entire staff.
People who attended, despite the cold weather, included local officials, school board members, teachers, parents, students, and staff. Hosted by Hammond Construction, the groundbreaking ceremony was kicked off with grateful comments by Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio. “I can’t believe we’re here right now,” she said. “What an awesome moment and event for our schools and city.”
School Board President Frank Vacha thanked the community and staff for their continued support of the school district construction projects. “Thank you to all the men and women who work in our transportation and maintenance departments. Guys, we’re almost there. You’re finally going to have the facility you deserved all along.”
“On behalf of the members of the Senate of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio, we are pleased to extend special recognition to North Ridgeville City Schools on breaking ground for its new maintenance and transportation facility… This new space convincingly demonstrates how very much can be accomplished by a group of conscientious people with clear objectives and firm resolve. And we applaud them on their tremendous work… As they celebrate the groundbreaking for this new building, they have the unique opportunity to reflect with pride on their accomplishments while looking forward to a brighter future full of promise.”
Maintenance Supervisor Seth Perry expressed his enthusiasm for the new facility, “We’ll be able to be more organized and make repairs in a better environment. I’m looking forward to our staff having dedicated workspaces to support the new high school as best we can,” he said. “I’m really excited to have all our equipment and fleet under one roof.”
The new North Ridgeville Maintenance and Transportation Facility is a collaborative effort of ThenDesign Architecture partnering with Hammond Construction. Kim Adams is the Director of Communication and Engagement for Hammond Construction. She reflected on the project’s magnitude, requiring the support and collaboration of the school district, city, and community. “This groundbreaking is an important first step in transforming the campus. This facility will improve services for the district’s operational needs and pave the way for the construction of the new North Ridgeville High School.”
Kim added, “We are excited to be a part of this dynamic team that will help build the future for North Ridgeville City Schools.”
The new Maintenance and Transportation Facility is scheduled to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening in February 2026.
The Geauga County Courthouse is Where History Meets the FutureThe Geauga County Courthouse in Chardon Square is undergoing a renovation and addition project, which will increase its space by approximately 30,800 square feet. The new construction will enhance the courthouse’s operational functions by incorporating advanced technology and modern security features. The original building was not intended to serve the purpose for which it is used today. The upgrades and redesign bring contemporary elegance with a deep respect for the historic aesthetic. The Geauga County Courthouse is where history meets the future.
The Geauga County Courthouse is Where History Meets the Future
The Geauga County Courthouse is where history meets the future. The prestigious landmark has stood proudly at the edge of Chardon Square for over 150 years. The significant expansion and renovation of this approximately 21,500 SF 1869 courthouse in Chardon, Ohio, aims to modernize the facility, ensuring that community services remain efficient and incorporate the latest technology.
While preserving the distinguished stature for which the existing building is known, the addition provides approximately 30,800 SF of new space. The project will help improve court operations and provide a more secure environment for staff, judges, jurors, and visitors. The three-story addition and improvement project is about two-thirds complete and has been carried out without significantly disrupting essential services.
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Brad Gellert, AIA, explained how the building is being updated while maintaining its legacy aesthetic. “Most of the historical elements of the existing building will remain. Stones for the addition were sourced from the same quarry that provided the original materials,” he said. “This stone is used in the building’s base and the new windowsills and lintels.”
The cornice of the addition aligns with the existing one, creating a seamless transition. Molds were made from the original cornice to ensure accurate fabrication of the new elements. The new windows are tall and narrow, reflecting the prominent Italianate architectural style of the square.
“Geauga County is where history meets the future. That is exactly what this project is all about.”
James Dvorak
Geauga County Commissioner
The Geauga County Courthouse is Where History Meets the Future
Designed for Tomorrow While Respecting the Past
The renovation project will enhance various aspects of the building’s functionality and security. The original courthouse building lacked a separate circulation path for judges and defendants, and prisoners brought to court had to pass through public areas. It was not planned and built to function the way it does today.
The two most active departments are the Probation Department, currently located in the basement, and the Clerk of Courts on the third floor. When visiting the Probation Department, people walk through the common areas and down the stairwell to the basement, where drug testing is conducted in public restrooms.
After the project is completed, both departments will relocate to the first floor at ground level, where visitors will pass through an advanced security lobby. Probation Department drug testing will be conducted in separate bathrooms inside the secured office. Individuals in custody will be escorted through an isolated, restricted sally port located on the opposite side of the building from the public entrance.
A new at-grade main entrance will make access much easier and lead into a spacious security area, where sheriff’s deputies will screen visitors and scan their belongings before they enter further into the courthouse.
The addition of the new courthouse will feature secure parking with a rolling gate and covered parking for judges, surrounded by a wall on the east and north sides. To incorporate it visually, the approximately 9′ wall’s sandstone veneer will match the rest of the building. The larger courtrooms will feature technology that maximizes the efficiency of court processes.
“The project is welcoming the new while preserving the old,” said Geauga County Commissioner James Dvorak. “It maintains great respect for the community’s heritage while providing vital upgrades that benefit everyone who works there.”
TDA Project Architect Lee Hribar, RA, noted that the updated and expanded courthouse will refresh Chardon Square while maintaining the historic feel. “We’ve worked very hard to blend the vintage elements the community treasures while adding a new architectural element to the downtown area. The new courthouse will make the square feel fresh while preserving its prestige.”
“Respecting the community’s legacy is important to the entire design team.”
Brad Gellert, AIA
Project Manager
Geauga County Courthouse Construction in August 2024
The Beam Signing Milestone
Noting a milestone in construction progress, Infinity Construction hosted a beam signing event on August 30, 2024. Local government officials, court officers, and building employees were invited to sign a steel beam that would be placed in the new addition.
Among those attending was Court of Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Pashcke. She commented, “This beam signing represents what’s most important to me. It’s not the building people work in. It’s the people who work in the building. I am personally grateful to all of you who put your time and effort into serving the public.”
Judge Pashcke added, “And thank you for being a really good sport about the construction process and parking woes.”
County Commissioner James Dvorak said he was in the building trades for over 50 years and found beam signing to be a fun and exciting part of the construction process. “The people who sign this beam will be a permanent part of the building. Everybody who touched a beam, brick, stone, nail, electrical wiring, or pipe became a part of the history of this courthouse.”
“They won’t have to make do anymore,” noted ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Brad Gellert, AIA. “I’m looking forward to everyone working in a building that was actually designed for its intended use.”
The Geauga County Courthouse is planned to take occupancy in the fall of 2025.
“I’m excited to see the work we can do with the new addition to our building.”
The Honorable Carolyn Paschke
Court of Common Pleas Judge
The Geauga County Courthouse Beam Signing Event
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The Geauga County Courthouse is Where History Meets the FutureThe Geauga County Courthouse in Chardon Square is undergoing a renovation and addition project, which will increase its space by approximately 30,800 square feet. The new construction will enhance the courthouse’s operational functions by incorporating advanced technology and modern security features. The original building was not intended to serve the purpose for which it is used today. The upgrades and redesign bring contemporary elegance with a deep respect for the historic aesthetic. The Geauga County Courthouse is where history meets the future.
The Geauga County Courthouse is Where History Meets the Future
The Geauga County Courthouse is where history meets the future. The prestigious landmark has stood proudly at the edge of Chardon Square for over 150 years. The significant expansion and renovation of this approximately 21,500 SF 1869 courthouse in Chardon, Ohio, aims to modernize the facility, ensuring that community services remain efficient and incorporate the latest technology.
While preserving the distinguished stature for which the existing building is known, the addition provides approximately 30,800 SF of new space. The project will help improve court operations and provide a more secure environment for staff, judges, jurors, and visitors. The three-story addition and improvement project is about two-thirds complete and has been carried out without significantly disrupting essential services.
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Brad Gellert, AIA, explained how the building is being updated while maintaining its legacy aesthetic. “Most of the historical elements of the existing building will remain. Stones for the addition were sourced from the same quarry that provided the original materials,” he said. “This stone is used in the building’s base and the new windowsills and lintels.”
The cornice of the addition aligns with the existing one, creating a seamless transition. Molds were made from the original cornice to ensure accurate fabrication of the new elements. The new windows are tall and narrow, reflecting the prominent Italianate architectural style of the square.
“Geauga County is where history meets the future. That is exactly what this project is all about.”
James Dvorak
Geauga County Commissioner
The Geauga County Courthouse is Where History Meets the Future
Designed for Tomorrow While Respecting the Past
The renovation project will enhance various aspects of the building’s functionality and security. The original courthouse building lacked a separate circulation path for judges and defendants, and prisoners brought to court had to pass through public areas. It was not planned and built to function the way it does today.
The two most active departments are the Probation Department, currently located in the basement, and the Clerk of Courts on the third floor. When visiting the Probation Department, people walk through the common areas and down the stairwell to the basement, where drug testing is conducted in public restrooms.
After the project is completed, both departments will relocate to the first floor at ground level, where visitors will pass through an advanced security lobby. Probation Department drug testing will be conducted in separate bathrooms inside the secured office. Individuals in custody will be escorted through an isolated, restricted sally port located on the opposite side of the building from the public entrance.
A new at-grade main entrance will make access much easier and lead into a spacious security area, where sheriff’s deputies will screen visitors and scan their belongings before they enter further into the courthouse.
The addition of the new courthouse will feature secure parking with a rolling gate and covered parking for judges, surrounded by a wall on the east and north sides. To incorporate it visually, the approximately 9′ wall’s sandstone veneer will match the rest of the building. The larger courtrooms will feature technology that maximizes the efficiency of court processes.
“The project is welcoming the new while preserving the old,” said Geauga County Commissioner James Dvorak. “It maintains great respect for the community’s heritage while providing vital upgrades that benefit everyone who works there.”
TDA Project Architect Lee Hribar, RA, noted that the updated and expanded courthouse will refresh Chardon Square while maintaining the historic feel. “We’ve worked very hard to blend the vintage elements the community treasures while adding a new architectural element to the downtown area. The new courthouse will make the square feel fresh while preserving its prestige.”
“Respecting the community’s legacy is important to the entire design team.”
Brad Gellert, AIA
Project Manager
Geauga County Courthouse Construction in August 2024
The Beam Signing Milestone
Noting a milestone in construction progress, Infinity Construction hosted a beam signing event on August 30, 2024. Local government officials, court officers, and building employees were invited to sign a steel beam that would be placed in the new addition.
Among those attending was Court of Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Pashcke. She commented, “This beam signing represents what’s most important to me. It’s not the building people work in. It’s the people who work in the building. I am personally grateful to all of you who put your time and effort into serving the public.”
Judge Pashcke added, “And thank you for being a really good sport about the construction process and parking woes.”
County Commissioner James Dvorak said he was in the building trades for over 50 years and found beam signing to be a fun and exciting part of the construction process. “The people who sign this beam will be a permanent part of the building. Everybody who touched a beam, brick, stone, nail, electrical wiring, or pipe became a part of the history of this courthouse.”
“They won’t have to make do anymore,” noted ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Brad Gellert, AIA. “I’m looking forward to everyone working in a building that was actually designed for its intended use.”
The Geauga County Courthouse is planned to take occupancy in the fall of 2025.
“I’m excited to see the work we can do with the new addition to our building.”
The Honorable Carolyn Paschke
Court of Common Pleas Judge
The Geauga County Courthouse Beam Signing Event
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Perry High School Unveils a State-of-the-Art Welding LabIn Lake County, Perry High School unveils a state-of-the-art welding lab that advances career technical training for students. The renovation included an advanced ventilation systems and ten new welding machines. Technical and aesthetic updates modernized the space, further expanding the capabilities of students interested in metalwork. The project was partially funded by an Ohio Workforce Improvement Program (IWIP) grant. It will prepare Perry High School students to be competitive members in the in-demand job market after graduation.
Perry High School Unveils a State-of-the-Art Welding Lab
Perry Local Schools in Lake County opened its newly renovated 2,400 SF welding lab in the fall of 2024. This $600,000 upgrade is partially funded by an Ohio Workforce Improvement Program (IWIP) grant and dramatically expands the school’s Career Technical Education welding space, providing students with access to modern equipment, advanced ventilation systems, and ten new welding machines, a fivefold increase from the previous space. The space also features a plasma cutter and a range of other metalworking tools, enabling students to earn valuable industry accreditations in materials manufacturing.
Considering the demand for CTE education across Ohio, this lab encourages students to explore the trades and connects them to professionals in the industry.
Perry High School Unveils a State-of-the-Art Welding Lab
Improving the Existing Perry Welding Lab
The project revitalized the existing space, transforming it into a cutting-edge welding facility. Modern welding systems were installed in partnership with Lincoln Electric, complete with spark protection and draft control. A new, advanced ventilation and extraction system was installed, including an enclosure, tank yard, and comprehensive controls to keep students safe while working and filtering particulates from the air.
Ryan Schmit, Project Manager for ThenDesign Architecture, reflected on the changes in the space, “This was an excellent modernization of the existing space. We took something 25 years old, with antiquated equipment, and brought it to a completely new level.”
The school’s forge was enhanced when the former CAD Lab, adjacent to the workshop, was transformed into a form prep room. Students could now prepare castings while maintaining a visual connection with the workspace. The process of using the forge first requires students to pack boxes with specialized sand while placing a mold within. They then pour molten metal into the resulting form, which cools and solidifies into their object.
Additional renovations to the workspace included a fresh coat of paint, and the existing epoxy floor was ground into a smooth surface and polished to ensure durability and functionality. In addition to incorporating existing metalworking tools into the space, a large plasma cutter was added. Lincoln Electric provided the welding equipment and extraction system.
The Welding Lab Before the Renovation
Extraction and Ventilation Systems
An advanced ventilation system was installed to eliminate dust from the interior environment, trapping particulates safely within drum systems. The ductwork is designed to prevent this accumulation, while a spark arrestor in the ceiling safely catches these sparks to prevent fires. The system filters out hazardous dust, ensuring environmental safety.
Design Schedule Challenges
As an architect who frequently designs CTE spaces, Ryan sees an expanded desire for these programs. “Career Technical Education is growing across the country. If you talk to the school districts in Northeast Ohio, there are huge waiting lines to get into these programs.”
“We took their existing space, modernized it, and allowed them to greatly expand a program they had a lot of demand for,” Ryan said.
Since an IWIP grant partially funded the project, there were restrictions on when money could be spent on the project. This fact, coupled with supply chain issues, necessitated a very tight design timeline. To mitigate these issues, the team procured electrical components almost a year in advance and compressed the design timeline to comply with Ohio grant requirements. The construction was completed over the summer in two and a half months to minimize disruption to building occupants.
After completing this, the district could expand its welding program, partner with Lake Erie College to offer college credit and welding certifications and enroll more students in the program’s history in a healthier, well-ventilated environment.
The Welding Lab in Action
Successful Project
The project’s success stemmed from the design team’s ability to leverage grant funding, expedite the design process, and proactively address supply chain challenges. The collaboration between the district’s vision, contractors, and suppliers ensured the project’s successful completion.
“It’s a big deal, and when you see before and after pictures. It’s staggering.”
Ryan Schmit
Project Manager
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Perry High School Unveils a State-of-the-Art Welding LabIn Lake County, Perry High School unveils a state-of-the-art welding lab that advances career technical training for students. The renovation included an advanced ventilation systems and ten new welding machines. Technical and aesthetic updates modernized the space, further expanding the capabilities of students interested in metalwork. The project was partially funded by an Ohio Workforce Improvement Program (IWIP) grant. It will prepare Perry High School students to be competitive members in the in-demand job market after graduation.
Perry High School Unveils a State-of-the-Art Welding Lab
Perry Local Schools in Lake County opened its newly renovated 2,400 SF welding lab in the fall of 2024. This $600,000 upgrade is partially funded by an Ohio Workforce Improvement Program (IWIP) grant and dramatically expands the school’s Career Technical Education welding space, providing students with access to modern equipment, advanced ventilation systems, and ten new welding machines, a fivefold increase from the previous space. The space also features a plasma cutter and a range of other metalworking tools, enabling students to earn valuable industry accreditations in materials manufacturing.
Considering the demand for CTE education across Ohio, this lab encourages students to explore the trades and connects them to professionals in the industry.
Perry High School Unveils a State-of-the-Art Welding Lab
Improving the Existing Perry Welding Lab
The project revitalized the existing space, transforming it into a cutting-edge welding facility. Modern welding systems were installed in partnership with Lincoln Electric, complete with spark protection and draft control. A new, advanced ventilation and extraction system was installed, including an enclosure, tank yard, and comprehensive controls to keep students safe while working and filtering particulates from the air.
Ryan Schmit, Project Manager for ThenDesign Architecture, reflected on the changes in the space, “This was an excellent modernization of the existing space. We took something 25 years old, with antiquated equipment, and brought it to a completely new level.”
The school’s forge was enhanced when the former CAD Lab, adjacent to the workshop, was transformed into a form prep room. Students could now prepare castings while maintaining a visual connection with the workspace. The process of using the forge first requires students to pack boxes with specialized sand while placing a mold within. They then pour molten metal into the resulting form, which cools and solidifies into their object.
Additional renovations to the workspace included a fresh coat of paint, and the existing epoxy floor was ground into a smooth surface and polished to ensure durability and functionality. In addition to incorporating existing metalworking tools into the space, a large plasma cutter was added. Lincoln Electric provided the welding equipment and extraction system.
The Welding Lab Before the Renovation
Extraction and Ventilation Systems
An advanced ventilation system was installed to eliminate dust from the interior environment, trapping particulates safely within drum systems. The ductwork is designed to prevent this accumulation, while a spark arrestor in the ceiling safely catches these sparks to prevent fires. The system filters out hazardous dust, ensuring environmental safety.
Design Schedule Challenges
As an architect who frequently designs CTE spaces, Ryan sees an expanded desire for these programs. “Career Technical Education is growing across the country. If you talk to the school districts in Northeast Ohio, there are huge waiting lines to get into these programs.”
“We took their existing space, modernized it, and allowed them to greatly expand a program they had a lot of demand for,” Ryan said.
Since an IWIP grant partially funded the project, there were restrictions on when money could be spent on the project. This fact, coupled with supply chain issues, necessitated a very tight design timeline. To mitigate these issues, the team procured electrical components almost a year in advance and compressed the design timeline to comply with Ohio grant requirements. The construction was completed over the summer in two and a half months to minimize disruption to building occupants.
After completing this, the district could expand its welding program, partner with Lake Erie College to offer college credit and welding certifications and enroll more students in the program’s history in a healthier, well-ventilated environment.
The Welding Lab in Action
Successful Project
The project’s success stemmed from the design team’s ability to leverage grant funding, expedite the design process, and proactively address supply chain challenges. The collaboration between the district’s vision, contractors, and suppliers ensured the project’s successful completion.
“It’s a big deal, and when you see before and after pictures. It’s staggering.”
Ryan Schmit
Project Manager
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Rocky River’s Transformative RenovationThe Rocky River City School District takes pride in its school maintenance program that maximizes its existing resources. However, it was time for a substantial upgrade. Rocky River’s transformative renovation of the kitchen, servery, and dining spaces opened for the 2024-2025 school year to provide nutritious hot meals served in a pleasing, technologically advanced environment. To best use the existing spaces and materials, the design team implemented creative solutions to seamlessly blend new elements with legacy features.
Rocky River’s Transformative Renovation
The Rocky River City School District takes pride in its robust school maintenance program that maximizes the longevity of its current resources. However, with declining participation in the high school’s meal program, the district decided it was time for a substantial upgrade. Preserving some of the existing finishes, the design team implemented creative solutions to work within the existing space and blend new touches with legacy features. The newly renovated kitchen, servery, and dining spaces opened for the 2024-2025 school year to provide nutritious, hot meals served in a pleasing, technologically advanced environment.
Partnering with ThenDesign Architecture and RFC Contracting, the school district invested $1.9 million to renovate its 5,448 square-foot kitchen, servery, and student dining facilities at Rocky River High School. Built in 1949, some of the original elements continued to endure, but the original layout of the space lacked the appeal and functionality of a contemporary educational environment.
“TDA has enjoyed a long-term relationship with the Rocky River City School District since the 2017 Beach School renovation,” Project Manager Brad Gellert, AIA, NCARB, recalled. “It was practically an abandoned building, but we restored it to its former pre-K program glory. We started conversations about the kitchen right after that.”
“We did a whole lot with very little. The existing space was completely transformed.”
Brad Gellert
Project Manager
Rocky River’s Transformative Renovation of the Kitchen, Servery, and Dining Area
Durability, Openness, and Blending Finishes
Brad understood the school wanted to increase lunch participation with a greatly expanded menu and create an inviting space for students to relax and socialize. Since the school district has a reputation for making mindful decisions geared toward long-term benefits, great efforts were made to select durable but easy-to-maintain upgrades, such as the non-slip welded-seam flooring.
“They wanted a servery floor that would last the next forty years,” noted Interior Designer Jeanne Kleckner. “The school district took the extra steps to think through how the space might be used in the future and chose materials and finishes that are equal in quality and durability to the long-lasting finishes that were previously installed. They made some really smart decisions.”
One of the more notable changes to the kitchen was addressing the 75-year-old wall tiles. “Those yellow tiles from the original construction were built to last, and they did,” noted Brad, “But the aesthetic looked like the era it came from. It had a more institutional feel rather than a welcoming timeless space.”
The team agreed that stripping away the tiles was unnecessary, so they were overlaid with high-quality white kitchen sheet vinyl wall protection. This material was installed with heat welds between panels connecting to the floor for a watertight installation. This practical choice helped minimize construction time and the budget without sacrificing durability.
“The columns in the dining area had dark wooden wainscots that had been beaten up over the years,” Brad said. He and Jeanne sat in the dining space to feel out what worked and what did not. They realized the ceiling felt low, and the room seemed cramped. The cause was not the size of the space but the darker colors and materials.
To solve this perception, the columns in the center of the space were covered with a vertically striped white and gray Corian to give the impression of taller ceilings. The columns along the north wall leading to the student commons were covered in woodgrain laminated panels to blend with existing high school building finishes. New lights and an updated ceiling material with a better acoustical value were also installed. An optical illusion gives the impression that the updated ceiling was raised.
Brad commented, “The whole space looks very bright, clean, and open now.”
Jeanne recalled how the design elements blended together. “Clarissa Schroeder on our interiors team found the column material. We realized that if we picked the right colorway, we could seize an opportunity to connect it with existing finishes. The gray stripe pattern in the Corian columns now ties to the metal tile at the concession stand. We added aluminum reveals to the perimeter woodgrain panels, and that finish matches the door hardware throughout the building.”
“My kids go to school here, so I was personally invested in the project’s success.”
Jeanne Kleckner
Interior Designer
Design Details Blend the Old with the New
Preservation, Creativity, and Low Carbon Impact
Some of the project’s key challenges were that no new square footage would be created and some historical design finishes would be respected. The district conveyed that there were elements from a 2011 renovation that matched the finishes of the building that they wanted to keep. Among those elements in the student dining area were the brushed metal tile on the concession stand and the terrazzo flooring.
“Burt Hill installed the imported European brushed metal tile when they renovated the school in 2011, and the district made a significant effort to maintain it,” Brad noted. ” The existing terrazzo flooring is an expensive material, and most schools cannot afford it now. These features were in good condition, so we preserved them. Our new design elements blended well, and most people should not be able to tell the difference between what is new and what was already there.”
Since no new interior space was available for expansion, a creative solution was needed to accommodate a new walk-in freezer and a separate walk-in cooler. Brad explained the thoughtful solution, “To make the space more efficient, we turned the old freezer into the walk-in cooler and placed the new freezer outside in an existing area already behind a garden gate. We poured a concrete frost slab and attached the freezer to the building so it is accessible from the outside for deliveries and from the inside for the staff.”
The new configuration makes deliveries much easier because vendors no longer need to enter the school or wheel carts down hallways and through the kitchen. Brad added, “I heard the delivery folks love it.”
Whenever possible, TDA prides itself on implementing environmentally conscious practices. “This renovation was a low-carbon, low-impact renovation because the embodied carbon was already there,” Brad said. “There was minimal demolition, so we didn’t add a lot to landfills or use a lot of electricity to generate new materials. Most of the steel, concrete, and other materials were preexisting in the space. So, the project was environmentally sustainable from that point of view.”
“The biggest feature of this project is that we reused the existing space.”
Brad Gellert
Project Manager
The Updated Rocky River Kitchen, Servery, and Dining Area
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Opening
On August 13, 2024, the Rocky River City School District held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new high school kitchen, servery, and student dining areas. Invited guests toured the new spaces and were shown the state-of-the-art cooking equipment, digital servery monitors, and updated finishes. The spaces were also brought up to modern building codes and made ADA accessible.
Brad and Jeanne attended the ribbon cutting ceremony to experience the culmination of their successful partnership with the Rocky River City School District. The school district and staff were pleased with the outcome, especially since the kitchen can now serve hot pizza. One staff member described the new space as a ray of sunshine.
“The most interesting thing about this space is that it is so completely different from what it was but used in the same space,” Brad said. “It now has a beautiful, inviting servery and a kitchen with fuller menu choices. The dining area was freshened up with new materials and is now a pleasing place to hang out.”
Jeanne expressed her special fondness for the project. “The best part of these projects is always the collaboration. Brad and I put equal thought into how to improve the space. Blending original materials with modern touches was an exciting challenge,” she said. “The district had a lot of respect for what came before them, and they recognized our commitment to the integrity of the project because we also cared about the historical elements.”
“Everyone is happy with the outcome because it was a true collaboration,” Jeanne said. “The bonus was gaining their trust, and that made the completion even more enjoyable.”
Rocky River’s transformative renovation of the high school kitchen, servery, and dining spaces opened for the 2024-2025 school year and was designed for future expansion and will serve the district for decades to come.
“This project helped strengthen our relationship with the school district.”
Jeanne Kleckner
Interior Designer
Rocky River Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Tour
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Rocky River’s Transformative RenovationThe Rocky River City School District takes pride in its school maintenance program that maximizes its existing resources. However, it was time for a substantial upgrade. Rocky River’s transformative renovation of the kitchen, servery, and dining spaces opened for the 2024-2025 school year to provide nutritious hot meals served in a pleasing, technologically advanced environment. To best use the existing spaces and materials, the design team implemented creative solutions to seamlessly blend new elements with legacy features.
Rocky River’s Transformative Renovation
The Rocky River City School District takes pride in its robust school maintenance program that maximizes the longevity of its current resources. However, with declining participation in the high school’s meal program, the district decided it was time for a substantial upgrade. Preserving some of the existing finishes, the design team implemented creative solutions to work within the existing space and blend new touches with legacy features. The newly renovated kitchen, servery, and dining spaces opened for the 2024-2025 school year to provide nutritious, hot meals served in a pleasing, technologically advanced environment.
Partnering with ThenDesign Architecture and RFC Contracting, the school district invested $1.9 million to renovate its 5,448 square-foot kitchen, servery, and student dining facilities at Rocky River High School. Built in 1949, some of the original elements continued to endure, but the original layout of the space lacked the appeal and functionality of a contemporary educational environment.
“TDA has enjoyed a long-term relationship with the Rocky River City School District since the 2017 Beach School renovation,” Project Manager Brad Gellert, AIA, NCARB, recalled. “It was practically an abandoned building, but we restored it to its former pre-K program glory. We started conversations about the kitchen right after that.”
“We did a whole lot with very little. The existing space was completely transformed.”
Brad Gellert
Project Manager
Rocky River’s Transformative Renovation of the Kitchen, Servery, and Dining Area
Durability, Openness, and Blending Finishes
Brad understood the school wanted to increase lunch participation with a greatly expanded menu and create an inviting space for students to relax and socialize. Since the school district has a reputation for making mindful decisions geared toward long-term benefits, great efforts were made to select durable but easy-to-maintain upgrades, such as the non-slip welded-seam flooring.
“They wanted a servery floor that would last the next forty years,” noted Interior Designer Jeanne Kleckner. “The school district took the extra steps to think through how the space might be used in the future and chose materials and finishes that are equal in quality and durability to the long-lasting finishes that were previously installed. They made some really smart decisions.”
One of the more notable changes to the kitchen was addressing the 75-year-old wall tiles. “Those yellow tiles from the original construction were built to last, and they did,” noted Brad, “But the aesthetic looked like the era it came from. It had a more institutional feel rather than a welcoming timeless space.”
The team agreed that stripping away the tiles was unnecessary, so they were overlaid with high-quality white kitchen sheet vinyl wall protection. This material was installed with heat welds between panels connecting to the floor for a watertight installation. This practical choice helped minimize construction time and the budget without sacrificing durability.
“The columns in the dining area had dark wooden wainscots that had been beaten up over the years,” Brad said. He and Jeanne sat in the dining space to feel out what worked and what did not. They realized the ceiling felt low, and the room seemed cramped. The cause was not the size of the space but the darker colors and materials.
To solve this perception, the columns in the center of the space were covered with a vertically striped white and gray Corian to give the impression of taller ceilings. The columns along the north wall leading to the student commons were covered in woodgrain laminated panels to blend with existing high school building finishes. New lights and an updated ceiling material with a better acoustical value were also installed. An optical illusion gives the impression that the updated ceiling was raised.
Brad commented, “The whole space looks very bright, clean, and open now.”
Jeanne recalled how the design elements blended together. “Clarissa Schroeder on our interiors team found the column material. We realized that if we picked the right colorway, we could seize an opportunity to connect it with existing finishes. The gray stripe pattern in the Corian columns now ties to the metal tile at the concession stand. We added aluminum reveals to the perimeter woodgrain panels, and that finish matches the door hardware throughout the building.”
“My kids go to school here, so I was personally invested in the project’s success.”
Jeanne Kleckner
Interior Designer
Design Details Blend the Old with the New
Preservation, Creativity, and Low Carbon Impact
Some of the project’s key challenges were that no new square footage would be created and some historical design finishes would be respected. The district conveyed that there were elements from a 2011 renovation that matched the finishes of the building that they wanted to keep. Among those elements in the student dining area were the brushed metal tile on the concession stand and the terrazzo flooring.
“Burt Hill installed the imported European brushed metal tile when they renovated the school in 2011, and the district made a significant effort to maintain it,” Brad noted. ” The existing terrazzo flooring is an expensive material, and most schools cannot afford it now. These features were in good condition, so we preserved them. Our new design elements blended well, and most people should not be able to tell the difference between what is new and what was already there.”
Since no new interior space was available for expansion, a creative solution was needed to accommodate a new walk-in freezer and a separate walk-in cooler. Brad explained the thoughtful solution, “To make the space more efficient, we turned the old freezer into the walk-in cooler and placed the new freezer outside in an existing area already behind a garden gate. We poured a concrete frost slab and attached the freezer to the building so it is accessible from the outside for deliveries and from the inside for the staff.”
The new configuration makes deliveries much easier because vendors no longer need to enter the school or wheel carts down hallways and through the kitchen. Brad added, “I heard the delivery folks love it.”
Whenever possible, TDA prides itself on implementing environmentally conscious practices. “This renovation was a low-carbon, low-impact renovation because the embodied carbon was already there,” Brad said. “There was minimal demolition, so we didn’t add a lot to landfills or use a lot of electricity to generate new materials. Most of the steel, concrete, and other materials were preexisting in the space. So, the project was environmentally sustainable from that point of view.”
“The biggest feature of this project is that we reused the existing space.”
Brad Gellert
Project Manager
The Updated Rocky River Kitchen, Servery, and Dining Area
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Opening
On August 13, 2024, the Rocky River City School District held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new high school kitchen, servery, and student dining areas. Invited guests toured the new spaces and were shown the state-of-the-art cooking equipment, digital servery monitors, and updated finishes. The spaces were also brought up to modern building codes and made ADA accessible.
Brad and Jeanne attended the ribbon cutting ceremony to experience the culmination of their successful partnership with the Rocky River City School District. The school district and staff were pleased with the outcome, especially since the kitchen can now serve hot pizza. One staff member described the new space as a ray of sunshine.
“The most interesting thing about this space is that it is so completely different from what it was but used in the same space,” Brad said. “It now has a beautiful, inviting servery and a kitchen with fuller menu choices. The dining area was freshened up with new materials and is now a pleasing place to hang out.”
Jeanne expressed her special fondness for the project. “The best part of these projects is always the collaboration. Brad and I put equal thought into how to improve the space. Blending original materials with modern touches was an exciting challenge,” she said. “The district had a lot of respect for what came before them, and they recognized our commitment to the integrity of the project because we also cared about the historical elements.”
“Everyone is happy with the outcome because it was a true collaboration,” Jeanne said. “The bonus was gaining their trust, and that made the completion even more enjoyable.”
Rocky River’s transformative renovation of the high school kitchen, servery, and dining spaces opened for the 2024-2025 school year and was designed for future expansion and will serve the district for decades to come.
“This project helped strengthen our relationship with the school district.”
Jeanne Kleckner
Interior Designer
Rocky River Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Tour
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Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Construction TourThe Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Construction Tour was hosted by the Cuyahoga Falls City School District in partnership with Hammond Construction and ThenDesign Architecture. Community members were invited to explore specified paths of the active construction site to give them a sneak peek of the campus that will serve the Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake communities for several decades.
Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Construction Tour
In late fall, the Cuyahoga Falls City School District hosted a new 6-12 campus construction site tour for the local community, the Construction Leadership Team, and the Board of Education. Residents, educators, students, and their families were invited to experience a walkthrough of designated areas inside this very active construction zone to showcase the project’s progress.
Facilitated by Hammond Construction, visitors were advised on safety protocols, given a printed map, and entered the unfinished building. They were encouraged to explore the specified paths at their own pace. Red construction tape and signs marked the appointed locations for the self-guided tour, which spanned two floors and extended the entire length of the building to the future performing arts center.
Families Tour the Construction Site
ThenDesign Architecture and Hammond Construction team members and school district administrators were stationed along the route to answer questions and highlight interesting school details. This unique event was an opportunity for families to walk through the location of their future school, observing unpainted walls, empty spaces, exposed ductwork, and concrete floors.
Project Manager Scott Alleman attended the event and answered questions about the project. “People have been eager to see what’s happening on the site,” Scott said. “It’s one thing to talk about a space and watch it in an animation, but it is really something else to walk around and experience the feel for how it is shaping up.”
The tour was an excellent opportunity for the district to show the community how things have progressed. Visitors witnessed a first-hand glimpse of the various stages of construction. Some levels had painted walls, casework, and light fixtures installed, while others still had dirt on the ground since the concrete slab had not yet been poured.
Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Construction Tour
The Community Witnesses Construction Progress
Hundreds of local community members took pictures and videos, imagining the finished campus. Many were impressed by the building’s construction progress and design layout, envisioning the structure that will serve the Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake communities for decades to come.
During the tour, many were excited about the two-story dining area. This impressive space provides a dramatic view of the stadium and creates a dynamic experience for students, staff, and visitors.
The Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus is a 365,000 SF building that includes a performing arts center, black box theater, athletic stadium, planetarium, collaborative spaces, two-level student dining area, and three gymnasiums. Through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), the State of Ohio is funding $33.6 million of the total $133 million cost. The active construction project is progressing on schedule, tracking to open in January 2026.
The campus construction tour is another way the Cuyahoga Falls City School District continues to educate residents and families about the project’s development. It keeps them engaged by instilling a sense of pride and ownership of the campus that will benefit generations of students.
The 6-12 Campus in Various Stages of Construction
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Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Construction TourThe Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Construction Tour was hosted by the Cuyahoga Falls City School District in partnership with Hammond Construction and ThenDesign Architecture. Community members were invited to explore specified paths of the active construction site to give them a sneak peek of the campus that will serve the Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake communities for several decades.
Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Construction Tour
In late fall, the Cuyahoga Falls City School District hosted a new 6-12 campus construction site tour for the local community, the Construction Leadership Team, and the Board of Education. Residents, educators, students, and their families were invited to experience a walkthrough of designated areas inside this very active construction zone to showcase the project’s progress.
Facilitated by Hammond Construction, visitors were advised on safety protocols, given a printed map, and entered the unfinished building. They were encouraged to explore the specified paths at their own pace. Red construction tape and signs marked the appointed locations for the self-guided tour, which spanned two floors and extended the entire length of the building to the future performing arts center.
Families Tour the Construction Site
ThenDesign Architecture and Hammond Construction team members and school district administrators were stationed along the route to answer questions and highlight interesting school details. This unique event was an opportunity for families to walk through the location of their future school, observing unpainted walls, empty spaces, exposed ductwork, and concrete floors.
Project Manager Scott Alleman attended the event and answered questions about the project. “People have been eager to see what’s happening on the site,” Scott said. “It’s one thing to talk about a space and watch it in an animation, but it is really something else to walk around and experience the feel for how it is shaping up.”
The tour was an excellent opportunity for the district to show the community how things have progressed. Visitors witnessed a first-hand glimpse of the various stages of construction. Some levels had painted walls, casework, and light fixtures installed, while others still had dirt on the ground since the concrete slab had not yet been poured.
Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Construction Tour
The Community Witnesses Construction Progress
Hundreds of local community members took pictures and videos, imagining the finished campus. Many were impressed by the building’s construction progress and design layout, envisioning the structure that will serve the Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake communities for decades to come.
During the tour, many were excited about the two-story dining area. This impressive space provides a dramatic view of the stadium and creates a dynamic experience for students, staff, and visitors.
The Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus is a 365,000 SF building that includes a performing arts center, black box theater, athletic stadium, planetarium, collaborative spaces, two-level student dining area, and three gymnasiums. Through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), the State of Ohio is funding $33.6 million of the total $133 million cost. The active construction project is progressing on schedule, tracking to open in January 2026.
The campus construction tour is another way the Cuyahoga Falls City School District continues to educate residents and families about the project’s development. It keeps them engaged by instilling a sense of pride and ownership of the campus that will benefit generations of students.
The 6-12 Campus in Various Stages of Construction
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Design and Construction Plans Unveiled for North Ridgeville City School’s New High SchoolIn the early autumn, plans were unveiled for the design and construction of North Ridgeville City School’s new high school and maintenance transportation facility. The new 340,000 SF 9-12 high school is more than double the size of the existing school and signals a bold new chapter for the district’s educational future.
Design and Construction Plans Unveiled for North Ridgeville City School’s New High School
In the early autumn, team members from ThenDesign Architecture, the North Ridgeville City School District, and Hammond Construction unveiled the design and construction plans for the district’s new high school and maintenance transportation facility. The new 340,000 SF 9-12 high school is more than double the size of the existing school and signals a bold new chapter for the district’s educational future.
The new school includes a performing arts center, competition gymnasium, natatorium, and flexible, modern educational spaces for students.
Community Members Attended the Update Meeting in North Ridgeville
Gathering Feedback from Stakeholders
The project incorporates feedback from various groups involved early in the design process. It includes ideas gathered from an educational visioning session, a visual preference community survey, and regular staff engagement meetings. The more than 75 academic spaces will have a collegiate feel by incorporating collaborative and flexible spaces that give students more autonomy. They are designed to foster relationships between students, their peers, and district staff.
Based on feedback the district gathered, they are prioritizing four key aspects of the new school:
“Collegiate Environment” – Developing spaces that promote student autonomy, preparing them for life after high school.
“Future Thinking” – Develop spaces that are adaptable for future learning opportunities and will still be relevant 20 years from now.
“Collaborative” – School designs that encourage student interaction and collaboration.
“Relationships” – A school that fosters partnerships with business and community initiatives.
Community Members Attended the Update Meeting in North Ridgeville
Features of the New North Ridgeville High School
In addition to providing a modern educational environment that incorporates daylighting into classrooms and offices, the school also prioritizes sustainability features and environmental controls to regulate temperatures in the building and promote a healthy indoor environment.
Two main entrances separate the functions of the school. One is dedicated to academic entry, while the other event entry provides access to athletic and art spaces.
There is one clear main entrance for visitors throughout the school day. This entry will also serve as the athletic entry after hours for the main gymnasium. A separate, dedicated entrance is designed for the performing arts center. The large spaces that can be open for events after hours are easily separated from the rest of the school.
Just inside the academic entrance is a central dining hub connecting the school’s various areas and creating a large common space for students.
Other notable spaces include a performing arts center that provides the necessary space to support the district’s growing arts program and a competition gymnasium to host large athletic events. Also included is a state-of-the-art natatorium to support the district’s swim team. The inclusion of the swimming pool is a significant feature of the school. It provides training and competition space along with a potential revenue stream for the district through rental opportunities for other swim teams in the area.
Various student groups have also been involved in the new school’s design
Timing and Schedule Explained in the Design and Construction Plans
Hammond Construction also provided a timeline for the project, laying out the key construction phases. The project is aligned with current budget and schedule estimates and is planned to be completed by the 2028-2029 school year. Once the new building is complete, the current high school will be demolished, and the area will be transformed into new practice fields.
Community members who attended were very supportive of the plans for the new school. The designs result from hundreds of hours of input from the school district, community, students, and design professionals. The school plans reflect the educational priorities for the district by solving the challenges of overcrowding at the existing school and creating spaces for new educational opportunities for future generations of North Ridgeville students.
View the Presentation from the Design and Construction Meeting for North Ridgeville City School’s New High School
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Design and Construction Plans Unveiled for North Ridgeville City School’s New High SchoolIn the early autumn, plans were unveiled for the design and construction of North Ridgeville City School’s new high school and maintenance transportation facility. The new 340,000 SF 9-12 high school is more than double the size of the existing school and signals a bold new chapter for the district’s educational future.
Design and Construction Plans Unveiled for North Ridgeville City School’s New High School
In the early autumn, team members from ThenDesign Architecture, the North Ridgeville City School District, and Hammond Construction unveiled the design and construction plans for the district’s new high school and maintenance transportation facility. The new 340,000 SF 9-12 high school is more than double the size of the existing school and signals a bold new chapter for the district’s educational future.
The new school includes a performing arts center, competition gymnasium, natatorium, and flexible, modern educational spaces for students.
Community Members Attended the Update Meeting in North Ridgeville
Gathering Feedback from Stakeholders
The project incorporates feedback from various groups involved early in the design process. It includes ideas gathered from an educational visioning session, a visual preference community survey, and regular staff engagement meetings. The more than 75 academic spaces will have a collegiate feel by incorporating collaborative and flexible spaces that give students more autonomy. They are designed to foster relationships between students, their peers, and district staff.
Based on feedback the district gathered, they are prioritizing four key aspects of the new school:
“Collegiate Environment” – Developing spaces that promote student autonomy, preparing them for life after high school.
“Future Thinking” – Develop spaces that are adaptable for future learning opportunities and will still be relevant 20 years from now.
“Collaborative” – School designs that encourage student interaction and collaboration.
“Relationships” – A school that fosters partnerships with business and community initiatives.
Community Members Attended the Update Meeting in North Ridgeville
Features of the New North Ridgeville High School
In addition to providing a modern educational environment that incorporates daylighting into classrooms and offices, the school also prioritizes sustainability features and environmental controls to regulate temperatures in the building and promote a healthy indoor environment.
Two main entrances separate the functions of the school. One is dedicated to academic entry, while the other event entry provides access to athletic and art spaces.
There is one clear main entrance for visitors throughout the school day. This entry will also serve as the athletic entry after hours for the main gymnasium. A separate, dedicated entrance is designed for the performing arts center. The large spaces that can be open for events after hours are easily separated from the rest of the school.
Just inside the academic entrance is a central dining hub connecting the school’s various areas and creating a large common space for students.
Other notable spaces include a performing arts center that provides the necessary space to support the district’s growing arts program and a competition gymnasium to host large athletic events. Also included is a state-of-the-art natatorium to support the district’s swim team. The inclusion of the swimming pool is a significant feature of the school. It provides training and competition space along with a potential revenue stream for the district through rental opportunities for other swim teams in the area.
Various student groups have also been involved in the new school’s design
Timing and Schedule Explained in the Design and Construction Plans
Hammond Construction also provided a timeline for the project, laying out the key construction phases. The project is aligned with current budget and schedule estimates and is planned to be completed by the 2028-2029 school year. Once the new building is complete, the current high school will be demolished, and the area will be transformed into new practice fields.
Community members who attended were very supportive of the plans for the new school. The designs result from hundreds of hours of input from the school district, community, students, and design professionals. The school plans reflect the educational priorities for the district by solving the challenges of overcrowding at the existing school and creating spaces for new educational opportunities for future generations of North Ridgeville students.
View the Presentation from the Design and Construction Meeting for North Ridgeville City School’s New High School
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Richmond Heights Invites the Natural World InRichmond Heights invites the natural world in by opening a new Innovation Station and renovated courtyard at its elementary school. A special Back-to-School event hosted by the school district invited community members, students, and parents to experience learning spaces that feature colorful, organic design elements, including stones, trees, and gardens. Incorporating modern technology with a nature theme promotes student curiosity about the world around them.
Richmond Heights Invites the Natural World In
At a Back-to-School event on August 8, Richmond Heights Local Schools officially opened their new Innovation Station and courtyard renovation at the district’s elementary school. The $1.4 million project features a 2,320 SF renovation that reclaims an unused courtyard, storage room, and underused library, transforming them into an innovative makerspace, meeting area, and outdoor learning courtyard. Phase Two of this project is scheduled to be opened in the Fall of 2024 and includes a new PreK-K Playground, Safety Town, playground for grades 1-6 with a half-size basketball court and butterfly garden.
Drawing on the symbolism of houses, trees, and gardens, the Innovation Station features natural colors, a free-standing custom-built tree, cabinetry that mimics a community of homes, glass with organic plant-shaped screening, and a garden courtyard. Natural light floods interior spaces through glass walls, promoting views of the courtyard.
The natural world is blended with technology and encourages students to explore both worlds in a hands-on way.
“Now we have an area that enables our students to imagine, learn, grow, and explore. I love how this space does just that.”
Dr. Marnisha Brown
Superintendent
Richmond Heights Invites the Natural World In
Back-to-School Extravaganza
The Back-to-School event was attended by hundreds of community members, including students, parents, and district staff, along with Superintendent Dr. Marnisha Brown, members of the Board of Education, and city officials. They officially cut the project’s ribbon, opened the community’s new spaces, and encouraged participants to plant vegetables and herbs in the courtyard and visit the Innovation Station and makerspace.
At the ribbon cutting, Dr. Brown reflected on the opportunities for students in the new Innovation Station and courtyard. “I am very excited about the possibilities for our younger students. Our elementary school staff has been working very hard to find innovative ways to engage students. These new spaces do just that.”
The previous courtyard in the elementary school was mostly unused but has now been transformed into an environment that can be used all year. Students can explore gardening, composting, and tending a butterfly garden. These unique spaces are activated by students who can connect with nature in a community located near the city of Cleveland.
“The district didn’t want another traditional library full of books. They wanted an innovative space that encouraged creativity. We wanted to bring the outdoors in.”
Zora Pavlovic
ThenDesign Architecture
Outdoor Spaces for Outdoor Learning
One Vision. One Mission. One Richmond.
Project Manager Zora Pavlovic used nature as a theme to connect the Innovation Station with the courtyard. “We designed this custom tree element to create a sense of protection, peace, happiness, and friendship. We also created a movable glass wall that allows students to access the courtyard directly from the Innovation Station.”
3D printers, Cricut machines, advanced computers, and a Lego wall are located in the makerspace, while creative and flexible furniture in the Innovation Station simultaneously accommodates up to two classes. “It’s not just about learning through lectures. It’s about creating with your hands, whether with nature or technology,” commented Zora.
For Dr. Brown, this newly renovated space will foster a love of learning and encourage continued community support for the district.
“Our mantra is ‘One Vision. One Mission. One Richmond.’ Richmond Heights is a small community, and we have no choice but to be united. By opening this new space today, it allows for students, parents, and everyone to be a part of it. The community understands that investing in our students and education will only benefit the community in the future—it’s one Richmond Heights.”
Richmond Heights Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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Richmond Heights Invites the Natural World InRichmond Heights invites the natural world in by opening a new Innovation Station and renovated courtyard at its elementary school. A special Back-to-School event hosted by the school district invited community members, students, and parents to experience learning spaces that feature colorful, organic design elements, including stones, trees, and gardens. Incorporating modern technology with a nature theme promotes student curiosity about the world around them.
Richmond Heights Invites the Natural World In
At a Back-to-School event on August 8, Richmond Heights Local Schools officially opened their new Innovation Station and courtyard renovation at the district’s elementary school. The $1.4 million project features a 2,320 SF renovation that reclaims an unused courtyard, storage room, and underused library, transforming them into an innovative makerspace, meeting area, and outdoor learning courtyard. Phase Two of this project is scheduled to be opened in the Fall of 2024 and includes a new PreK-K Playground, Safety Town, playground for grades 1-6 with a half-size basketball court and butterfly garden.
Drawing on the symbolism of houses, trees, and gardens, the Innovation Station features natural colors, a free-standing custom-built tree, cabinetry that mimics a community of homes, glass with organic plant-shaped screening, and a garden courtyard. Natural light floods interior spaces through glass walls, promoting views of the courtyard.
The natural world is blended with technology and encourages students to explore both worlds in a hands-on way.
“Now we have an area that enables our students to imagine, learn, grow, and explore. I love how this space does just that.”
Dr. Marnisha Brown
Superintendent
Richmond Heights Invites the Natural World In
Back-to-School Extravaganza
The Back-to-School event was attended by hundreds of community members, including students, parents, and district staff, along with Superintendent Dr. Marnisha Brown, members of the Board of Education, and city officials. They officially cut the project’s ribbon, opened the community’s new spaces, and encouraged participants to plant vegetables and herbs in the courtyard and visit the Innovation Station and makerspace.
At the ribbon cutting, Dr. Brown reflected on the opportunities for students in the new Innovation Station and courtyard. “I am very excited about the possibilities for our younger students. Our elementary school staff has been working very hard to find innovative ways to engage students. These new spaces do just that.”
The previous courtyard in the elementary school was mostly unused but has now been transformed into an environment that can be used all year. Students can explore gardening, composting, and tending a butterfly garden. These unique spaces are activated by students who can connect with nature in a community located near the city of Cleveland.
“The district didn’t want another traditional library full of books. They wanted an innovative space that encouraged creativity. We wanted to bring the outdoors in.”
Zora Pavlovic
ThenDesign Architecture
Outdoor Spaces for Outdoor Learning
One Vision. One Mission. One Richmond.
Project Manager Zora Pavlovic used nature as a theme to connect the Innovation Station with the courtyard. “We designed this custom tree element to create a sense of protection, peace, happiness, and friendship. We also created a movable glass wall that allows students to access the courtyard directly from the Innovation Station.”
3D printers, Cricut machines, advanced computers, and a Lego wall are located in the makerspace, while creative and flexible furniture in the Innovation Station simultaneously accommodates up to two classes. “It’s not just about learning through lectures. It’s about creating with your hands, whether with nature or technology,” commented Zora.
For Dr. Brown, this newly renovated space will foster a love of learning and encourage continued community support for the district.
“Our mantra is ‘One Vision. One Mission. One Richmond.’ Richmond Heights is a small community, and we have no choice but to be united. By opening this new space today, it allows for students, parents, and everyone to be a part of it. The community understands that investing in our students and education will only benefit the community in the future—it’s one Richmond Heights.”
Richmond Heights Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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New High School Design Reveal Community MeetingThenDesign Architecture, Brunswick City Schools, and Hammond Construction held a community focused “Design Reveal” Meeting to provide a vision for the district’s new 9-12 high school.
New High School Design Reveal Community Meeting
In early autumn, ThenDesign Architecture, Brunswick City Schools, and Hammond Construction held a “Design Reveal” Community Meeting to lay out the vision for the district’s new 302,000 SF high school and provide an update on progress for the overall project. With many different components as part of the total project, it was an opportunity to present a holistic view of all the accomplished milestones.
Brunswick CSD’s Design Reveal Animation
Design Reveal Animation
Additionally, an animated walkthrough of the new school was revealed to provide community members with an inside view of the various planned spaces for the new high school. Narrated by Brunswick High School students Anderson and Addison, they brought the vision to life by providing context for how the new spaces could be used in the school. These students are two of the many voices who have helped shape this project from the start.
Since September 2023, the construction team (Brunswick City School District, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, ThenDesign Architecture, and Hammond Construction) has transformed ideas and concepts from district staff, administrators, and the community into an extraordinary learning environment that will inspire generations of Brunswick students. The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission is partnering with BCSD, funding 39% of the new high school construction.
Community Members Participate in the Meeting
The overall construction project includes:
A new two-story 302,000 SF high school with a performing arts center, competition gymnasium, and state-of-the-art classrooms and learning spaces
A multipurpose athletic field with synthetic turf, tennis courts, and a full-sized baseball practice field
A new maintenance facility and board of education office at the site of the current Willetts Middle School
Additional classrooms and site improvements at Applewood and Kidder Elementary schools
Demolition of the current Willetts Middle School, Towslee Elementary School, and ultimately, the existing Brunswick High School
Early site work is currently underway on the location of the new high school, and the project is on schedule and within budget. Additionally, new classrooms and site improvements are taking place at the Applewood and Kidder elementary schools while the new maintenance facility and board of education office are progressing.
Site work at Applewood Elementary wraps up this month, and the new maintenance facility breaks ground in the winter.
View the Full Presentation Below
Next Steps in the Process
The input process from district staff, students, and the community helps inform the new school’s overall design. It is reflected in the exterior design, color palette, interior arrangement of space, and the building’s features. These early crucial steps allow for the delivery of a better school that is completed on schedule and within budget and maximizes the learning opportunities for future generations of Brunswick City School students.
New High School Design Reveal Community MeetingThenDesign Architecture, Brunswick City Schools, and Hammond Construction held a community focused “Design Reveal” Meeting to provide a vision for the district’s new 9-12 high school.
New High School Design Reveal Community Meeting
In early autumn, ThenDesign Architecture, Brunswick City Schools, and Hammond Construction held a “Design Reveal” Community Meeting to lay out the vision for the district’s new 302,000 SF high school and provide an update on progress for the overall project. With many different components as part of the total project, it was an opportunity to present a holistic view of all the accomplished milestones.
Brunswick CSD’s Design Reveal Animation
Design Reveal Animation
Additionally, an animated walkthrough of the new school was revealed to provide community members with an inside view of the various planned spaces for the new high school. Narrated by Brunswick High School students Anderson and Addison, they brought the vision to life by providing context for how the new spaces could be used in the school. These students are two of the many voices who have helped shape this project from the start.
Since September 2023, the construction team (Brunswick City School District, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, ThenDesign Architecture, and Hammond Construction) has transformed ideas and concepts from district staff, administrators, and the community into an extraordinary learning environment that will inspire generations of Brunswick students. The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission is partnering with BCSD, funding 39% of the new high school construction.
Community Members Participate in the Meeting
The overall construction project includes:
A new two-story 302,000 SF high school with a performing arts center, competition gymnasium, and state-of-the-art classrooms and learning spaces
A multipurpose athletic field with synthetic turf, tennis courts, and a full-sized baseball practice field
A new maintenance facility and board of education office at the site of the current Willetts Middle School
Additional classrooms and site improvements at Applewood and Kidder Elementary schools
Demolition of the current Willetts Middle School, Towslee Elementary School, and ultimately, the existing Brunswick High School
Early site work is currently underway on the location of the new high school, and the project is on schedule and within budget. Additionally, new classrooms and site improvements are taking place at the Applewood and Kidder elementary schools while the new maintenance facility and board of education office are progressing.
Site work at Applewood Elementary wraps up this month, and the new maintenance facility breaks ground in the winter.
View the Full Presentation Below
Next Steps in the Process
The input process from district staff, students, and the community helps inform the new school’s overall design. It is reflected in the exterior design, color palette, interior arrangement of space, and the building’s features. These early crucial steps allow for the delivery of a better school that is completed on schedule and within budget and maximizes the learning opportunities for future generations of Brunswick City School students.
Perry LSD Hosts Opening Ceremonies for Three Elementary SchoolsThe community in Perry Township and surrounding areas enjoyed a celebratory milestone as the Perry Local School District officially opened its new elementary schools with three ribbon cutting ceremonies and three open houses on the same day. Watson Elementary, Southway Elementary, and Lohr Elementary students toured the completed educational facilities with their families and local community members. The opening ceremonies for three elementary schools had attendance in the hundreds at each event. Guests were invited to walk the hallways just before the opening of the 2024-2025 school year.
Perry Local School District Hosts Opening Ceremonies for Three Elementary Schools
The Perry Local School District enjoyed a unique occasion as they hosted ribbon cutting ceremonies and open houses for their three new elementary schools on the same day. Construction and the final touches were completed at Watson Elementary, Southway Elementary, and Lohr Elementary to kick off the 2024-2025 school year.
Braving the summer heat, attendance at each event was in the hundreds as parents, students, and community members celebrated the conclusion of the monumental project. After Superintendent Nate Stutz and Board of Education President Doug Brown gave thankful remarks, the traditional ribbon was cut, and the doors were officially opened for the community to tour the schools.
“Beyond the schools being new academic spaces, they represent moving forward as a community and a district.”
Nate Stutz
Superintendent
Perry Local Schools Opening Ceremonies for Three Elementary Schools
Respect for the Local Culture
The Perry community approved a bond levy in early 2020 to secure funds to update its educational facilities. This allowed the district to secure additional funds from the state through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), which agreed to provide additional funding for the project.
To best serve the members of their district, the most feasible plan was to fund and build the three schools simultaneously. Though each school is reminiscent of the other, they all have distinct personalities and themes to emulate the local culture. While Southway Elementary features an industry and railroad motif, Watson Elementary has a design concept of the arts, and Lohr Elementary highlights agriculture.
Katherine Mitchell, RA of ThenDesign Architecture, worked on the project and noted how consistent elements throughout each school supported their unique character, “Each theme informed every aspect of the design, from the exterior façade to color palettes and patterns on the floors. We wanted the space to be exciting and inspiring for the students.”
Superintendent Nate Stutz commented on the attention to detail that went into each school, “I was very impressed with the thought that went into the detailed work associated with the theme concepts.”
“Seeing everyone’s enjoyment coming to life reminds me why I became an architect:
to give back to the community.”
Katherine Mitchell, RA
ThenDesign Architecture
Three Open Ceremonies in the Same Day
A Thankful District and an Excited Community
The crowded hallways of each school indicated the community’s passion for their schools. The buildings were filled with smiling faces, warm hugs, and happy children as excited students got to preview their new classrooms. Parents chatted with teachers despite the loud, celebratory atmosphere. By all standards, the three opening ceremonies were a resounding success.
“Our pledge to the community,” noted Superintendent Stutz, “is to continue to provide the absolute best education that we can for the children of this district.”
School Board President Doug Brown is a Perry High School graduate and lifetime resident. He expressed gratitude to the Perry community, “Today doesn’t happen without all of you. On behalf of your school board, thank you for your continued support of our district and our kids. We are and always will be Perry.”
Watson, Southway, and Lohr Elementary students are experiencing new academic opportunities due to the tireless efforts and unwavering support of many in the school district and community. These three new educational facilities will serve the next generations of Perry students.
“Today doesn’t happen without the vision to move our district forward.”
Doug Brown
President, Board of Education
Three Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
The day before the open houses inaugurated the three new elementary schools, the Perry Local School District commissioned a special walkthrough granting four students a sneak-peek tour of one of the new state-of-the-art facilities.
Perry LSD Hosts Opening Ceremonies for Three Elementary SchoolsThe community in Perry Township and surrounding areas enjoyed a celebratory milestone as the Perry Local School District officially opened its new elementary schools with three ribbon cutting ceremonies and three open houses on the same day. Watson Elementary, Southway Elementary, and Lohr Elementary students toured the completed educational facilities with their families and local community members. The opening ceremonies for three elementary schools had attendance in the hundreds at each event. Guests were invited to walk the hallways just before the opening of the 2024-2025 school year.
Perry Local School District Hosts Opening Ceremonies for Three Elementary Schools
The Perry Local School District enjoyed a unique occasion as they hosted ribbon cutting ceremonies and open houses for their three new elementary schools on the same day. Construction and the final touches were completed at Watson Elementary, Southway Elementary, and Lohr Elementary to kick off the 2024-2025 school year.
Braving the summer heat, attendance at each event was in the hundreds as parents, students, and community members celebrated the conclusion of the monumental project. After Superintendent Nate Stutz and Board of Education President Doug Brown gave thankful remarks, the traditional ribbon was cut, and the doors were officially opened for the community to tour the schools.
“Beyond the schools being new academic spaces, they represent moving forward as a community and a district.”
Nate Stutz
Superintendent
Perry Local Schools Opening Ceremonies for Three Elementary Schools
Respect for the Local Culture
The Perry community approved a bond levy in early 2020 to secure funds to update its educational facilities. This allowed the district to secure additional funds from the state through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), which agreed to provide additional funding for the project.
To best serve the members of their district, the most feasible plan was to fund and build the three schools simultaneously. Though each school is reminiscent of the other, they all have distinct personalities and themes to emulate the local culture. While Southway Elementary features an industry and railroad motif, Watson Elementary has a design concept of the arts, and Lohr Elementary highlights agriculture.
Katherine Mitchell, RA of ThenDesign Architecture, worked on the project and noted how consistent elements throughout each school supported their unique character, “Each theme informed every aspect of the design, from the exterior façade to color palettes and patterns on the floors. We wanted the space to be exciting and inspiring for the students.”
Superintendent Nate Stutz commented on the attention to detail that went into each school, “I was very impressed with the thought that went into the detailed work associated with the theme concepts.”
“Seeing everyone’s enjoyment coming to life reminds me why I became an architect:
to give back to the community.”
Katherine Mitchell, RA
ThenDesign Architecture
Three Open Ceremonies in the Same Day
A Thankful District and an Excited Community
The crowded hallways of each school indicated the community’s passion for their schools. The buildings were filled with smiling faces, warm hugs, and happy children as excited students got to preview their new classrooms. Parents chatted with teachers despite the loud, celebratory atmosphere. By all standards, the three opening ceremonies were a resounding success.
“Our pledge to the community,” noted Superintendent Stutz, “is to continue to provide the absolute best education that we can for the children of this district.”
School Board President Doug Brown is a Perry High School graduate and lifetime resident. He expressed gratitude to the Perry community, “Today doesn’t happen without all of you. On behalf of your school board, thank you for your continued support of our district and our kids. We are and always will be Perry.”
Watson, Southway, and Lohr Elementary students are experiencing new academic opportunities due to the tireless efforts and unwavering support of many in the school district and community. These three new educational facilities will serve the next generations of Perry students.
“Today doesn’t happen without the vision to move our district forward.”
Doug Brown
President, Board of Education
Three Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
The day before the open houses inaugurated the three new elementary schools, the Perry Local School District commissioned a special walkthrough granting four students a sneak-peek tour of one of the new state-of-the-art facilities.
Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand OpeningFour years ago, a “think big” conversation with founding members of the Howley Foundation led to the renovation and expansion of the Student Commons at Gilmour Academy. As attendance continued to increase, the school had to host eight lunch periods in two separate campus areas. The new, approximately 16,000 SF Howley Commons now serves the same student body in three lunch periods and provides an inviting, flexible space for food service and social gatherings. The Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony officially welcomed the 2024-2025 school year.
Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening
Hosting coed and international students from 18 months to 18 years, Gilmour Academy is an accredited independent Catholic school in Gates Mills, Ohio. Founded in 1946 by the Brothers of Holy Cross, “Gilmour empowers students of all faiths to ask tough questions, think critically, and grow spiritually.”
The school’s attendance continued to increase, expanding beyond the capacity of the existing Student Commons to comfortably serve the academy’s population. The growth necessitated eight lunch periods in two different places on campus where students could no longer intermingle or eat alongside their teachers.
The altruistic efforts of the Howley family changed that. The existing building gained an additional 8,800 SF of new space, making the state-of-the-art Howley Commons approximately 16,000 SF.
“Gilmour Academy has a fierce and zealous dedication to educate the minds and hearts of its kids.”
Kathleen Kenny
Head of School
Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening
Mindful Generosity for Education
Howley Foundation Founder Nick Howley attended the grand opening with his family. “We run a foundation that primarily focuses on giving high-quality educational opportunities to those who can’t afford it,” Nick said, “We look for schools that have very strong credentials and an element of character development. Gilmour is unique in that.”
After already contributing to a student scholarship program, the generosity of the Howley Foundation enabled the building of the Howley Commons at Gilmour Academy. After a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Trustees and the entire Middle and Upper School student body, the Howley Commons officially opened on the first day of the 2024-2025 school year.
“The Commons is at the heart of the hustle and bustle of everyday life at Gilmour,” said Head of School Kathleen Kenny. “It was designed to be multipurpose. We’ll be able to do all kinds of student programming in this space because it is so flexible. We will be able to do Socratic seminars, exhibitions, student presentations, alumni events, and cultural celebrations.”
“We feel very strongly that many younger people who need it the most are the least able to afford it. And that’s why we decided to focus on education”
Nick Howley
The Howley Foundation Founder & Chairman
The Completed Gilmour Academy Howley Commons
A Celebration with Food and Excitement
The Howley Commons was buzzing with excitement as students discovered the inviting, flexible space for the first time. The building became a place for social interactions, as students from multiple grades sat with each other and embraced the spirit of community while enjoying a variety of food from stations throughout the building.
Teachers and students shared conversations and laughs in the boisterous first-day environment.
Howley Foundation Founder Lorie Howley noted the significance of a comfortable area to share meals and memories, “We like to get students to sit down to eat and to talk. Food is a common denominator that always gets people together. The Commons is a great hangout space.”
Mike Howley ’01 agreed with his mother’s sentiments. “You’re a Lancer for life. Through this project, I can’t tell you how many Lancer alums have reached out and said how excited they are to see the new Commons. The fact that we’re able to do this is awesome.”
“The new Howley Commons goes beyond being a dining hall. It is a gathering place where students and visitors connect and collaborate. This enhanced space is reminiscent of a small college, giving students a taste of that college feel.”
Robert Fiala ’71, AIA
ThenDesign Architecture Founding Partner
A Lively First Day at the Howley Commons
The Legacy Lives On
ThenDesign Architecture founding partner Robert Fiala, AIA, is a Gilmour Academy graduate from the class of 1971. “The relationships that you build here last a lifetime. I still regularly see friends that I met 50 years ago.” He noted significant changes to the campus since he was a student.
“When I attended here, the performing arts center used to be in the basement of the old gym. It is good to see the many improvements and expansions Gilmour has done over the years for the benefit of the students,” he said. “Having TDA be a part of this project is especially meaningful for me. It has been a wonderful experience to be working with the school I graduated from.”
Gilmour Academy Chairman of the Board Fred Botek ’85 gave inspirational comments during the ribbon cutting ceremony, “This is a place that brings us together. You can work here, chat here, and break bread here all together. This place is very important for Gilmour as a community, as family, as home.”
With the expanded capacity and programming opportunities Howley Commons affords, generations of students will gain a unique education while forming cherished memories at the social center of Gilmour Academy.
“The mingling of identities, respect, and good citizenship here will foster a greater sense of community.”
Kathleen Kenny
Head of School
Howley Commons Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand OpeningFour years ago, a “think big” conversation with founding members of the Howley Foundation led to the renovation and expansion of the Student Commons at Gilmour Academy. As attendance continued to increase, the school had to host eight lunch periods in two separate campus areas. The new, approximately 16,000 SF Howley Commons now serves the same student body in three lunch periods and provides an inviting, flexible space for food service and social gatherings. The Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony officially welcomed the 2024-2025 school year.
Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening
Hosting coed and international students from 18 months to 18 years, Gilmour Academy is an accredited independent Catholic school in Gates Mills, Ohio. Founded in 1946 by the Brothers of Holy Cross, “Gilmour empowers students of all faiths to ask tough questions, think critically, and grow spiritually.”
The school’s attendance continued to increase, expanding beyond the capacity of the existing Student Commons to comfortably serve the academy’s population. The growth necessitated eight lunch periods in two different places on campus where students could no longer intermingle or eat alongside their teachers.
The altruistic efforts of the Howley family changed that. The existing building gained an additional 8,800 SF of new space, making the state-of-the-art Howley Commons approximately 16,000 SF.
“Gilmour Academy has a fierce and zealous dedication to educate the minds and hearts of its kids.”
Kathleen Kenny
Head of School
Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening
Mindful Generosity for Education
Howley Foundation Founder Nick Howley attended the grand opening with his family. “We run a foundation that primarily focuses on giving high-quality educational opportunities to those who can’t afford it,” Nick said, “We look for schools that have very strong credentials and an element of character development. Gilmour is unique in that.”
After already contributing to a student scholarship program, the generosity of the Howley Foundation enabled the building of the Howley Commons at Gilmour Academy. After a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Trustees and the entire Middle and Upper School student body, the Howley Commons officially opened on the first day of the 2024-2025 school year.
“The Commons is at the heart of the hustle and bustle of everyday life at Gilmour,” said Head of School Kathleen Kenny. “It was designed to be multipurpose. We’ll be able to do all kinds of student programming in this space because it is so flexible. We will be able to do Socratic seminars, exhibitions, student presentations, alumni events, and cultural celebrations.”
“We feel very strongly that many younger people who need it the most are the least able to afford it. And that’s why we decided to focus on education”
Nick Howley
The Howley Foundation Founder & Chairman
The Completed Gilmour Academy Howley Commons
A Celebration with Food and Excitement
The Howley Commons was buzzing with excitement as students discovered the inviting, flexible space for the first time. The building became a place for social interactions, as students from multiple grades sat with each other and embraced the spirit of community while enjoying a variety of food from stations throughout the building.
Teachers and students shared conversations and laughs in the boisterous first-day environment.
Howley Foundation Founder Lorie Howley noted the significance of a comfortable area to share meals and memories, “We like to get students to sit down to eat and to talk. Food is a common denominator that always gets people together. The Commons is a great hangout space.”
Mike Howley ’01 agreed with his mother’s sentiments. “You’re a Lancer for life. Through this project, I can’t tell you how many Lancer alums have reached out and said how excited they are to see the new Commons. The fact that we’re able to do this is awesome.”
“The new Howley Commons goes beyond being a dining hall. It is a gathering place where students and visitors connect and collaborate. This enhanced space is reminiscent of a small college, giving students a taste of that college feel.”
Robert Fiala ’71, AIA
ThenDesign Architecture Founding Partner
A Lively First Day at the Howley Commons
The Legacy Lives On
ThenDesign Architecture founding partner Robert Fiala, AIA, is a Gilmour Academy graduate from the class of 1971. “The relationships that you build here last a lifetime. I still regularly see friends that I met 50 years ago.” He noted significant changes to the campus since he was a student.
“When I attended here, the performing arts center used to be in the basement of the old gym. It is good to see the many improvements and expansions Gilmour has done over the years for the benefit of the students,” he said. “Having TDA be a part of this project is especially meaningful for me. It has been a wonderful experience to be working with the school I graduated from.”
Gilmour Academy Chairman of the Board Fred Botek ’85 gave inspirational comments during the ribbon cutting ceremony, “This is a place that brings us together. You can work here, chat here, and break bread here all together. This place is very important for Gilmour as a community, as family, as home.”
With the expanded capacity and programming opportunities Howley Commons affords, generations of students will gain a unique education while forming cherished memories at the social center of Gilmour Academy.
“The mingling of identities, respect, and good citizenship here will foster a greater sense of community.”
Kathleen Kenny
Head of School
Howley Commons Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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Perry LSD’s Southway Elementary Student WalkthroughFour elementary school students in the Perry Local School District toured the newly completed Southway Elementary School shortly before it opened for the 2024-2025 school year. While staff and teachers were still wrapping up their final preparations for the grand opening, during the Southway Elementary Student Walkthrough, the students visited numerous areas to give their initial impressions of the finished building.
Perry Local School District’s Southway Elementary Student Walkthrough
Southway Elementary is one of three new schools opening this year in the Perry Local School District. Sixth graders Cami and Veda, fifth grader Ryder, and third grader Elley were invited to explore the building and react to discovering the new spaces while having fun along the way. As staff and teachers put the final touches on their areas before the grand opening, the students visited areas that included student dining, the media center, the music room, the gymnasium, an art room, and the playground.
“For people who like a lot of colors, it will be good for them.”
Elley
Third Grade Student
Perry Local School District’s Southway Elementary Student Walkthrough
A School With A Theme
Veda and Elley appreciated the vibrant colors throughout the building and recognized the consistent theme of industry and railroads. Train railroad track patterns line the hallway floors of the interior. Outside, patterns of cross bracings commonly found on bridges and large buildings adorn the red brick walls near the main entrance.
Access to sunlight increases student well-being and is found throughout the school, including the gymnasium. Abundant wood and natural light appealed to Ryder, “A bunch of windows in this school will help kids focus,” he said.
Southway Elementary Design Details
A School With A Theme
The Perry Community approved a bond levy in early 2020 to secure funds to update its educational facilities. This allowed the district to secure additional funds from the state through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), which agreed to provide additional funding for the project.
Cami, Veda, Ryder, and Elley were the first students to traverse Southway Elementary before it opened. They spent the morning walking the hallways, visiting the classrooms, sitting in chairs, and enjoying the playground. Elley summed up the day, “It was a really good experience.”
While Southway Elementary featured an industry and railroad motif, Watson Elementary had a design concept of the arts, and Lohr Elementary focused on the theme of agriculture. All three elementary schools completed construction and opened for the 2024-2025 school year.
“I think they’ll like the school because it’s super big, and open, and different than other elementaries.”
Cami
Sixth Grade Student
Students Tour Southway Elementary
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Perry LSD’s Southway Elementary Student WalkthroughFour elementary school students in the Perry Local School District toured the newly completed Southway Elementary School shortly before it opened for the 2024-2025 school year. While staff and teachers were still wrapping up their final preparations for the grand opening, during the Southway Elementary Student Walkthrough, the students visited numerous areas to give their initial impressions of the finished building.
Perry Local School District’s Southway Elementary Student Walkthrough
Southway Elementary is one of three new schools opening this year in the Perry Local School District. Sixth graders Cami and Veda, fifth grader Ryder, and third grader Elley were invited to explore the building and react to discovering the new spaces while having fun along the way. As staff and teachers put the final touches on their areas before the grand opening, the students visited areas that included student dining, the media center, the music room, the gymnasium, an art room, and the playground.
“For people who like a lot of colors, it will be good for them.”
Elley
Third Grade Student
Perry Local School District’s Southway Elementary Student Walkthrough
A School With A Theme
Veda and Elley appreciated the vibrant colors throughout the building and recognized the consistent theme of industry and railroads. Train railroad track patterns line the hallway floors of the interior. Outside, patterns of cross bracings commonly found on bridges and large buildings adorn the red brick walls near the main entrance.
Access to sunlight increases student well-being and is found throughout the school, including the gymnasium. Abundant wood and natural light appealed to Ryder, “A bunch of windows in this school will help kids focus,” he said.
Southway Elementary Design Details
A School With A Theme
The Perry Community approved a bond levy in early 2020 to secure funds to update its educational facilities. This allowed the district to secure additional funds from the state through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), which agreed to provide additional funding for the project.
Cami, Veda, Ryder, and Elley were the first students to traverse Southway Elementary before it opened. They spent the morning walking the hallways, visiting the classrooms, sitting in chairs, and enjoying the playground. Elley summed up the day, “It was a really good experience.”
While Southway Elementary featured an industry and railroad motif, Watson Elementary had a design concept of the arts, and Lohr Elementary focused on the theme of agriculture. All three elementary schools completed construction and opened for the 2024-2025 school year.
“I think they’ll like the school because it’s super big, and open, and different than other elementaries.”
Cami
Sixth Grade Student
Students Tour Southway Elementary
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Lutheran West’s Building Expansion Grand OpeningLutheran West’s Building Expansion Grand Opening was a celebration of faith filled with hope for a brighter future. Over 500 guests attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and self-guided tours of the new 6-12 grade campus addition. Standing beside the brand-new main entrance, distinguished guests gave opening remarks that welcomed members of the Lutheran West community and revealed the modernized educational spaces that encourage growth and advanced learning opportunities.
Lutheran West’s Building Expansion Grand Opening
To develop a holistic academic campus at the Lutheran West facility in Rocky River, the district embarked on an ambitious capital improvement program called “Forward in Faith” to create a facility that enhances the school’s educational offerings. The goal was to build a connected addition to their existing 9-12 school to incorporate grades 6-8 by reorganizing internal spaces and expanding their programming for all students. Featuring an inviting primary entrance, the new two-story, 36,000+ square-foot addition now provides academic, collaborative, and specialized spaces for advanced learning opportunities.
Lutheran West celebrated its Building Expansion Grand Opening on August 4, 2024, with a ribbon cutting ceremony, self-guided tours, and activity stations. Over 500 attendees enjoyed traversing the extended Lutheran West campus, greeted with warm smiles and maps by staff and student volunteers. Families touring the new spaces were invited to extract DNA from strawberries, make audio recordings for playback in the music room, play a fruit keyboard, observe 3D printing in progress, contribute to the prayer mosaic, and test out the state-of-the-art technology in the new video production studio.
https://youtu.be/TQP5q-IFHjs
Educational Excellence Supported By Donors
As part of the opening comments before the ribbon cutting, Head of School/Principal Joel Bahr welcomed guests, saying, “Lutheran West now prepares and equips students to excel in service, leadership, and learning while our students are living as disciples who are rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. It’s my prayer that you see that this morning as you enter the building. Welcome to Lutheran West.”
“Centers of Excellence” are areas of programmatic expansion brought to life through the Forward in Faith capital campaign. By deepening the student experience, Lutheran West educates and prepares the next generation of Christian thought leaders in growing career fields.
“Without your support, this would not have happened. Thank you to all of our donors, not only for your commitment throughout the years but also for what you’ve done here.”
Chris Keller
Chairman, Lutheran West Operating Board
The Lutheran West addition blends the existing structure and new building through a joined courtyard that includes an outdoor classroom, activated by a learning canopy with overhead heating units and outdoor furniture. The campus expansion includes the multi-purpose Longhorn Room, an open student commons, the Richard W. Linn Biology Lab, the expansive John Katt Music Room, and STEM classrooms for science, 3D printing, and robotics courses. The state-of-the-art video and editing studio also utilizes a full-wall green screen for real-time graphics compositing.
Chairman of the Board at the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association, alumnus Greg Steinberg ‘91, gave opening remarks, “We developed a vision, and the vision has been realized today. We’ve expanded the building. We’ve expanded our academics. And we have the best school on the west side of Cleveland. We have faculty and staff committed to helping children grow academically through extracurriculars and learning about the opportunity to get to know Jesus Christ.”
“This fall, more than 700 students will receive a fantastic education from the dedicated faculty and staff in top-notch facilities here at Lutheran West.”
Joel Bahr
Head of School/Principal
Lutheran West’s Building Expansion Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Expanding Educational Growth Opportunities
With construction performed by The Krill Co., the school expansion relocates the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association offices into the new high school space and introduces additional collaborative areas for students and faculty. Accessibility was greatly improved by incorporating an elevator to the second floor. Having all educational resources for students in grades 6-12 secured under one roof completes Lutheran West’s “campus” atmosphere, leaving the door open for future growth opportunities for the building and students.
Lutheran West Self-Guided Tour & Activities
“May the special space designed for expanding our ministry to the middle school be a testimony that we not only cherish our past, but we seek new ministry for the future.”
Reverend Dr. David Buegler
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
Lutheran West’s Building Expansion Grand OpeningLutheran West’s Building Expansion Grand Opening was a celebration of faith filled with hope for a brighter future. Over 500 guests attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and self-guided tours of the new 6-12 grade campus addition. Standing beside the brand-new main entrance, distinguished guests gave opening remarks that welcomed members of the Lutheran West community and revealed the modernized educational spaces that encourage growth and advanced learning opportunities.
Lutheran West’s Building Expansion Grand Opening
To develop a holistic academic campus at the Lutheran West facility in Rocky River, the district embarked on an ambitious capital improvement program called “Forward in Faith” to create a facility that enhances the school’s educational offerings. The goal was to build a connected addition to their existing 9-12 school to incorporate grades 6-8 by reorganizing internal spaces and expanding their programming for all students. Featuring an inviting primary entrance, the new two-story, 36,000+ square-foot addition now provides academic, collaborative, and specialized spaces for advanced learning opportunities.
Lutheran West celebrated its Building Expansion Grand Opening on August 4, 2024, with a ribbon cutting ceremony, self-guided tours, and activity stations. Over 500 attendees enjoyed traversing the extended Lutheran West campus, greeted with warm smiles and maps by staff and student volunteers. Families touring the new spaces were invited to extract DNA from strawberries, make audio recordings for playback in the music room, play a fruit keyboard, observe 3D printing in progress, contribute to the prayer mosaic, and test out the state-of-the-art technology in the new video production studio.
https://youtu.be/TQP5q-IFHjs
Educational Excellence Supported By Donors
As part of the opening comments before the ribbon cutting, Head of School/Principal Joel Bahr welcomed guests, saying, “Lutheran West now prepares and equips students to excel in service, leadership, and learning while our students are living as disciples who are rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. It’s my prayer that you see that this morning as you enter the building. Welcome to Lutheran West.”
“Centers of Excellence” are areas of programmatic expansion brought to life through the Forward in Faith capital campaign. By deepening the student experience, Lutheran West educates and prepares the next generation of Christian thought leaders in growing career fields.
“Without your support, this would not have happened. Thank you to all of our donors, not only for your commitment throughout the years but also for what you’ve done here.”
Chris Keller
Chairman, Lutheran West Operating Board
The Lutheran West addition blends the existing structure and new building through a joined courtyard that includes an outdoor classroom, activated by a learning canopy with overhead heating units and outdoor furniture. The campus expansion includes the multi-purpose Longhorn Room, an open student commons, the Richard W. Linn Biology Lab, the expansive John Katt Music Room, and STEM classrooms for science, 3D printing, and robotics courses. The state-of-the-art video and editing studio also utilizes a full-wall green screen for real-time graphics compositing.
Chairman of the Board at the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association, alumnus Greg Steinberg ‘91, gave opening remarks, “We developed a vision, and the vision has been realized today. We’ve expanded the building. We’ve expanded our academics. And we have the best school on the west side of Cleveland. We have faculty and staff committed to helping children grow academically through extracurriculars and learning about the opportunity to get to know Jesus Christ.”
“This fall, more than 700 students will receive a fantastic education from the dedicated faculty and staff in top-notch facilities here at Lutheran West.”
Joel Bahr
Head of School/Principal
Lutheran West’s Building Expansion Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Expanding Educational Growth Opportunities
With construction performed by The Krill Co., the school expansion relocates the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association offices into the new high school space and introduces additional collaborative areas for students and faculty. Accessibility was greatly improved by incorporating an elevator to the second floor. Having all educational resources for students in grades 6-12 secured under one roof completes Lutheran West’s “campus” atmosphere, leaving the door open for future growth opportunities for the building and students.
Lutheran West Self-Guided Tour & Activities
“May the special space designed for expanding our ministry to the middle school be a testimony that we not only cherish our past, but we seek new ministry for the future.”
Reverend Dr. David Buegler
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
The Executive Grille at East Tech High SchoolThe Cleveland Metropolitan School District chose to convert an empty pool and mostly unused portion of East Technical High School into an elegant French café-style restaurant and cutting-edge teaching kitchen facility. The Executive Grille restaurant is a local favorite and takes center stage for the Cleveland Culinary Arts program that trains students for a successful career in the culinary arts industry.
The Executive Grille at East Tech High School
When the Jane Addams Business Careers Center closed in 2021, its well-respected culinary arts program needed a new home. The Cleveland Metropolitan School District chose East Technical High School’s inactive swimming pool area as an unlikely spot for a $5.6 million state-of-the-art kitchen facility and student-run restaurant.
With creative input from architectural designers and head chefs, the adaptive reuse project transformed the concrete building and vacant pool beside a parking lot into a premiere French café-style restaurant, the Executive Grille, for the Cleveland Culinary Arts program.
As an over twenty-year CMSD veteran, Instructor and Head Chef Michael Szalkowski and graduate Chef Jonathan Gardner provided invaluable insight for designers to create the school’s ideal kitchen facility. ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Jeff Henderson recalled the tight collaboration with the chefs, “It’s great to work with experts who know exactly what they want. It was tough to satisfy them, but we all came together to create a really cool space.”
Construction Turns a Pool into a Kitchen and Restaurant
A Premiere Culinary Educational Program Finds a New Home
More than a restaurant with industrial-grade mixers and pizza ovens, the elegant 12,000 SF facility features a computer lab, a demonstration kitchen with a live-stream camera system, locker rooms, student and public bathrooms, and a pastry arts kitchen in addition to the full restaurant kitchen. Restaurant guests observe their meals being created through the windows into the preparation area.
The new location for the Cleveland Culinary Arts program is an expansive learning environment that enables collaboration between different educational programs, bringing students from other fields into contact with the student-run business and providing a broad understanding of the culinary field. Cross-disciplinary contributions to the restaurant’s operations showcase talent from across the district, including Robotics, Small Animal Science, Horticulture, and Urban Agriculture.
All of that used to be an unused pool. “The kitchen being built on the site of a pool created its own unique challenges,” Jeff recalled, “I told them I thrive on complicated projects. That’s where the fun is. Finding a solution when the answer isn’t obvious.” Jeff expressed confidence in the space early on, “It checked all the boxes of what you would want, and I knew it would work well even when we were standing in an empty pool.”
Instead of the pool being completely filled in, a structural support system was installed inside the ten-foot hole, and the new floor was poured over it. The ceiling was also raised to make the dining area feel more open and inviting.
Drawing upon input from the school district, the chefs, Panzica Construction, and consultants, the design was finished in November 2021, and construction of the Executive Grille restaurant was completed in December 2022.
Local dignitaries, community members, staff, and students celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony on February 3, 2023. The joyful event demonstrated the new space’s expansive capabilities and the students’ culinary skills as they prepared meals for invited guests. An honorary booth and plaque commemorated Former Superintendent Eric Gordon’s service in the school district from 2011 to 2023.
The Executive Grille Restaurant and Kitchen Facility Ribbon Cutting
Refining the Design Considerations
As part of the development process, alternatives to the final layout were considered, including a split-level option with the kitchen and restaurant on two separate floors. Months of meetings informed the decision to place the kitchen near the exterior beside the parking lot and have the restaurant deeper inside, which is an inverse of an early concept. New windows were also added to allow more natural light.
The chefs and the district helped to identify the best layout for the space to ensure culinary efficiency.
“In design, there are a lot of ideas that happen,” Jeff said. “95% of them end up on the cutting room floor, and you keep 5%. But you’ve got to go through that 95% to make sure the 5% are right.”
Since its opening, the Executive Grille continues to be a district and local favorite, while the Cleveland Culinary Arts program maintains a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum, preparing students for the challenges of careers in the culinary industry.
The Executive Grille Restaurant in Action
“It was really fun to create a Cadillac of kitchens.”
Jeff Henderson, RA
ThenDesign Architecture
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
The Executive Grille at East Tech High SchoolThe Cleveland Metropolitan School District chose to convert an empty pool and mostly unused portion of East Technical High School into an elegant French café-style restaurant and cutting-edge teaching kitchen facility. The Executive Grille restaurant is a local favorite and takes center stage for the Cleveland Culinary Arts program that trains students for a successful career in the culinary arts industry.
The Executive Grille at East Tech High School
When the Jane Addams Business Careers Center closed in 2021, its well-respected culinary arts program needed a new home. The Cleveland Metropolitan School District chose East Technical High School’s inactive swimming pool area as an unlikely spot for a $5.6 million state-of-the-art kitchen facility and student-run restaurant.
With creative input from architectural designers and head chefs, the adaptive reuse project transformed the concrete building and vacant pool beside a parking lot into a premiere French café-style restaurant, the Executive Grille, for the Cleveland Culinary Arts program.
As an over twenty-year CMSD veteran, Instructor and Head Chef Michael Szalkowski and graduate Chef Jonathan Gardner provided invaluable insight for designers to create the school’s ideal kitchen facility. ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Jeff Henderson recalled the tight collaboration with the chefs, “It’s great to work with experts who know exactly what they want. It was tough to satisfy them, but we all came together to create a really cool space.”
Construction Turns a Pool into a Kitchen and Restaurant
A Premiere Culinary Educational Program Finds a New Home
More than a restaurant with industrial-grade mixers and pizza ovens, the elegant 12,000 SF facility features a computer lab, a demonstration kitchen with a live-stream camera system, locker rooms, student and public bathrooms, and a pastry arts kitchen in addition to the full restaurant kitchen. Restaurant guests observe their meals being created through the windows into the preparation area.
The new location for the Cleveland Culinary Arts program is an expansive learning environment that enables collaboration between different educational programs, bringing students from other fields into contact with the student-run business and providing a broad understanding of the culinary field. Cross-disciplinary contributions to the restaurant’s operations showcase talent from across the district, including Robotics, Small Animal Science, Horticulture, and Urban Agriculture.
All of that used to be an unused pool. “The kitchen being built on the site of a pool created its own unique challenges,” Jeff recalled, “I told them I thrive on complicated projects. That’s where the fun is. Finding a solution when the answer isn’t obvious.” Jeff expressed confidence in the space early on, “It checked all the boxes of what you would want, and I knew it would work well even when we were standing in an empty pool.”
Instead of the pool being completely filled in, a structural support system was installed inside the ten-foot hole, and the new floor was poured over it. The ceiling was also raised to make the dining area feel more open and inviting.
Drawing upon input from the school district, the chefs, Panzica Construction, and consultants, the design was finished in November 2021, and construction of the Executive Grille restaurant was completed in December 2022.
Local dignitaries, community members, staff, and students celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony on February 3, 2023. The joyful event demonstrated the new space’s expansive capabilities and the students’ culinary skills as they prepared meals for invited guests. An honorary booth and plaque commemorated Former Superintendent Eric Gordon’s service in the school district from 2011 to 2023.
The Executive Grille Restaurant and Kitchen Facility Ribbon Cutting
Refining the Design Considerations
As part of the development process, alternatives to the final layout were considered, including a split-level option with the kitchen and restaurant on two separate floors. Months of meetings informed the decision to place the kitchen near the exterior beside the parking lot and have the restaurant deeper inside, which is an inverse of an early concept. New windows were also added to allow more natural light.
The chefs and the district helped to identify the best layout for the space to ensure culinary efficiency.
“In design, there are a lot of ideas that happen,” Jeff said. “95% of them end up on the cutting room floor, and you keep 5%. But you’ve got to go through that 95% to make sure the 5% are right.”
Since its opening, the Executive Grille continues to be a district and local favorite, while the Cleveland Culinary Arts program maintains a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum, preparing students for the challenges of careers in the culinary industry.
The Executive Grille Restaurant in Action
“It was really fun to create a Cadillac of kitchens.”
Jeff Henderson, RA
ThenDesign Architecture
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
Cuyahoga Falls Beam Signing Event Unites the CommunityUniting families and local community members, the Cuyahoga City School District hosted a beam signing event to commemorate the construction of the new 6-12 campus. Residents from all generations gathered to sign their names on three steel beams that will be installed in the Performing Arts Center.
Cuyahoga Falls Beam Signing Event Unites the Community
The Cuyahoga Falls City School District hosted a beam signing event for the Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake communities while constructing their new 6-12 campus. On a misty morning at Bolich Middle School, families spanning generations gathered to make their literal mark on local history.
Three brightly painted beams were placed a few yards from the construction site, staged with chairs and pens, offering residents a chance to write their names or leave a hopeful, future-minded comment. Informational easels displayed design details and samples of interior materials for visitors to preview the look and feel of the new 6-12 campus.
Those in attendance included mayors, city council members, and other community leaders.
“The beam signing is a fun way to keep the community engaged.”
Anthony Gomez
Board of Education President
Creating New Memories
The Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education members left their names on the permanent part of the Performing Arts Center. “The Cuyahoga Falls community is heavily invested in this project,” said Board President Anthony Gomez, who commented on the joyful significance of the morning gathering. “Great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren all graduated from that over 100-year-old high school, so they understand what an investment this is. There is a lot of local history, so people see the importance of this new project and the impact it will have on future generations.”
The beam signing event became a profoundly significant occasion, uniting efforts to honor the construction of the new school in Cuyahoga Falls. As the community gathered, they were not just signing their names but also reconnecting with their past. The event transformed into a heartwarming celebration as long-lost friends embraced after decades and shared cherished memories.
Among those who made a special appearance, ten graduates from the Cuyahoga Falls High School Class of 1974 left written mementos by putting pen to metal. One of the graduates took to social media to share that the beam signing was scheduled on the same weekend as a 50-year reunion planning meeting.
The gathering became a mini-reunion for those who also attended Newberry Elementary School and Bolich Middle School, making the day a testament to the enduring bonds formed in the community. The 1974 alumni came together, sharing laughter and memories, and left an indelible mark on the school.
Cuyahoga Falls Beam Signing is a Family Event
Support Beams Signed and Installed
Grandparents and grandchildren signed side by side, symbolizing the community’s enduring legacy. The beam signing became an entire family experience spanning the generations.
“We had a record turnout of over a thousand people at the groundbreaking ceremony,” Anthony commented. “Everyone is really excited about the process of watching this campus get built. The great turnout this morning proves that.”
On Friday, July 19, Hammond Construction hosted a “Topping Off Ceremony.” In the presence of invited guests, including the Board of Education and representatives of ThenDesign Architecture, one of the signed beams adorned with a traditional evergreen and a flag was hoisted into position in the Performing Arts Center. All three beams were placed permanently underneath the upper seating section, providing figurative and literal support.
The Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus is scheduled to open in January 2026.
Beam Installation Photos Courtesy of Hammond Construction
“Watching families get excited about a beam signing is very rewarding.”
Anthony Gomez
Board of Education President
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Cuyahoga Falls Beam Signing Event Unites the CommunityUniting families and local community members, the Cuyahoga City School District hosted a beam signing event to commemorate the construction of the new 6-12 campus. Residents from all generations gathered to sign their names on three steel beams that will be installed in the Performing Arts Center.
Cuyahoga Falls Beam Signing Event Unites the Community
The Cuyahoga Falls City School District hosted a beam signing event for the Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake communities while constructing their new 6-12 campus. On a misty morning at Bolich Middle School, families spanning generations gathered to make their literal mark on local history.
Three brightly painted beams were placed a few yards from the construction site, staged with chairs and pens, offering residents a chance to write their names or leave a hopeful, future-minded comment. Informational easels displayed design details and samples of interior materials for visitors to preview the look and feel of the new 6-12 campus.
Those in attendance included mayors, city council members, and other community leaders.
“The beam signing is a fun way to keep the community engaged.”
Anthony Gomez
Board of Education President
Creating New Memories
The Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education members left their names on the permanent part of the Performing Arts Center. “The Cuyahoga Falls community is heavily invested in this project,” said Board President Anthony Gomez, who commented on the joyful significance of the morning gathering. “Great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren all graduated from that over 100-year-old high school, so they understand what an investment this is. There is a lot of local history, so people see the importance of this new project and the impact it will have on future generations.”
The beam signing event became a profoundly significant occasion, uniting efforts to honor the construction of the new school in Cuyahoga Falls. As the community gathered, they were not just signing their names but also reconnecting with their past. The event transformed into a heartwarming celebration as long-lost friends embraced after decades and shared cherished memories.
Among those who made a special appearance, ten graduates from the Cuyahoga Falls High School Class of 1974 left written mementos by putting pen to metal. One of the graduates took to social media to share that the beam signing was scheduled on the same weekend as a 50-year reunion planning meeting.
The gathering became a mini-reunion for those who also attended Newberry Elementary School and Bolich Middle School, making the day a testament to the enduring bonds formed in the community. The 1974 alumni came together, sharing laughter and memories, and left an indelible mark on the school.
Cuyahoga Falls Beam Signing is a Family Event
Support Beams Signed and Installed
Grandparents and grandchildren signed side by side, symbolizing the community’s enduring legacy. The beam signing became an entire family experience spanning the generations.
“We had a record turnout of over a thousand people at the groundbreaking ceremony,” Anthony commented. “Everyone is really excited about the process of watching this campus get built. The great turnout this morning proves that.”
On Friday, July 19, Hammond Construction hosted a “Topping Off Ceremony.” In the presence of invited guests, including the Board of Education and representatives of ThenDesign Architecture, one of the signed beams adorned with a traditional evergreen and a flag was hoisted into position in the Performing Arts Center. All three beams were placed permanently underneath the upper seating section, providing figurative and literal support.
The Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus is scheduled to open in January 2026.
Beam Installation Photos Courtesy of Hammond Construction
“Watching families get excited about a beam signing is very rewarding.”
Anthony Gomez
Board of Education President
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
Indian Valley Athletic Complex Competes for ExcellenceThe student-athletes of Indian Valley Local Schools used to travel to other facilities for competition finals, but since the Indian Valley Athletic Complex opened, the championship-class stadium has hosted cross country invitationals, track meets, playoff games, and the middle school state qualifiers. The field house serves as a year-round training facility that offers flexible configurations to support all manner of boys’ and girls’ sports.
Indian Valley Athletic Complex Competes for Excellence
Former elementary school principal Dr. Ira Wentworth had a vision for the Indian Valley Local Schools when he became the superintendent in 2013. The experienced runner sought to enhance the student learning experience while bolstering the local athletics program. Dr. Wentworth understood the importance of a robust athletics facility and how a state-of-the-art stadium with synthetic turf and an eight-lane track could make the Indian Valley Athletic Complex a competitive hotspot supporting students and exciting the local community.
Surrounded by rolling green hills and beside a cornfield in Gnadenhutten, Ohio, the new $7 million 3,000-seat stadium and 17,000 SF field house host large track meets, cross country invitationals, playoff games, and the middle school track and field Inter-Valley Conference championship.
The eight-lane polyurethane track surrounds the pole vault runway in addition to the football field. The Braves’ home stadium also provides for discus throwing, shot putting, the high jump, and the long jump, which can be expanded to accommodate the triple jump.
“You can watch all seventeen track and field events going,” said Superintendent Dr. Ira Wentworth. “It’s amazing to see it now, considering the former home field was near an old mine that created drainage problems. There was standing water in the endzone after it rained. But now, we host championship events. That is very rewarding.”
“We knew sports were really important to the local community,” said ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Claire Bank, who shared a personal connection to the stadium project, “I’m also very passionate about running, so I understood the district’s desire for a fast competition track.” Design for the project was completed in the fall of 2019, with the first game in August 2020.
The stadium project was built by Beaver Constructors serving as the Construction Manager at Risk.
“I’m a track guy. So, laying out the field event locations at this complex is probably one of the most fun projects of my career.”
Dr. Ira Wentworth
Superintendent
Indian Valley Athletic Complex Competes for Excellence
Flexible Spaces Year Round
Indian Valley Local Schools’ mission statement is: “Working together to personalize a rigorous standards-based learning experience.” The district’s principles are innovation, integrity, relationships, teamwork, and tradition. To honor a long-time community servant, a memorial Victory Bell for Indian Valley Board of Education Member “Uncle Larry” Holmes was installed in the D-zone facing the field house.
The field house serves as a year-round, multi-purpose building containing the concessions stand, ticket office, restrooms, weight room, and locker rooms. Movable sports netting maximizes the customization of the primary open area to accommodate inside baseball and softball practices.
In the adjoining space, an operable dividing wall provides further flexibility by opening into a single space or closing to have two. Lockers can be removed and stored in the nearby shed during winter so mats can be placed on the floor for wrestling season.
The same area is used for the girls’ track locker room in the spring. In the fall, it becomes the visiting football team’s locker room, creating a steady rotation of use from season to season.
The Indian Valley Field House Offers Flexible Spaces
A New Bond for a New Stadium
The planning for the Indian Valley Athletic Complex began in 2018 after Dr. Wentworth discovered that a $7 million district levy was scheduled to expire in 2019. He started an informational campaign proposing that a new $7 million bond to help construct the much-needed stadium could go into effect just as the 1995 bond ended. This would time the funding so that residents would not endure any increased financial impact.
“Once I heard the bond that built the new gymnasium at the high school was going to fall off the books, we got to work,” Dr. Wentworth said. “After the community understood their taxes were not going to increase, we received really excellent support.” He added, “It passed about 60% to 40%.”
Before design began, there was an effort to purchase the ideal land to build on, which would have the new athletics facility near Indian Valley High School. The owner of the neighboring manufacturing facility was approached and received the idea warmly, “He told the district he’d sell us whatever we needed,” recalled Dr. Wentworth. “Then, Claire worked her magic and designed a beautiful stadium complex.”
After the stadium opened, the parking lot was paved, a small storage building was built, and the two-bus garage was renovated. Community generosity and partnerships with local businesses have provided additional funding for the complex.
The New Stadium Hosts Championship Competitions
History Becomes Legacy
As part of the design process, a site survey of the 19-acre area was conducted before construction began, and the results were surprising. “There was some excitement,” Claire recalled the buzz this created for the school district. “During the archeological study, they found about 500 artifacts just during Phase One. We knew this was possible given the area, but what they found was pretty cool.”
Archeologists canvased the property, excavated, salvaged, and documented their findings, which included earth oven features, pottery, projectile points, stone tools, and modified flakes. The Columbus Dispatch covered the story on its website, and an informational display with graphics provided by Ohio Valley Archaeology Inc. (OVAI) greets visitors at the stadium’s main entrance. “We put the sign there with some interesting information so visitors could learn about the location’s historical significance,” Claire noted.
The geophysical survey and archaeology excavation processes were included in the construction timeline, and despite the historical findings, there was no scheduling impact on the project. Some of the items discovered are still on display at the school district building and available for instruction in the school’s local history class.
An Archeological Find
Bringing Communities Together
Before the Indian Valley Athletic Complex was built, their high school students had to travel ten miles for track and field practice. Full-field football practices were only available off-site. Now, students can safely and efficiently practice in the new stadium at their own high school.
The high-quality Indian Valley Athletic Complex is a much-desired host for many events. It was chosen as a neutral site for the OHSAA football playoff games and hosted a professional drum and bugle corps complimentary concert for the community. This unique experience allowed the marching band students to learn from experts, gaining an opportunity not possible before the stadium’s construction.
“The new stadium is a source of pride for the entire community, as evidenced by the compliments of our visiting competitors,” Dr. Wentworth said. “Athletics has always been a draw that brings our geographically diverse school district together, but the new complex has taken it to a new level.”
“The stadium has truly become an educational asset for our students.”
Dr. Ira Wentworth
Superintendent
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Indian Valley Athletic Complex Competes for ExcellenceThe student-athletes of Indian Valley Local Schools used to travel to other facilities for competition finals, but since the Indian Valley Athletic Complex opened, the championship-class stadium has hosted cross country invitationals, track meets, playoff games, and the middle school state qualifiers. The field house serves as a year-round training facility that offers flexible configurations to support all manner of boys’ and girls’ sports.
Indian Valley Athletic Complex Competes for Excellence
Former elementary school principal Dr. Ira Wentworth had a vision for the Indian Valley Local Schools when he became the superintendent in 2013. The experienced runner sought to enhance the student learning experience while bolstering the local athletics program. Dr. Wentworth understood the importance of a robust athletics facility and how a state-of-the-art stadium with synthetic turf and an eight-lane track could make the Indian Valley Athletic Complex a competitive hotspot supporting students and exciting the local community.
Surrounded by rolling green hills and beside a cornfield in Gnadenhutten, Ohio, the new $7 million 3,000-seat stadium and 17,000 SF field house host large track meets, cross country invitationals, playoff games, and the middle school track and field Inter-Valley Conference championship.
The eight-lane polyurethane track surrounds the pole vault runway in addition to the football field. The Braves’ home stadium also provides for discus throwing, shot putting, the high jump, and the long jump, which can be expanded to accommodate the triple jump.
“You can watch all seventeen track and field events going,” said Superintendent Dr. Ira Wentworth. “It’s amazing to see it now, considering the former home field was near an old mine that created drainage problems. There was standing water in the endzone after it rained. But now, we host championship events. That is very rewarding.”
“We knew sports were really important to the local community,” said ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Claire Bank, who shared a personal connection to the stadium project, “I’m also very passionate about running, so I understood the district’s desire for a fast competition track.” Design for the project was completed in the fall of 2019, with the first game in August 2020.
The stadium project was built by Beaver Constructors serving as the Construction Manager at Risk.
“I’m a track guy. So, laying out the field event locations at this complex is probably one of the most fun projects of my career.”
Dr. Ira Wentworth
Superintendent
Indian Valley Athletic Complex Competes for Excellence
Flexible Spaces Year Round
Indian Valley Local Schools’ mission statement is: “Working together to personalize a rigorous standards-based learning experience.” The district’s principles are innovation, integrity, relationships, teamwork, and tradition. To honor a long-time community servant, a memorial Victory Bell for Indian Valley Board of Education Member “Uncle Larry” Holmes was installed in the D-zone facing the field house.
The field house serves as a year-round, multi-purpose building containing the concessions stand, ticket office, restrooms, weight room, and locker rooms. Movable sports netting maximizes the customization of the primary open area to accommodate inside baseball and softball practices.
In the adjoining space, an operable dividing wall provides further flexibility by opening into a single space or closing to have two. Lockers can be removed and stored in the nearby shed during winter so mats can be placed on the floor for wrestling season.
The same area is used for the girls’ track locker room in the spring. In the fall, it becomes the visiting football team’s locker room, creating a steady rotation of use from season to season.
The Indian Valley Field House Offers Flexible Spaces
A New Bond for a New Stadium
The planning for the Indian Valley Athletic Complex began in 2018 after Dr. Wentworth discovered that a $7 million district levy was scheduled to expire in 2019. He started an informational campaign proposing that a new $7 million bond to help construct the much-needed stadium could go into effect just as the 1995 bond ended. This would time the funding so that residents would not endure any increased financial impact.
“Once I heard the bond that built the new gymnasium at the high school was going to fall off the books, we got to work,” Dr. Wentworth said. “After the community understood their taxes were not going to increase, we received really excellent support.” He added, “It passed about 60% to 40%.”
Before design began, there was an effort to purchase the ideal land to build on, which would have the new athletics facility near Indian Valley High School. The owner of the neighboring manufacturing facility was approached and received the idea warmly, “He told the district he’d sell us whatever we needed,” recalled Dr. Wentworth. “Then, Claire worked her magic and designed a beautiful stadium complex.”
After the stadium opened, the parking lot was paved, a small storage building was built, and the two-bus garage was renovated. Community generosity and partnerships with local businesses have provided additional funding for the complex.
The New Stadium Hosts Championship Competitions
History Becomes Legacy
As part of the design process, a site survey of the 19-acre area was conducted before construction began, and the results were surprising. “There was some excitement,” Claire recalled the buzz this created for the school district. “During the archeological study, they found about 500 artifacts just during Phase One. We knew this was possible given the area, but what they found was pretty cool.”
Archeologists canvased the property, excavated, salvaged, and documented their findings, which included earth oven features, pottery, projectile points, stone tools, and modified flakes. The Columbus Dispatch covered the story on its website, and an informational display with graphics provided by Ohio Valley Archaeology Inc. (OVAI) greets visitors at the stadium’s main entrance. “We put the sign there with some interesting information so visitors could learn about the location’s historical significance,” Claire noted.
The geophysical survey and archaeology excavation processes were included in the construction timeline, and despite the historical findings, there was no scheduling impact on the project. Some of the items discovered are still on display at the school district building and available for instruction in the school’s local history class.
An Archeological Find
Bringing Communities Together
Before the Indian Valley Athletic Complex was built, their high school students had to travel ten miles for track and field practice. Full-field football practices were only available off-site. Now, students can safely and efficiently practice in the new stadium at their own high school.
The high-quality Indian Valley Athletic Complex is a much-desired host for many events. It was chosen as a neutral site for the OHSAA football playoff games and hosted a professional drum and bugle corps complimentary concert for the community. This unique experience allowed the marching band students to learn from experts, gaining an opportunity not possible before the stadium’s construction.
“The new stadium is a source of pride for the entire community, as evidenced by the compliments of our visiting competitors,” Dr. Wentworth said. “Athletics has always been a draw that brings our geographically diverse school district together, but the new complex has taken it to a new level.”
“The stadium has truly become an educational asset for our students.”
Dr. Ira Wentworth
Superintendent
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
Lexington’s New 7-12 Facility Brings Two Schools Under One RoofLexington Local Schools wanted to consolidate their junior high and high schools into a modern educational facility. Lexington’s new 7-12 facility brings two schools under one roof with two academic wings, a performing arts center, three gymnasiums, collaborative media centers, centralized student dining, and an athletics complex.
Lexington’s New 7-12 Facility Brings Two Schools Under One Roof
Lexington Local Schools opened their new 7-12 grade educational facility, combining Lexington Junior High and Lexington High School under a single roof. The new $56 million school building opened as scheduled on September 6 for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district and local community began a journey to consolidate and improve their scholastic programs after passing a bond issue in 2018. After extensive educational planning, they started designs for the new 200,000 SF Lexington 7-12 school. The modernized structure hosts grades 7-12 divided into two academic wings, 7-8 and 9-12. This state-of-the-art facility incorporates various student-centered design principles, including open collaborative and flexible spaces, alongside more traditional academic and classroom areas.
Lexington Local Schools’ passion for the arts and sports prioritized the need for a 750-seat performing arts center, three gymnasiums, and an athletics complex that provides academic and extracurricular opportunities for its 1,200 students.
Lexington’s New 7-12 Facility
History Looks Forward
With pride in its rich history in education, the Lexington, Ohio, community maintained its aging schools with a series of construction and renovation projects over the decades in an effort to preserve the buildings. The Lexington Junior High School was part of the oldest building in the district, built in the 1890s, with a bulk of it added on in 1930. That construction assimilated the forty-year-old school and became the history department.
The high school was built in the 1960s, and renovations to the junior high school in 1970 were the last significant improvements. The school district has since recognized the need to take action as the infrastructure continued to age. Showing great respect for Lexington’s heritage, relics from the oldest structure were salvaged to incorporate into notable spaces of the new 7-12 school.
During the planning process, the existing high school site was identified as the best location for the new school, requiring the district and design team to plan their spatial plans efficiently. Considering the new construction would be 30 feet away from the existing structure, safety became a paramount consideration. The project became a real-time lesson in architecture for the students to watch from their classroom windows.
Lexington’s New 7-12 Facility Under Construction & Completed
Visioning and Collaboration
In November 2018, district voters approved an 8.6-mill bond issue for $55.95 million for construction costs associated with the project. Working with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission through the Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP), the district would consolidate its five existing school buildings into two: a 7-12 school and a PreK-6 school. They began design for the 7-12 building first.
With funding secured, design began in earnest with educational visioning in 2019. The Lexington Local School District met with educators, community members, and local leaders to determine their educational priorities for their new facilities. While feedback came from various stakeholders, the district identified that following a “junior high school model” was a key priority.
This model organizes student education around curricular departments such as math, science, and English language arts. This contrasts with a “middle school model” where education is organized around small teams of educators from each core subject. Visioning combined with touring local schools allowed the administrators and designers to craft a layout that would suit the district’s educational needs.
Project Manager Scott Alleman commented, “It’s a traditional community, and they wanted to establish a forward-thinking model for education.” He continues, “They knew they didn’t simply want ‘double-loaded corridors,’ so we worked through various layouts. It became clear what strategies would work best.”
The timing of design completion in December 2022 coincided with the COVID-19 global pandemic. The last two phases, including Design Development (DD) and Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) / Construction Documents (CD), were finished during the early months of the global shutdown and were conducted almost 100% virtually.
Lexington’s New 7-12 Facility Visioning Session & School in Use
Advancing Lexington’s Arts and Athletics Programs
“The district was adamant that academics were the number one focus,” Scott recalled. “They pride themselves on athletics and the arts.”
In addition to the new 7-12 school building, Lexington Local Schools commissioned a $3 million athletics complex with baseball and softball fields, two practice soccer fields, a concession building, bleachers, press boxes, dugouts, mesh backstops, and scoreboards.
The enhanced ball fields are located at the base of a steep 15′ grade and anchored by a concessions and storage building centered between them, on an axis with the school. Each field features mesh backdrops, beautiful new scoreboards with field backstops, and fencing highlighted in the school’s purple and gold colors.
The ADA-accessible athletics complex offers a streamlined and engaging visitor experience. It is connected to the junior high school parking lot via a stairway and processional ramp, providing breathtaking field views. These “collegiate-level” fields visible from the junior high school’s second floor provide added athletic opportunities to the school’s sports program.
During the educational visioning session, many in the community voiced enthusiastic support for Lexington’s arts and athletics programs. Lexington’s 7-12 school features three expanded gymnasiums: a high school competition gym, an auxiliary gym, and a junior high school gym. The competition gym has a seating capacity of 2,400 and a mezzanine that can be used for wrestling practices and other activities.
The crown jewel of the 7-12 school is the 750-seat performing arts center, which serves as a notable focal point and joins the student dining space. “This is one of the spaces that gets me really excited, especially when you are up on the stage looking out at all those chairs,” Scott said.
Lexington’s 7-12 Performing Arts Center & Athletics Facilities
Dramatic Centralized Student Dining
An elongated student dining collaborative joins the northern high school portion to the southern junior high with a flooring material that transitions between the separate academic spaces. A view of the courtyard from this two-story area creates a dramatic visitor entrance.
Up to 400 students per lunch period are supported in this centralized space. It also serves as a lobby for the performing arts center and gymnasiums, allowing the school administrators to program the dining area to support different functions, creating greater flexibility. Lexington 7-12’s student dining was designed to create a logical buffer separating the academic-focused and public areas from each other.
While both academic wings are organized around collaborative spaces with media centers, the high school wing features a two-story open, collaborative space. Math and science are on the second floor, and English, world languages, and social studies are on the first.
Since opening in September 2022, the Lexington 7-12 school has established a modernized educational facility that supports the local community and its students.
Lexington’s 7-12 Dining Area & Courtyard
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Lexington’s New 7-12 Facility Brings Two Schools Under One RoofLexington Local Schools wanted to consolidate their junior high and high schools into a modern educational facility. Lexington’s new 7-12 facility brings two schools under one roof with two academic wings, a performing arts center, three gymnasiums, collaborative media centers, centralized student dining, and an athletics complex.
Lexington’s New 7-12 Facility Brings Two Schools Under One Roof
Lexington Local Schools opened their new 7-12 grade educational facility, combining Lexington Junior High and Lexington High School under a single roof. The new $56 million school building opened as scheduled on September 6 for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district and local community began a journey to consolidate and improve their scholastic programs after passing a bond issue in 2018. After extensive educational planning, they started designs for the new 200,000 SF Lexington 7-12 school. The modernized structure hosts grades 7-12 divided into two academic wings, 7-8 and 9-12. This state-of-the-art facility incorporates various student-centered design principles, including open collaborative and flexible spaces, alongside more traditional academic and classroom areas.
Lexington Local Schools’ passion for the arts and sports prioritized the need for a 750-seat performing arts center, three gymnasiums, and an athletics complex that provides academic and extracurricular opportunities for its 1,200 students.
Lexington’s New 7-12 Facility
History Looks Forward
With pride in its rich history in education, the Lexington, Ohio, community maintained its aging schools with a series of construction and renovation projects over the decades in an effort to preserve the buildings. The Lexington Junior High School was part of the oldest building in the district, built in the 1890s, with a bulk of it added on in 1930. That construction assimilated the forty-year-old school and became the history department.
The high school was built in the 1960s, and renovations to the junior high school in 1970 were the last significant improvements. The school district has since recognized the need to take action as the infrastructure continued to age. Showing great respect for Lexington’s heritage, relics from the oldest structure were salvaged to incorporate into notable spaces of the new 7-12 school.
During the planning process, the existing high school site was identified as the best location for the new school, requiring the district and design team to plan their spatial plans efficiently. Considering the new construction would be 30 feet away from the existing structure, safety became a paramount consideration. The project became a real-time lesson in architecture for the students to watch from their classroom windows.
Lexington’s New 7-12 Facility Under Construction & Completed
Visioning and Collaboration
In November 2018, district voters approved an 8.6-mill bond issue for $55.95 million for construction costs associated with the project. Working with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission through the Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP), the district would consolidate its five existing school buildings into two: a 7-12 school and a PreK-6 school. They began design for the 7-12 building first.
With funding secured, design began in earnest with educational visioning in 2019. The Lexington Local School District met with educators, community members, and local leaders to determine their educational priorities for their new facilities. While feedback came from various stakeholders, the district identified that following a “junior high school model” was a key priority.
This model organizes student education around curricular departments such as math, science, and English language arts. This contrasts with a “middle school model” where education is organized around small teams of educators from each core subject. Visioning combined with touring local schools allowed the administrators and designers to craft a layout that would suit the district’s educational needs.
Project Manager Scott Alleman commented, “It’s a traditional community, and they wanted to establish a forward-thinking model for education.” He continues, “They knew they didn’t simply want ‘double-loaded corridors,’ so we worked through various layouts. It became clear what strategies would work best.”
The timing of design completion in December 2022 coincided with the COVID-19 global pandemic. The last two phases, including Design Development (DD) and Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) / Construction Documents (CD), were finished during the early months of the global shutdown and were conducted almost 100% virtually.
Lexington’s New 7-12 Facility Visioning Session & School in Use
Advancing Lexington’s Arts and Athletics Programs
“The district was adamant that academics were the number one focus,” Scott recalled. “They pride themselves on athletics and the arts.”
In addition to the new 7-12 school building, Lexington Local Schools commissioned a $3 million athletics complex with baseball and softball fields, two practice soccer fields, a concession building, bleachers, press boxes, dugouts, mesh backstops, and scoreboards.
The enhanced ball fields are located at the base of a steep 15′ grade and anchored by a concessions and storage building centered between them, on an axis with the school. Each field features mesh backdrops, beautiful new scoreboards with field backstops, and fencing highlighted in the school’s purple and gold colors.
The ADA-accessible athletics complex offers a streamlined and engaging visitor experience. It is connected to the junior high school parking lot via a stairway and processional ramp, providing breathtaking field views. These “collegiate-level” fields visible from the junior high school’s second floor provide added athletic opportunities to the school’s sports program.
During the educational visioning session, many in the community voiced enthusiastic support for Lexington’s arts and athletics programs. Lexington’s 7-12 school features three expanded gymnasiums: a high school competition gym, an auxiliary gym, and a junior high school gym. The competition gym has a seating capacity of 2,400 and a mezzanine that can be used for wrestling practices and other activities.
The crown jewel of the 7-12 school is the 750-seat performing arts center, which serves as a notable focal point and joins the student dining space. “This is one of the spaces that gets me really excited, especially when you are up on the stage looking out at all those chairs,” Scott said.
Lexington’s 7-12 Performing Arts Center & Athletics Facilities
Dramatic Centralized Student Dining
An elongated student dining collaborative joins the northern high school portion to the southern junior high with a flooring material that transitions between the separate academic spaces. A view of the courtyard from this two-story area creates a dramatic visitor entrance.
Up to 400 students per lunch period are supported in this centralized space. It also serves as a lobby for the performing arts center and gymnasiums, allowing the school administrators to program the dining area to support different functions, creating greater flexibility. Lexington 7-12’s student dining was designed to create a logical buffer separating the academic-focused and public areas from each other.
While both academic wings are organized around collaborative spaces with media centers, the high school wing features a two-story open, collaborative space. Math and science are on the second floor, and English, world languages, and social studies are on the first.
Since opening in September 2022, the Lexington 7-12 school has established a modernized educational facility that supports the local community and its students.
Lexington’s 7-12 Dining Area & Courtyard
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Oberlin ES 2023 Healthy Buildings Winner PresentationOberlin Elementary School has been honored as the Cleveland 2030 District’s 2023 Healthy Buildings Winner. This recognition emphasizes the thought leadership of sustainable energy in educational design. Superintendent Dr. David Hall and ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Brad Gellert shared their insights regarding the school’s environmental achievements during the Healthy Buildings Winner Presentation.
Oberlin ES 2023 Healthy Buildings Winner Presentation
As a beacon of sustainable energy in educational design, Oberlin Elementary School has been honored as the Cleveland 2030 District’s 2023 Healthy Buildings Winner. This recognition emphasizes the unique and innovative sustainable energy practices of the project.
Oberlin City School District Superintendent Dr. David Hall and ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Brad Gellert were invited to share their insights in a discussion about the school’s exceptional environmental achievements. The online presentation of the Building Education Series: Exemplary Renovation and New Construction Projects examined the philosophies and design practices that led to the school’s honorable recognition.
Dr. Hall explained the importance of environmental awareness as a driving force in the collaboration between the school district and the city, with sustainability initiatives being a priority for the local community. Brad Gellert gave an overview of the steps leading to the construction and completion of the project and highlighted the energy-saving features that illustrate the benefits of conscientious architecture.
“Sustainability in Oberlin is definitely a priority for the school and our community.”
Dr. David Hall
Superintendent
Oberlin ES 2023 Healthy Buildings Winner Presentation
Exceptional Environmental Sustainability
Oberlin Elementary School is a collaborative project designed to continuously support the school district and surrounding community by incorporating environmental sustainability initiatives that can adapt to future needs. The project reflected the school’s International Baccalaureate curriculum and included several forward-thinking design elements.
One of the school’s stand-out features is a real-time environmental dashboard that monitors energy consumption so students can understand better how the building’s energy use affects the environment. This dashboard was funded by a grant from the Ohio Environmental Education Fund in partnership with Oberlin College.
Other sustainable initiatives offering firsthand learning opportunities include electric vehicle charging stations funded by grants from the Environmental Protection Agency and the implementation of a solar array supported by Oberlin College’s Green EDGE Fund, which provides about 79% of the building’s electrical needs.
Sustainability and collaborative learning are the hallmarks of this new educational facility and display how elementary schools can embody conservation principles.
The school boasts a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Lab, an extended gymnasium space, open and flexible classrooms, advanced environmental controls, and an emotional sensory room, which sets it apart from traditional school designs.
Other low-cost sustainability measures included enhanced insulation in the building’s envelope, orienting the building so its longest side faces north, and adding larger windows to that façade. This minimizes heat gain and the need for increased cooling.
“Bringing daylight into the spaces connects to nature, making a much more pleasant environment for students.”
Brad Gellert
Project Manager
Oberlin Elementary School Presentation Slides
Oberlin Elementary School’s Innovative Features
Other Oberlin Elementary School environmental features include:
The new school’s location supports community density and development by utilizing an existing site.
Electric vehicle charging stations benefit staff, visitors, and local residents by supporting the city’s sustainability goal of becoming a net zero community.
Two solar energy installations comprised of a rooftop 12,000 kWh array and 335,000 kWh ground-mounted system provide approximately 79% of the school’s annual electricity needs.
To the greatest extent possible, recycled materials were utilized in building construction, and those materials were extracted and manufactured within 100 miles of the project site.
The indoor air quality of this building has been improved through the use of low-emitting materials that contain no or low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The commitment to sustainability and curricular integration of these elements makes Oberlin Elementary School a model for innovative school design.
“To create positive change in the world, you must work collaboratively with others,” said Brad Gellert. He added, “Spending years assisting the district with this project is personal. We are proud to be part of that collaboration and know they will enjoy the building for many years to come.”
If you would like to watch the entire Cleveland 2030 District presentation, click here.
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Oberlin ES 2023 Healthy Buildings Winner PresentationOberlin Elementary School has been honored as the Cleveland 2030 District’s 2023 Healthy Buildings Winner. This recognition emphasizes the thought leadership of sustainable energy in educational design. Superintendent Dr. David Hall and ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Brad Gellert shared their insights regarding the school’s environmental achievements during the Healthy Buildings Winner Presentation.
Oberlin ES 2023 Healthy Buildings Winner Presentation
As a beacon of sustainable energy in educational design, Oberlin Elementary School has been honored as the Cleveland 2030 District’s 2023 Healthy Buildings Winner. This recognition emphasizes the unique and innovative sustainable energy practices of the project.
Oberlin City School District Superintendent Dr. David Hall and ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Brad Gellert were invited to share their insights in a discussion about the school’s exceptional environmental achievements. The online presentation of the Building Education Series: Exemplary Renovation and New Construction Projects examined the philosophies and design practices that led to the school’s honorable recognition.
Dr. Hall explained the importance of environmental awareness as a driving force in the collaboration between the school district and the city, with sustainability initiatives being a priority for the local community. Brad Gellert gave an overview of the steps leading to the construction and completion of the project and highlighted the energy-saving features that illustrate the benefits of conscientious architecture.
“Sustainability in Oberlin is definitely a priority for the school and our community.”
Dr. David Hall
Superintendent
Oberlin ES 2023 Healthy Buildings Winner Presentation
Exceptional Environmental Sustainability
Oberlin Elementary School is a collaborative project designed to continuously support the school district and surrounding community by incorporating environmental sustainability initiatives that can adapt to future needs. The project reflected the school’s International Baccalaureate curriculum and included several forward-thinking design elements.
One of the school’s stand-out features is a real-time environmental dashboard that monitors energy consumption so students can understand better how the building’s energy use affects the environment. This dashboard was funded by a grant from the Ohio Environmental Education Fund in partnership with Oberlin College.
Other sustainable initiatives offering firsthand learning opportunities include electric vehicle charging stations funded by grants from the Environmental Protection Agency and the implementation of a solar array supported by Oberlin College’s Green EDGE Fund, which provides about 79% of the building’s electrical needs.
Sustainability and collaborative learning are the hallmarks of this new educational facility and display how elementary schools can embody conservation principles.
The school boasts a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Lab, an extended gymnasium space, open and flexible classrooms, advanced environmental controls, and an emotional sensory room, which sets it apart from traditional school designs.
Other low-cost sustainability measures included enhanced insulation in the building’s envelope, orienting the building so its longest side faces north, and adding larger windows to that façade. This minimizes heat gain and the need for increased cooling.
“Bringing daylight into the spaces connects to nature, making a much more pleasant environment for students.”
Brad Gellert
Project Manager
Oberlin Elementary School Presentation Slides
Oberlin Elementary School’s Innovative Features
Other Oberlin Elementary School environmental features include:
The new school’s location supports community density and development by utilizing an existing site.
Electric vehicle charging stations benefit staff, visitors, and local residents by supporting the city’s sustainability goal of becoming a net zero community.
Two solar energy installations comprised of a rooftop 12,000 kWh array and 335,000 kWh ground-mounted system provide approximately 79% of the school’s annual electricity needs.
To the greatest extent possible, recycled materials were utilized in building construction, and those materials were extracted and manufactured within 100 miles of the project site.
The indoor air quality of this building has been improved through the use of low-emitting materials that contain no or low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The commitment to sustainability and curricular integration of these elements makes Oberlin Elementary School a model for innovative school design.
“To create positive change in the world, you must work collaboratively with others,” said Brad Gellert. He added, “Spending years assisting the district with this project is personal. We are proud to be part of that collaboration and know they will enjoy the building for many years to come.”
If you would like to watch the entire Cleveland 2030 District presentation, click here.
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
The Campus of Wickliffe Receives an Outstanding Project AwardThe Campus of Wickliffe receives an Outstanding Project Award in the Spring 2024 Educational Facilities Design Awards Showcase by Learning By Design Magazine. The Wickliffe PK-12 Campus was designed to be forward-thinking, an educational facility designed for flexible learning. The Wickliffe design supported the district’s goals by providing a flexible educational environment that encouraged learning and mentoring to contribute to the greater good.
The Campus of Wickliffe Receives an Outstanding Project Award
As a dedicated partner to Wickliffe City Schools, ThenDesign Architecture is thrilled to announce that The Campus of Wickliffe has been selected for an Outstanding Project Award by Learning by Design Magazine’s Spring 2024 Educational Facilities Design Awards Showcase. The Campus of Wickliffe has been recognized as a benchmark facility for incorporating next-generation learning space design and planning methodologies.
“This is not the work simply of the school staff or administration, but the work of an entire community. This is your work.”
Joseph Spiccia
Superintendent, Wickliffe City Schools
The Campus of Wickliffe in Action
An Outstanding Achievement in Design
A jury of American Institute of Architects (AIA) members and education design professionals evaluated submissions nationwide from architectural firms, schools, and universities. The judges determine each project’s worthiness, unique qualities, and the architectural design and planning concepts that were successfully implemented.
The printed publications were recently distributed to over 50,000 subscribers within the education field throughout the United States, and spotlight the efforts of Wickliffe City Schools during this project.
A Journey of Dedication
A Catalyst for Change is Just the Beginning
As part of the “Catalyst for Change” initiative, the 204,000 SF Wickliffe PreK-12 Campus was designed to create flexible learning spaces for the Wickliffe City School District that could adapt to future educational needs. The new campus sits on the former high school site, reorganizes site circulation and reflects a mutual partnership with the community. A 500-seat Performing Arts Center, two full-sized gymnasiums, and a cafeteria are integrated into a main “Community Hub,” accessible for public events.
Career technical and STEM-focused spaces provide opportunities for students to explore a variety of academic and skills-based pursuits. Additionally, a new state-of-the-art stadium was completed adjacent to the school, becoming a new home for the Wickliffe Blue Devils.
The district participated in the Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP) through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), and this $60 million project consolidates the aging elementary, middle, and high schools into a single PreK-12 building. In addition, the new facility hosts space for the Family Resource Center. This community center offers free services to many in need.
The new, two-story school officially opened at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year.
“We are excited to see the extraordinary educational opportunities that will be afforded to our students now and into the future.”
Carl Marine
President, Board of Education
The Campus of Wickliffe – Designed for Flexible Learning
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The Campus of Wickliffe Receives an Outstanding Project AwardThe Campus of Wickliffe receives an Outstanding Project Award in the Spring 2024 Educational Facilities Design Awards Showcase by Learning By Design Magazine. The Wickliffe PK-12 Campus was designed to be forward-thinking, an educational facility designed for flexible learning. The Wickliffe design supported the district’s goals by providing a flexible educational environment that encouraged learning and mentoring to contribute to the greater good.
The Campus of Wickliffe Receives an Outstanding Project Award
As a dedicated partner to Wickliffe City Schools, ThenDesign Architecture is thrilled to announce that The Campus of Wickliffe has been selected for an Outstanding Project Award by Learning by Design Magazine’s Spring 2024 Educational Facilities Design Awards Showcase. The Campus of Wickliffe has been recognized as a benchmark facility for incorporating next-generation learning space design and planning methodologies.
“This is not the work simply of the school staff or administration, but the work of an entire community. This is your work.”
Joseph Spiccia
Superintendent, Wickliffe City Schools
The Campus of Wickliffe in Action
An Outstanding Achievement in Design
A jury of American Institute of Architects (AIA) members and education design professionals evaluated submissions nationwide from architectural firms, schools, and universities. The judges determine each project’s worthiness, unique qualities, and the architectural design and planning concepts that were successfully implemented.
The printed publications were recently distributed to over 50,000 subscribers within the education field throughout the United States, and spotlight the efforts of Wickliffe City Schools during this project.
A Journey of Dedication
A Catalyst for Change is Just the Beginning
As part of the “Catalyst for Change” initiative, the 204,000 SF Wickliffe PreK-12 Campus was designed to create flexible learning spaces for the Wickliffe City School District that could adapt to future educational needs. The new campus sits on the former high school site, reorganizes site circulation and reflects a mutual partnership with the community. A 500-seat Performing Arts Center, two full-sized gymnasiums, and a cafeteria are integrated into a main “Community Hub,” accessible for public events.
Career technical and STEM-focused spaces provide opportunities for students to explore a variety of academic and skills-based pursuits. Additionally, a new state-of-the-art stadium was completed adjacent to the school, becoming a new home for the Wickliffe Blue Devils.
The district participated in the Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP) through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), and this $60 million project consolidates the aging elementary, middle, and high schools into a single PreK-12 building. In addition, the new facility hosts space for the Family Resource Center. This community center offers free services to many in need.
The new, two-story school officially opened at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year.
“We are excited to see the extraordinary educational opportunities that will be afforded to our students now and into the future.”
Carl Marine
President, Board of Education
The Campus of Wickliffe – Designed for Flexible Learning
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Brunswick CSD’s Community Construction UpdateCommunity members gathered to participate in Brunswick CSD’s Community Construction Update Meeting. Residents, students, and educators listened to a presentation by ThenDesign Architecture and Hammond Construction representatives to gain valuable insight into the status of the design and construction timeline for the new high school.
Brunswick CSD’s Community Construction Update
On May 1, the Brunswick City School District hosted a highly successful Community Construction Update event, presenting the status of the design progress for the new high school. About 70 people, including students, educators, and local community members, attended the engagement to learn more details about the design and construction project.
Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer, ThenDesign Architecture, and Hammond Construction provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s current goals and accomplishments. They described the development site plan, including the school layout and a brief summary of the construction timeline.
Brunswick CSD’s Community Construction Update
The Visual Preference Activity
Attendees were invited and encouraged to participate in a visual preference exercise. Several poster boards, each displaying two different aesthetic designs, were shown. They selected their preferences for the new high school by placing green stickers to designate their choice.
Their opinions about the future school’s exterior are invaluable, as they will shape the design and reflect the sensibilities of the Brunswick community. Continued public involvement is essential. Their feedback empowers them to influence the outcome directly.
Community Members Participate in the Update Meeting
Schematic Design Takes Shape
In an early April Community Construction Update meeting, ThenDesign Architecture presented the preliminary schematic design for the new Brunswick High School. The 302,000 SF school will contain academic space designed for 21st-century education, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and a competition gymnasium that holds 2,000 spectators.
“Tonight, we are really excited to share with you the journey we have been on and the process we have been through to create a building that this community can be proud of,” commented Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer.
The schematic design results from hundreds of hours working with BCSD staff, architects, engineers, and construction professionals. The interior layout is tailored to the district’s operations and how it can suit the needs of Brunswick City School students.
The building has three points of entry: the North, West, and South. Bus traffic will be routed to the west lot, with those students entering there, while visitors and parents can drop off students to the south, while the north lot will be used for students who drive. This lot will also be used as the event entry for the athletic and performance facilities.
The front of the building, which faces Center Road, is a two-story academic wing and is anchored by student services at its center. The compact nature of the structure allows students to travel more easily between classes and shared spaces. They will be taking advantage of this new modern educational environment, which is tailored to the needs of the district and the challenges they will face after high school.
The New Brunswick High School’s Site Plans
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Brunswick CSD’s Community Construction UpdateCommunity members gathered to participate in Brunswick CSD’s Community Construction Update Meeting. Residents, students, and educators listened to a presentation by ThenDesign Architecture and Hammond Construction representatives to gain valuable insight into the status of the design and construction timeline for the new high school.
Brunswick CSD’s Community Construction Update
On May 1, the Brunswick City School District hosted a highly successful Community Construction Update event, presenting the status of the design progress for the new high school. About 70 people, including students, educators, and local community members, attended the engagement to learn more details about the design and construction project.
Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer, ThenDesign Architecture, and Hammond Construction provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s current goals and accomplishments. They described the development site plan, including the school layout and a brief summary of the construction timeline.
Brunswick CSD’s Community Construction Update
The Visual Preference Activity
Attendees were invited and encouraged to participate in a visual preference exercise. Several poster boards, each displaying two different aesthetic designs, were shown. They selected their preferences for the new high school by placing green stickers to designate their choice.
Their opinions about the future school’s exterior are invaluable, as they will shape the design and reflect the sensibilities of the Brunswick community. Continued public involvement is essential. Their feedback empowers them to influence the outcome directly.
Community Members Participate in the Update Meeting
Schematic Design Takes Shape
In an early April Community Construction Update meeting, ThenDesign Architecture presented the preliminary schematic design for the new Brunswick High School. The 302,000 SF school will contain academic space designed for 21st-century education, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and a competition gymnasium that holds 2,000 spectators.
“Tonight, we are really excited to share with you the journey we have been on and the process we have been through to create a building that this community can be proud of,” commented Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer.
The schematic design results from hundreds of hours working with BCSD staff, architects, engineers, and construction professionals. The interior layout is tailored to the district’s operations and how it can suit the needs of Brunswick City School students.
The building has three points of entry: the North, West, and South. Bus traffic will be routed to the west lot, with those students entering there, while visitors and parents can drop off students to the south, while the north lot will be used for students who drive. This lot will also be used as the event entry for the athletic and performance facilities.
The front of the building, which faces Center Road, is a two-story academic wing and is anchored by student services at its center. The compact nature of the structure allows students to travel more easily between classes and shared spaces. They will be taking advantage of this new modern educational environment, which is tailored to the needs of the district and the challenges they will face after high school.
The New Brunswick High School’s Site Plans
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Bryden and Hilltop Celebrate Their GroundbreakingsThe Beachwood community gathered on May 7 to watch groundbreakings for the new Bryden and Hilltop elementary schools. These events marked significant milestones for the construction project. These new elementary schools will offer better facilities for future Beachwood students.
Bryden and Hilltop Celebrate Their Groundbreakings
Beachwood City Schools reached a significant milestone on May 7, 2024. With great pride, students, staff, and community members came together to commemorate the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Bryden and Hilltop Elementary Schools. This momentous occasion symbolizes the evolution of education as the original schools, built in 1956, will be transformed into state-of-the-art facilities.
Amidst the backdrop of construction equipment and architectural renderings of the future schools, the groundbreaking ceremonies were a testament to the strong community spirit of the Beachwood community. The atmosphere was enlivened by student musical performances, special comments by dignitaries, and a symbolic turning of the soil ceremonies. These underscored the community’s collective effort and shared achievement.
Bryden and Hilltop Celebrate Their Groundbreakings
Two Schools. Two Groundbreaking Ceremonies
Superintendent Dr. Robert Hardis gave opening comments, “All of you deserve a new building with modern classrooms that are safe and secure, energy-efficient, and filled with light and color to inspire our youngest students.”
President of the Board of Education Megan Walsh emphasized the importance of the relationships they will build in the new schools, “[In our elementary schools,] they feel like a welcoming and happy place. They feel like you belong here because you do! I promise that this same feeling will follow you to the new buildings.”
“I’m super excited for our new school. We can bring in more love to our community.”
Maya
2nd Grade Student
Bryden and Hilltop Celebrate Their Groundbreakings
School Design with Students in Mind
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Ryan Schmit noted the project’s importance, “It takes vision to build a school. It takes the commitment of hundreds of hours from many people, including the Board of Education, administration, teachers, students, parents, city officials, and community members, to achieve such a worthy cause.”
Being a Hilltop alumnus, Beachwood Mayor Justin Berns had a personal connection to the occasion. “A new school signifies a fresh start,” he noted, “A renewed commitment to education, a place to discover new and exciting ways to learn, and a place where you will build friendships that last a lifetime.”
The Beachwood community supported the new schools initiative in May 2023 by approving a 3.95-mill bond issue. Ongoing community involvement is key to the project’s design and construction phases. The schools are being designed by ThenDesign Architecture, with Hammond Construction operating as the Construction Manager At Risk.
“Anybody can build a building. But it takes a strong community to build a school.”
Ryan Schmit
Project Manager
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Bryden and Hilltop Celebrate Their GroundbreakingsThe Beachwood community gathered on May 7 to watch groundbreakings for the new Bryden and Hilltop elementary schools. These events marked significant milestones for the construction project. These new elementary schools will offer better facilities for future Beachwood students.
Bryden and Hilltop Celebrate Their Groundbreakings
Beachwood City Schools reached a significant milestone on May 7, 2024. With great pride, students, staff, and community members came together to commemorate the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Bryden and Hilltop Elementary Schools. This momentous occasion symbolizes the evolution of education as the original schools, built in 1956, will be transformed into state-of-the-art facilities.
Amidst the backdrop of construction equipment and architectural renderings of the future schools, the groundbreaking ceremonies were a testament to the strong community spirit of the Beachwood community. The atmosphere was enlivened by student musical performances, special comments by dignitaries, and a symbolic turning of the soil ceremonies. These underscored the community’s collective effort and shared achievement.
Bryden and Hilltop Celebrate Their Groundbreakings
Two Schools. Two Groundbreaking Ceremonies
Superintendent Dr. Robert Hardis gave opening comments, “All of you deserve a new building with modern classrooms that are safe and secure, energy-efficient, and filled with light and color to inspire our youngest students.”
President of the Board of Education Megan Walsh emphasized the importance of the relationships they will build in the new schools, “[In our elementary schools,] they feel like a welcoming and happy place. They feel like you belong here because you do! I promise that this same feeling will follow you to the new buildings.”
“I’m super excited for our new school. We can bring in more love to our community.”
Maya
2nd Grade Student
Bryden and Hilltop Celebrate Their Groundbreakings
School Design with Students in Mind
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Ryan Schmit noted the project’s importance, “It takes vision to build a school. It takes the commitment of hundreds of hours from many people, including the Board of Education, administration, teachers, students, parents, city officials, and community members, to achieve such a worthy cause.”
Being a Hilltop alumnus, Beachwood Mayor Justin Berns had a personal connection to the occasion. “A new school signifies a fresh start,” he noted, “A renewed commitment to education, a place to discover new and exciting ways to learn, and a place where you will build friendships that last a lifetime.”
The Beachwood community supported the new schools initiative in May 2023 by approving a 3.95-mill bond issue. Ongoing community involvement is key to the project’s design and construction phases. The schools are being designed by ThenDesign Architecture, with Hammond Construction operating as the Construction Manager At Risk.
“Anybody can build a building. But it takes a strong community to build a school.”
Ryan Schmit
Project Manager
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
Thiel College Academic Center GroundbreakingDistinguished guests celebrated a transformative renovation project that began with the Thiel College Academic Center Groundbreaking ceremony. The multi-phased project starts in 2024 with focused efforts to enhance multiple entryways, the main lobby, and the lower level. Future improvements are scheduled to modernize labs, classrooms, and the entrance of the Langenheim Memorial Library.
Thiel College Academic Center Groundbreaking
Distinguished guests celebrated the new renovation project that began with the Thiel College Academic Center Groundbreaking ceremony.
“This project is a reflection of the academic priorities of Thiel College,” commented Thiel College President Dr. Susan Traverso during a groundbreaking ceremony for a renovation project at Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center.
The ThenDesign Architecture team is thrilled to continue working with Thiel College to bring this new renovation to life!
According to a press release, the $4 million project includes enhancements to the building’s entrance, updated technology, and space for collaboration and represents a “significant investment” in the Nursing program.
Thiel College Academic Center Groundbreaking
A Transformative Renovation
Speakers at the ceremony included Rod Wilt, executive director of Penn-Northwest Development Corp. and chair of the college board of trustees, Dr. Greg Butcher, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, and Audra Franley, coordinator of campus ministries.
Future enhancements are set to modernize labs, classrooms, and the entrance to Langenheim Memorial Library.
Initially dedicated in April 1971, the Academic Center is a multi-level educational complex that features 11 classrooms, the 300-seat Bly Lecture Hall, five seminar rooms, 24 laboratories, a computer center, five specialized teaching facilities, and 55 faculty offices.
Thiel College is an independent liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies institution committed to providing quality undergraduate education. Promoting educational excellence, innovation, and ethical leadership, the College offers distinctive learning opportunities for students and serves as an asset for the region’s social, economic, and educational development.
Renovation of the Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center is a multi-phased project that will continue over the next several years.
Thiel College Exterior Rendering
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Thiel College Academic Center GroundbreakingDistinguished guests celebrated a transformative renovation project that began with the Thiel College Academic Center Groundbreaking ceremony. The multi-phased project starts in 2024 with focused efforts to enhance multiple entryways, the main lobby, and the lower level. Future improvements are scheduled to modernize labs, classrooms, and the entrance of the Langenheim Memorial Library.
Thiel College Academic Center Groundbreaking
Distinguished guests celebrated the new renovation project that began with the Thiel College Academic Center Groundbreaking ceremony.
“This project is a reflection of the academic priorities of Thiel College,” commented Thiel College President Dr. Susan Traverso during a groundbreaking ceremony for a renovation project at Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center.
The ThenDesign Architecture team is thrilled to continue working with Thiel College to bring this new renovation to life!
According to a press release, the $4 million project includes enhancements to the building’s entrance, updated technology, and space for collaboration and represents a “significant investment” in the Nursing program.
Thiel College Academic Center Groundbreaking
A Transformative Renovation
Speakers at the ceremony included Rod Wilt, executive director of Penn-Northwest Development Corp. and chair of the college board of trustees, Dr. Greg Butcher, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, and Audra Franley, coordinator of campus ministries.
Future enhancements are set to modernize labs, classrooms, and the entrance to Langenheim Memorial Library.
Initially dedicated in April 1971, the Academic Center is a multi-level educational complex that features 11 classrooms, the 300-seat Bly Lecture Hall, five seminar rooms, 24 laboratories, a computer center, five specialized teaching facilities, and 55 faculty offices.
Thiel College is an independent liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies institution committed to providing quality undergraduate education. Promoting educational excellence, innovation, and ethical leadership, the College offers distinctive learning opportunities for students and serves as an asset for the region’s social, economic, and educational development.
Renovation of the Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center is a multi-phased project that will continue over the next several years.
Thiel College Exterior Rendering
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Brunswick High School Senior Seminar PresentationsThe Brunswick High School Senior Seminar Presentations provided an opportunity for students to design educational spaces that could be incorporated into the new high school. As part of their class project, they conducted research, built physical and digital models of their ideal spaces, and shared their experiences with members of TDA and BCSD. Their suggestions could benefit the next generation of Brunswick students.
Brunswick High School Senior Seminar Presentations
Seniors at Brunswick High School presented their design ideas for the new high school to administrators at BCSD and representatives at ThenDesign Architecture as part of their Senior Seminar class project.
The 12th-grade students chose which areas they wanted to create, including how to best convey those ideas. Some students created physical dioramas made of cardboard, wood, and lights, while others utilized software tools to create a computer-animated presentation.
“We are designing this building for them, so hearing their feedback is crucial.”
Jeanne Kleckner
Interior Designer
The New Brunswick High School in Progress
The over 300,000 SF, 9-12 high school will include an auditorium and replace the existing school. It will provide a modern educational environment better positioned to accommodate personalized student needs and foster learning and collaboration.
“It’s fun to hear what the young people are thinking about and what is important to them.”
Scott Alleman
Project Manager
The Brunswick High School Senior Seminar Presentations
Senior Seminar Teachers Facilitate Participation
Senior Seminar teacher Mark Belkofer focused on the benefits of student involvement, “The most important thing we can do is put this in their hands,” he said. “Their collective ideas could help shape what they believe a 21st-century educational space should be.”
The Senior Seminar class has three co-teachers, including Michelle Raglow and Colin Smith. Colin said his focus was to allow students to express their ideas, “My job is to make sure their voices are heard, not to make changes to their designs. They did a great job talking to teachers to find out what they wanted for the new high school.”
“These talented students came up with their concepts based on their experiences and research,” said Senior Seminar teacher Michelle Raglow. “Now, they have an authentic audience in TDA and the administration. What an incredible experience it was for them to be able to present and really be listened to.”
“Even though these students won’t be attending the new school, this was an opportunity for them to leave their mark for the next generation.”
Colin Smith
Senior Seminar Teacher
The Brunswick High School Senior Seminar Presentations
The Senior Seminar Presentation is part of TDA’s information-gathering efforts to engage with students, teachers, and community members to include their valuable insight to influence the design process. Ideas conveyed during visioning sessions, visual preference exercises, and the Senior Seminar will directly impact the design decisions of the new high school.
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
Brunswick High School Senior Seminar PresentationsThe Brunswick High School Senior Seminar Presentations provided an opportunity for students to design educational spaces that could be incorporated into the new high school. As part of their class project, they conducted research, built physical and digital models of their ideal spaces, and shared their experiences with members of TDA and BCSD. Their suggestions could benefit the next generation of Brunswick students.
Brunswick High School Senior Seminar Presentations
Seniors at Brunswick High School presented their design ideas for the new high school to administrators at BCSD and representatives at ThenDesign Architecture as part of their Senior Seminar class project.
The 12th-grade students chose which areas they wanted to create, including how to best convey those ideas. Some students created physical dioramas made of cardboard, wood, and lights, while others utilized software tools to create a computer-animated presentation.
“We are designing this building for them, so hearing their feedback is crucial.”
Jeanne Kleckner
Interior Designer
The New Brunswick High School in Progress
The over 300,000 SF, 9-12 high school will include an auditorium and replace the existing school. It will provide a modern educational environment better positioned to accommodate personalized student needs and foster learning and collaboration.
“It’s fun to hear what the young people are thinking about and what is important to them.”
Scott Alleman
Project Manager
The Brunswick High School Senior Seminar Presentations
Senior Seminar Teachers Facilitate Participation
Senior Seminar teacher Mark Belkofer focused on the benefits of student involvement, “The most important thing we can do is put this in their hands,” he said. “Their collective ideas could help shape what they believe a 21st-century educational space should be.”
The Senior Seminar class has three co-teachers, including Michelle Raglow and Colin Smith. Colin said his focus was to allow students to express their ideas, “My job is to make sure their voices are heard, not to make changes to their designs. They did a great job talking to teachers to find out what they wanted for the new high school.”
“These talented students came up with their concepts based on their experiences and research,” said Senior Seminar teacher Michelle Raglow. “Now, they have an authentic audience in TDA and the administration. What an incredible experience it was for them to be able to present and really be listened to.”
“Even though these students won’t be attending the new school, this was an opportunity for them to leave their mark for the next generation.”
Colin Smith
Senior Seminar Teacher
The Brunswick High School Senior Seminar Presentations
The Senior Seminar Presentation is part of TDA’s information-gathering efforts to engage with students, teachers, and community members to include their valuable insight to influence the design process. Ideas conveyed during visioning sessions, visual preference exercises, and the Senior Seminar will directly impact the design decisions of the new high school.
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New Mentor High School Baseball Field OpensThe new all-synthetic turf Mentor High School Baseball Field opened with a celebratory first game and a victory for the Cardinals. The stadium was packed with excited parents, community members, and students who came to enjoy the inaugural game on a brisk, sunny afternoon.
New Mentor High School Baseball Field Opens
With fanfare and an abundance of free hot dogs, the new all-synthetic turf baseball field at Mentor High School opened on March 29, 2024. The updated athletics field is now affectionally called “The Yard.” It features an improved drainage system, fresh netting, a modernized press box, and a state-of-the-art sound system.
Mentor Public Schools hosted a pregame ceremony with an official “first pitch” before the Cardinals varsity team took to the field. The first game was well-attended by the enthused local community and parents, who turned up to demonstrate their support for the Mentor athletics program.
Mentor has a great baseball team, and I think the new field will really help the team play that much better. It is a great day to be out watching the game!
Kristie
Mentor Schools Alumni and Resident
New Mentor High School Baseball Field Opening Day
Hot Dogs and Baseball
Design for the athletics facility began in the summer of 2022, according to ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Ryan Schmit. He enjoys working on projects like this, understanding how vital extracurricular activities are in developing a well-rounded student experience.
Cardinals Coach Jeff Haase told the News-Herald he looked forward to the exciting potential of the new ballfield and what it means for the athletics program. “It keeps the kids invested,” he said. “When you look at this as a whole, it’s a great facility to have as a community and a worthy investment for the program.”
The Cardinals were eager to experience the new field during the season opener and secured their first victory.
Rodger, a longtime Mentor resident, attended the inaugural game and felt optimistic about what it means for the Mentor community, “I’ve watched our teams play for years and have seen so many changes and improvements in the players, the coaches, and the fans. I think this is a huge improvement for our athletic program.” He continued, “Having a field like this feels like a completely different experience. It will help our kids. I also hope they keep serving these hot dogs!”
A Day for the Students and the Community
Not Just About The Sports
The all-synthetic turf field is a significant upgrade for the Cardinals, offering them the opportunity to play in various conditions and leverage their strengths. While it may require some adaptation, the Cardinals are thrilled to make the most of their new home turf.
As the team inaugurates “The Yard,” they anticipate a significant playoff run and a continued commitment to their baseball program supporting the next generation of students.
I think it’s really cool to watch the team play on such a nice field. I can’t wait to get a chance to play on this field when I get older.
Kyle
5th Grade Mentor Student
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New Mentor High School Baseball Field OpensThe new all-synthetic turf Mentor High School Baseball Field opened with a celebratory first game and a victory for the Cardinals. The stadium was packed with excited parents, community members, and students who came to enjoy the inaugural game on a brisk, sunny afternoon.
New Mentor High School Baseball Field Opens
With fanfare and an abundance of free hot dogs, the new all-synthetic turf baseball field at Mentor High School opened on March 29, 2024. The updated athletics field is now affectionally called “The Yard.” It features an improved drainage system, fresh netting, a modernized press box, and a state-of-the-art sound system.
Mentor Public Schools hosted a pregame ceremony with an official “first pitch” before the Cardinals varsity team took to the field. The first game was well-attended by the enthused local community and parents, who turned up to demonstrate their support for the Mentor athletics program.
Mentor has a great baseball team, and I think the new field will really help the team play that much better. It is a great day to be out watching the game!
Kristie
Mentor Schools Alumni and Resident
New Mentor High School Baseball Field Opening Day
Hot Dogs and Baseball
Design for the athletics facility began in the summer of 2022, according to ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Ryan Schmit. He enjoys working on projects like this, understanding how vital extracurricular activities are in developing a well-rounded student experience.
Cardinals Coach Jeff Haase told the News-Herald he looked forward to the exciting potential of the new ballfield and what it means for the athletics program. “It keeps the kids invested,” he said. “When you look at this as a whole, it’s a great facility to have as a community and a worthy investment for the program.”
The Cardinals were eager to experience the new field during the season opener and secured their first victory.
Rodger, a longtime Mentor resident, attended the inaugural game and felt optimistic about what it means for the Mentor community, “I’ve watched our teams play for years and have seen so many changes and improvements in the players, the coaches, and the fans. I think this is a huge improvement for our athletic program.” He continued, “Having a field like this feels like a completely different experience. It will help our kids. I also hope they keep serving these hot dogs!”
A Day for the Students and the Community
Not Just About The Sports
The all-synthetic turf field is a significant upgrade for the Cardinals, offering them the opportunity to play in various conditions and leverage their strengths. While it may require some adaptation, the Cardinals are thrilled to make the most of their new home turf.
As the team inaugurates “The Yard,” they anticipate a significant playoff run and a continued commitment to their baseball program supporting the next generation of students.
I think it’s really cool to watch the team play on such a nice field. I can’t wait to get a chance to play on this field when I get older.
Kyle
5th Grade Mentor Student
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North Ridgeville Visual Preference ExerciseHosted at the North Ridgeville Academic Center, teachers, students, and community members participated in a Visual Preference Exercise to help determine the design aesthetics for the exterior of the new North Ridgeville High School. The continued participation of local community members is vital to the success of the design process.
North Ridgeville Visual Preference Exercise
The new North Ridgeville High School project took a significant step forward with a dynamic community engagement on April 10. ThenDesign Architecture hosted the pivotal “Meet the Architect” event at the North Ridgeville Academic Center, drawing a crowd of over seventy residents. This event provided a platform for the community to hear an update on the construction project, meet the design team, and ask questions. Importantly, it also allowed residents to voice their preferences for the school’s exterior, underscoring their role in shaping the project.
Central to the evening was the Visual Preference Exercise, a key tool in the decision-making process. This development technique is designed to gather valuable community input on physical design alternatives, ensuring that the preferences of the North Ridgeville community are considered during the design process.
Important Community Feedback
Several boards were staged with options for attendees to choose which aesthetic style best fits North Ridgeville. By placing green stickers to designate their visual preference, participants informed the design team which side-by-side options were most appealing. They could then add details regarding why they chose this option.
TDA Project Architect Claire Bank values this critical feedback from teachers, students, and residents. The information influences the development of architectural decisions. Working closely with Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio and the school district, TDA designers will continue to advance the look and feel of the new North Ridgeville High School based on the opinions of the local community.
Visual Preference Exercise with North Ridgeville City Schools & TDA
Community Feedback Still Needed
For interested North Ridgeville residents who could not participate in the Visual Preference Exercise, there is still time to voice your opinions by visiting this survey link. Your continued involvement is essential for making the new North Ridgeville High School successful.
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
North Ridgeville Visual Preference ExerciseHosted at the North Ridgeville Academic Center, teachers, students, and community members participated in a Visual Preference Exercise to help determine the design aesthetics for the exterior of the new North Ridgeville High School. The continued participation of local community members is vital to the success of the design process.
North Ridgeville Visual Preference Exercise
The new North Ridgeville High School project took a significant step forward with a dynamic community engagement on April 10. ThenDesign Architecture hosted the pivotal “Meet the Architect” event at the North Ridgeville Academic Center, drawing a crowd of over seventy residents. This event provided a platform for the community to hear an update on the construction project, meet the design team, and ask questions. Importantly, it also allowed residents to voice their preferences for the school’s exterior, underscoring their role in shaping the project.
Central to the evening was the Visual Preference Exercise, a key tool in the decision-making process. This development technique is designed to gather valuable community input on physical design alternatives, ensuring that the preferences of the North Ridgeville community are considered during the design process.
Important Community Feedback
Several boards were staged with options for attendees to choose which aesthetic style best fits North Ridgeville. By placing green stickers to designate their visual preference, participants informed the design team which side-by-side options were most appealing. They could then add details regarding why they chose this option.
TDA Project Architect Claire Bank values this critical feedback from teachers, students, and residents. The information influences the development of architectural decisions. Working closely with Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio and the school district, TDA designers will continue to advance the look and feel of the new North Ridgeville High School based on the opinions of the local community.
Visual Preference Exercise with North Ridgeville City Schools & TDA
Community Feedback Still Needed
For interested North Ridgeville residents who could not participate in the Visual Preference Exercise, there is still time to voice your opinions by visiting this survey link. Your continued involvement is essential for making the new North Ridgeville High School successful.
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
Garfield Heights High School Stadium GroundbreakingHundreds of excited students, staff, and community leaders celebrated the Garfield Heights High School stadium groundbreaking ceremony. They acknowledged the generosity of the Cleveland Browns and the Haslam and Johnson families in partnership with the Browns Give Back philanthropic initiative and the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network for providing a new, high-quality synthetic turf field.
Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking
On the chilly morning of March 15, the well-attended groundbreaking ceremony for constructing the new Garfield Heights High School stadium commenced with school-spirited fanfare.
Hundreds of excited students, staff, community leaders, and stakeholders celebrated the momentous occasion. They acknowledged the generosity of the Cleveland Browns and the Haslam and Johnson families in partnership with the Browns Give Back philanthropic initiative and the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network. A new, high-quality synthetic turf field was donated to the Garfield Heights City Schools athletics project.
Haslam Sports Group is “a values-driven organization committed to unifying people through sports and entertainment.” The organization aims to foster innovation and diversity of thought, bringing positive change to local communities. The Garfield Heights High School stadium is the fifteenth project to benefit from the community-supporting mission launched in May 2016. It is part of the Browns’ commitment to improving education and supporting high school athletics.
Superintendent Dr. Richard Reynolds gave comments centered on the “together” philosophy of the Garfield Heights City Schools district and acknowledged the gracious partnership with the city and the Cleveland Browns. “Every child, every day, together. We are going to make sure that our children have the finest facility.”
Garfield Heights City Schools partnered with the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network in 2021 to express its commitment to improving the educational experience through active student engagement.
“With this generosity, we can easily see the power of together. This investment will keep Garfield Heights City Schools a gem of this community.”
Dr. Richard Reynolds
Superintendent
Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking
Generosity in Action
Designer and Project Manager Scott Clifford for ThenDesign Architecture noted the project’s significance. “Technically, we’ve been working with the school district on this since 2014. It was a great opportunity for them when the Cleveland Browns got involved to help donate the new sports field. That’s when it really took off.”
The track and civil work for the stadium is supported by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), established by Congress in 2020. Since the stadium was condemned, the Garfield Heights High School football team has been without a playfield, making the groundbreaking a welcomed relief to offer hope for future students in the athletics program.
Among those in attendance, Haslam Sports Group President JW Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the project and saw it as a further commitment to improving school morale. “We know the importance of attendance and athletics for students even after they graduate so that good things will come to them. What you do on and off the field is vital. We are excited to get this project going.”
Garfield Heights Mayor Matt Burke offered appreciation for those who made the new stadium dream a reality. “I love that the Cleveland Browns, Jimmy Haslam, and the Johnson family have stepped up to love this city as much as I do.”
“I love this city. I love Garfield Heights.”
Matt Burke
Mayor of Garfield Heights
Photography Courtesy of Shook Construction
Hope of Future Possibilities
“I’m so excited for you guys,” said Cleveland Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski. “I feel your energy this morning. The students, athletes, and members of the band. Something like this takes all of us. I’m so proud to be with you today.”
The planned construction and design of the new stadium leaves room for future amenities such as a concession stand and restrooms. “I hope the community gets excited about the new stadium and continues to develop what is possible in the space,” commented Scott Clifford. “The top-tier synthetic turf field will be a huge initial boost to the high school and the district, but there is an opportunity for Garfield Heights to do much more.”
“Giving back to the community is central to what the Browns are all about.”
Kevin Stefanski
Cleveland Browns Head Coach
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Garfield Heights High School Stadium GroundbreakingHundreds of excited students, staff, and community leaders celebrated the Garfield Heights High School stadium groundbreaking ceremony. They acknowledged the generosity of the Cleveland Browns and the Haslam and Johnson families in partnership with the Browns Give Back philanthropic initiative and the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network for providing a new, high-quality synthetic turf field.
Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking
On the chilly morning of March 15, the well-attended groundbreaking ceremony for constructing the new Garfield Heights High School stadium commenced with school-spirited fanfare.
Hundreds of excited students, staff, community leaders, and stakeholders celebrated the momentous occasion. They acknowledged the generosity of the Cleveland Browns and the Haslam and Johnson families in partnership with the Browns Give Back philanthropic initiative and the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network. A new, high-quality synthetic turf field was donated to the Garfield Heights City Schools athletics project.
Haslam Sports Group is “a values-driven organization committed to unifying people through sports and entertainment.” The organization aims to foster innovation and diversity of thought, bringing positive change to local communities. The Garfield Heights High School stadium is the fifteenth project to benefit from the community-supporting mission launched in May 2016. It is part of the Browns’ commitment to improving education and supporting high school athletics.
Superintendent Dr. Richard Reynolds gave comments centered on the “together” philosophy of the Garfield Heights City Schools district and acknowledged the gracious partnership with the city and the Cleveland Browns. “Every child, every day, together. We are going to make sure that our children have the finest facility.”
Garfield Heights City Schools partnered with the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network in 2021 to express its commitment to improving the educational experience through active student engagement.
“With this generosity, we can easily see the power of together. This investment will keep Garfield Heights City Schools a gem of this community.”
Dr. Richard Reynolds
Superintendent
Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking
Generosity in Action
Designer and Project Manager Scott Clifford for ThenDesign Architecture noted the project’s significance. “Technically, we’ve been working with the school district on this since 2014. It was a great opportunity for them when the Cleveland Browns got involved to help donate the new sports field. That’s when it really took off.”
The track and civil work for the stadium is supported by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), established by Congress in 2020. Since the stadium was condemned, the Garfield Heights High School football team has been without a playfield, making the groundbreaking a welcomed relief to offer hope for future students in the athletics program.
Among those in attendance, Haslam Sports Group President JW Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the project and saw it as a further commitment to improving school morale. “We know the importance of attendance and athletics for students even after they graduate so that good things will come to them. What you do on and off the field is vital. We are excited to get this project going.”
Garfield Heights Mayor Matt Burke offered appreciation for those who made the new stadium dream a reality. “I love that the Cleveland Browns, Jimmy Haslam, and the Johnson family have stepped up to love this city as much as I do.”
“I love this city. I love Garfield Heights.”
Matt Burke
Mayor of Garfield Heights
Photography Courtesy of Shook Construction
Hope of Future Possibilities
“I’m so excited for you guys,” said Cleveland Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski. “I feel your energy this morning. The students, athletes, and members of the band. Something like this takes all of us. I’m so proud to be with you today.”
The planned construction and design of the new stadium leaves room for future amenities such as a concession stand and restrooms. “I hope the community gets excited about the new stadium and continues to develop what is possible in the space,” commented Scott Clifford. “The top-tier synthetic turf field will be a huge initial boost to the high school and the district, but there is an opportunity for Garfield Heights to do much more.”
“Giving back to the community is central to what the Browns are all about.”
Kevin Stefanski
Cleveland Browns Head Coach
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
North Ridgeville City Schools Conducted Educational Visioning for Their New High SchoolOn February 20th, students, community members, district administrators, city officials, and teachers attended an all-day Educational Visioning Session hosted by ThenDesign Architecture at North Ridgeville’s Academic Center. This session focused on group collaboration as attendees brainstormed how the district’s new high school would improve every student’s educational experience for generations to come.
North Ridgeville City Schools – Educational Visioning for the New High School
On February 20th, students, community members, district administrators, city officials, and teachers attended an all-day Educational Visioning Session hosted by ThenDesign Architecture at North Ridgeville’s Academic Center. This session focused on group collaboration as attendees brainstormed how the district’s new high school would improve every student’s educational experience for generations to come.
As the day commenced, Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio welcomed everyone, “This is a huge representation of the North Ridgeville community, and I am grateful you took the time to be here today.”
Guests participated in activities designed to garner input on the new school. “You will truly help shape the future of North Ridgeville. We are building a new high school, and the ideas you develop today will be the roadmap to make this a reality.”
With over 80 in attendance, everyone had a say in the activities. The new, +300,000 SF, 9-12 high school includes state-of-the-art academic spaces, an auditorium, and enhanced athletic spaces, replacing the existing 1960s high school. This new building enhances student safety and security while accommodating growth in the community and provides a modern educational environment that fosters student learning and collaboration.
Many current North Ridgeville students attended. One student, Angel, felt the school would make a significant impact on his peers, “Students have a voice, and it’s great that we can provide feedback.” He was glad to provide input. “It’s great to have the administration listen. It shows that we are heard. I’m very happy I got this opportunity and could share it with my teachers and friends.”
Divided into small groups, the attendees developed a vision for the high school. They prioritized goals, analyzed learning environments, and explored options for a building layout.
https://youtu.be/EogiwYCZfBg
“Hearing from our students was an incredible experience. Their perspective on the needs for their new school was very powerful. The excitement from our students and staff can energize our community as a whole.”
Roxann Ramsey-Caserio
Superintendent of North Ridgeville City Schools
Educational Visioning – Imagining Opportunities for the New School
The session was divided into activities throughout the day. Architects then use this broad feedback during the early phases of design and incorporate feedback between groups to establish common goals and needs.
The major activities included:
Where Are We Now and Where Are We Headed? – This portion of the session focused on defining the overall project and site, hearing from district staff about challenges with the existing school, and then imagining the educational opportunities the new building could bring. This culminated in reviewing four new high schools and how those buildings were organized to maximize educational opportunities.
How Are Schools Organized? – This activity involved small groups working together to determine the relationships between major spaces in the new school. Each group had to define a core component of the school district’s “Ranger STRONG” mindset that included Creativity, Inclusivity, Safety, Service, and Teamwork. They explained how their relationship diagram enhanced one of those core values.
Identifying Our Needs – Participants defined priorities for 20 different building segments. These ranged from the core academic spaces, visual arts, performing arts, athletics, and many other areas.
Putting It All Together – Based on all the ideas developed during this session, groups could use blocks to lay out their ideal solutions for the new high school.
Each activity built on one another and formed a complete picture of the building project by the end of the day.
Educational Visioning with North Ridgeville City Schools
“Our vision is to empower our students with the help of their family, our staff, and the community to design their preferred future. Our mission is to educate the whole person, caring for the social and emotional development of every person. Those are the ideas we are building into this new school.”
Joseph Mueller
High School Principal
Where Are We Now?
“Our vision is to empower our students with the help of their family, our staff, and the community to design their preferred future,” commented High School Principal Joseph Mueller. “Our mission is to educate the whole person, caring for the social and emotional development of every single student. Those are the ideas we are building into this new school.”
While teachers and staff carry out this mission daily, the current school faces hardships in meeting these goals.
A few of the biggest challenges he referenced were:
The overall school size. The existing building is 147,000 SF and cannot support the growing student enrollment.
Science Labs are not adequately sized, lack natural gas for lab use, and do not have space to host equipment that students will use after high school.
Many interior classrooms lack access to natural light, and the exposed utilities throughout the school take away from the educational environment and are difficult to maintain and repair.
The outdated heating and cooling systems do not regulate temperatures in many classrooms, making the learning environment adverse for many students.
There are difficulties with distracting noise, overcrowding, and a burdensome distance to the trailers.
Despite the current environment, Principal Mueller is optimistic about the new building.
“One of my mantras is to ‘Get better every day.’ That’s what we expect from each of us, and this is where the ‘rubber meets the road.’ It’s time to design a physical space to help us further those goals and overcome the challenges we face now.”
Educational Visioning with North Ridgeville City Schools:
School planning is firmly rooted in the academic and curricular goals of the district. Spaces in the new school will reflect current teaching practices but allow for adaptability in the future.
The district plans to use this new building as a catalyst for new educational opportunities for students.
“What makes a new high school work? That is an incredibly difficult question to answer. What will education look like next year, or in five years, or ten years, or fifty years from now?” commented Assistant Superintendent David Pritt. “The reality is that if our new high school will last as long as our current school, it needs to be relevant 60 years from now.”
Developing the structure isn’t as easy as it seems.
“So we are brainstorming, incorporating feedback, and designing a building that will last for a long time into the future.”
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Claire Bank commented, “What I found really impressive was how forward-thinking this community is. They consider this an opportunity to offer more to their students and educators. That is an awesome place to be at the beginning of a project.”
The design team highlighted recent case studies of how different districts approached flexible spaces in their buildings.
The “putting it all together” activity highlights priorities from the community. Claire continues, “During the last activity, we see how people lay out adjacencies, and those are relationships we sometimes haven’t even thought about yet and wouldn’t unless we heard it from them.”
“Students have a voice. So I think it’s very important that the students who are going to be in the school provide their feedback on what they think and help future generations of students.”
Angel
High School Student
Understanding Our Learning Environment
Superintendent Ramsey-Caserio added perspective on the decisions the groups were making. “We need to think about learning differently than we are used to. We need our students to be the source of their own learning. A building can provide space for that, but good teaching is good teaching, and we will keep that in mind for all our students.”
Gathering feedback from the students who use the building most was very important to the district.
“Hearing from our students was an incredible experience. Their perspective on the needs for their new school was very powerful. This excitement from our students and staff can energize our entire community.”
Using both digital and written materials, community members prioritized their wishes for components of the new high school.
The top three priorities for this group included:
More options for flexible learning spaces
Better building organization
Enhanced technology
Each individual recorded their thoughts on the crucial components of the building, which will be examined and incorporated as the design progresses.
When Constructing a New High School What Are Your Prioritized List of Considerations?
The final activity tasked groups with laying out their preferred site plan for the new school. Incorporating the necessary square footage for different interior academic and support spaces, as well as parking and athletics, the groups grappled with the building’s site entry, access, and traffic flow. They then reported their decisions to the whole group, answered questions, and provided insight into the significant discussion points.
Common themes developed across the groups included:
Many groups preferred organizing the school by department rather than grade level.
Acoustic barriers for events and sound separated the auditorium and gymnasium.
Administrative offices were near the main entrance, with the entry facing west.
There is a separate community entrance for events and a clearly defined primary school entry.
Separate parking for performing arts and athletic events.
The media center connects to the academic wings to serve as additional collaborative space.
The use of courtyards separates academic spaces and provides additional daylighting.
Student Dining is centralized and near the entrance to the school.
“What I found impressive was how forward-thinking this community is. They are really considering it an opportunity to offer more to their students and educators. They’re not limited to what they’re imagining, which is an awesome place to be at the beginning of a project.”
Claire Bank
Project Manager
Next Steps
With Educational Visioning complete, the design team is compiling a summary of the day’s activities with an outcome report to be shared with the community. The conclusions of these activities help inform the new school’s design.
Frank Toth, a former city councilman and longtime resident, looks forward to the project’s impact. “The opportunity to weigh in on how this school will function in the community is a great opportunity.”
He looks forward to how this new building will be used.
“There were some great ideas exchanged. It’s going to be wonderful to see how the community embraces these ideas as we move forward with this project.”
Architects will work through the schematic design phase during the spring and summer. During this phase, initial plans are developed, which will be used for initial cost estimation. Currently, the design team is engaging with district staff to better understand their individual needs for inclusion in the new plans.
North Ridgeville City Schools Conducted Educational Visioning for Their New High SchoolOn February 20th, students, community members, district administrators, city officials, and teachers attended an all-day Educational Visioning Session hosted by ThenDesign Architecture at North Ridgeville’s Academic Center. This session focused on group collaboration as attendees brainstormed how the district’s new high school would improve every student’s educational experience for generations to come.
North Ridgeville City Schools – Educational Visioning for the New High School
On February 20th, students, community members, district administrators, city officials, and teachers attended an all-day Educational Visioning Session hosted by ThenDesign Architecture at North Ridgeville’s Academic Center. This session focused on group collaboration as attendees brainstormed how the district’s new high school would improve every student’s educational experience for generations to come.
As the day commenced, Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio welcomed everyone, “This is a huge representation of the North Ridgeville community, and I am grateful you took the time to be here today.”
Guests participated in activities designed to garner input on the new school. “You will truly help shape the future of North Ridgeville. We are building a new high school, and the ideas you develop today will be the roadmap to make this a reality.”
With over 80 in attendance, everyone had a say in the activities. The new, +300,000 SF, 9-12 high school includes state-of-the-art academic spaces, an auditorium, and enhanced athletic spaces, replacing the existing 1960s high school. This new building enhances student safety and security while accommodating growth in the community and provides a modern educational environment that fosters student learning and collaboration.
Many current North Ridgeville students attended. One student, Angel, felt the school would make a significant impact on his peers, “Students have a voice, and it’s great that we can provide feedback.” He was glad to provide input. “It’s great to have the administration listen. It shows that we are heard. I’m very happy I got this opportunity and could share it with my teachers and friends.”
Divided into small groups, the attendees developed a vision for the high school. They prioritized goals, analyzed learning environments, and explored options for a building layout.
https://youtu.be/EogiwYCZfBg
“Hearing from our students was an incredible experience. Their perspective on the needs for their new school was very powerful. The excitement from our students and staff can energize our community as a whole.”
Roxann Ramsey-Caserio
Superintendent of North Ridgeville City Schools
Educational Visioning – Imagining Opportunities for the New School
The session was divided into activities throughout the day. Architects then use this broad feedback during the early phases of design and incorporate feedback between groups to establish common goals and needs.
The major activities included:
Where Are We Now and Where Are We Headed? – This portion of the session focused on defining the overall project and site, hearing from district staff about challenges with the existing school, and then imagining the educational opportunities the new building could bring. This culminated in reviewing four new high schools and how those buildings were organized to maximize educational opportunities.
How Are Schools Organized? – This activity involved small groups working together to determine the relationships between major spaces in the new school. Each group had to define a core component of the school district’s “Ranger STRONG” mindset that included Creativity, Inclusivity, Safety, Service, and Teamwork. They explained how their relationship diagram enhanced one of those core values.
Identifying Our Needs – Participants defined priorities for 20 different building segments. These ranged from the core academic spaces, visual arts, performing arts, athletics, and many other areas.
Putting It All Together – Based on all the ideas developed during this session, groups could use blocks to lay out their ideal solutions for the new high school.
Each activity built on one another and formed a complete picture of the building project by the end of the day.
Educational Visioning with North Ridgeville City Schools
“Our vision is to empower our students with the help of their family, our staff, and the community to design their preferred future. Our mission is to educate the whole person, caring for the social and emotional development of every person. Those are the ideas we are building into this new school.”
Joseph Mueller
High School Principal
Where Are We Now?
“Our vision is to empower our students with the help of their family, our staff, and the community to design their preferred future,” commented High School Principal Joseph Mueller. “Our mission is to educate the whole person, caring for the social and emotional development of every single student. Those are the ideas we are building into this new school.”
While teachers and staff carry out this mission daily, the current school faces hardships in meeting these goals.
A few of the biggest challenges he referenced were:
The overall school size. The existing building is 147,000 SF and cannot support the growing student enrollment.
Science Labs are not adequately sized, lack natural gas for lab use, and do not have space to host equipment that students will use after high school.
Many interior classrooms lack access to natural light, and the exposed utilities throughout the school take away from the educational environment and are difficult to maintain and repair.
The outdated heating and cooling systems do not regulate temperatures in many classrooms, making the learning environment adverse for many students.
There are difficulties with distracting noise, overcrowding, and a burdensome distance to the trailers.
Despite the current environment, Principal Mueller is optimistic about the new building.
“One of my mantras is to ‘Get better every day.’ That’s what we expect from each of us, and this is where the ‘rubber meets the road.’ It’s time to design a physical space to help us further those goals and overcome the challenges we face now.”
Educational Visioning with North Ridgeville City Schools:
School planning is firmly rooted in the academic and curricular goals of the district. Spaces in the new school will reflect current teaching practices but allow for adaptability in the future.
The district plans to use this new building as a catalyst for new educational opportunities for students.
“What makes a new high school work? That is an incredibly difficult question to answer. What will education look like next year, or in five years, or ten years, or fifty years from now?” commented Assistant Superintendent David Pritt. “The reality is that if our new high school will last as long as our current school, it needs to be relevant 60 years from now.”
Developing the structure isn’t as easy as it seems.
“So we are brainstorming, incorporating feedback, and designing a building that will last for a long time into the future.”
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Claire Bank commented, “What I found really impressive was how forward-thinking this community is. They consider this an opportunity to offer more to their students and educators. That is an awesome place to be at the beginning of a project.”
The design team highlighted recent case studies of how different districts approached flexible spaces in their buildings.
The “putting it all together” activity highlights priorities from the community. Claire continues, “During the last activity, we see how people lay out adjacencies, and those are relationships we sometimes haven’t even thought about yet and wouldn’t unless we heard it from them.”
“Students have a voice. So I think it’s very important that the students who are going to be in the school provide their feedback on what they think and help future generations of students.”
Angel
High School Student
Understanding Our Learning Environment
Superintendent Ramsey-Caserio added perspective on the decisions the groups were making. “We need to think about learning differently than we are used to. We need our students to be the source of their own learning. A building can provide space for that, but good teaching is good teaching, and we will keep that in mind for all our students.”
Gathering feedback from the students who use the building most was very important to the district.
“Hearing from our students was an incredible experience. Their perspective on the needs for their new school was very powerful. This excitement from our students and staff can energize our entire community.”
Using both digital and written materials, community members prioritized their wishes for components of the new high school.
The top three priorities for this group included:
More options for flexible learning spaces
Better building organization
Enhanced technology
Each individual recorded their thoughts on the crucial components of the building, which will be examined and incorporated as the design progresses.
When Constructing a New High School What Are Your Prioritized List of Considerations?
The final activity tasked groups with laying out their preferred site plan for the new school. Incorporating the necessary square footage for different interior academic and support spaces, as well as parking and athletics, the groups grappled with the building’s site entry, access, and traffic flow. They then reported their decisions to the whole group, answered questions, and provided insight into the significant discussion points.
Common themes developed across the groups included:
Many groups preferred organizing the school by department rather than grade level.
Acoustic barriers for events and sound separated the auditorium and gymnasium.
Administrative offices were near the main entrance, with the entry facing west.
There is a separate community entrance for events and a clearly defined primary school entry.
Separate parking for performing arts and athletic events.
The media center connects to the academic wings to serve as additional collaborative space.
The use of courtyards separates academic spaces and provides additional daylighting.
Student Dining is centralized and near the entrance to the school.
“What I found impressive was how forward-thinking this community is. They are really considering it an opportunity to offer more to their students and educators. They’re not limited to what they’re imagining, which is an awesome place to be at the beginning of a project.”
Claire Bank
Project Manager
Next Steps
With Educational Visioning complete, the design team is compiling a summary of the day’s activities with an outcome report to be shared with the community. The conclusions of these activities help inform the new school’s design.
Frank Toth, a former city councilman and longtime resident, looks forward to the project’s impact. “The opportunity to weigh in on how this school will function in the community is a great opportunity.”
He looks forward to how this new building will be used.
“There were some great ideas exchanged. It’s going to be wonderful to see how the community embraces these ideas as we move forward with this project.”
Architects will work through the schematic design phase during the spring and summer. During this phase, initial plans are developed, which will be used for initial cost estimation. Currently, the design team is engaging with district staff to better understand their individual needs for inclusion in the new plans.
Gilmour Academy Student Commons RenovationThe Gilmour Academy Student Commons renovation project will bring contemporary amenities and delight to future generations of students. Beyond its primary function of providing meal distribution, the modernized Student Commons building will be a hub of student socializing and collaboration. Its inviting aesthetic and state-of-the-art kitchen will create a pleasant environment for students to enjoy healthful meals that can be savored in the 300-seat dining room or outside on the patio area.
Gilmour Academy Student Commons Renovation
The Gilmour Academy’s mission is “To develop the competence to see and the courage to act in creating a more human and just society.” Focusing on academics, arts, faith, and athletics, the campus is an independent, Catholic, coed day and residential school in Gates Mills, Ohio.
Robert Orovets, RA, helped create the 18,000-square-foot Floyd E. Stefanski Ice Center more than twenty years ago and has worked on over a dozen projects for Gilmour Academy since. As a seasoned professional with ThenDesign Architecture, he is the Project Manager for the ongoing renovation of the Student Commons building. His expertise and dedication are instrumental in supporting the close relationship between Gilmour Academy and TDA.
“Gilmour Academy is a great client to work with,” Robert said. “They get it. They understand the process of developing an idea and transforming it into a budget-friendly plan with renderings and sketches. It’s wonderful to work with people who appreciate good design.”
“They have a clear idea of what they want to provide for their students.
It is rewarding to help them develop that vision.”
Robert Orovets, RA
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager
Gilmour Academy Student Commons Renovation Update – March 2024
Preserving a Cherished Past
Beyond its primary function as an area for student dining, the modernized Student Commons building will be a hub of student socializing and collaboration. Its inviting aesthetic and state-of-the-art kitchen will create a pleasant environment for students to enjoy healthful meals that can be savored in the 300-seat dining room or outside on the patio area.
Out of respect for the original 1970s design, the signature half-octagonal space at the center of the room was intentionally preserved and converted into a half wall, making the intimate space ideal for flexible learning and speaking events. The renovation maintains the previous structure but brings a contemporary refresh to all the services and amenities.
Bob commented on the construction progress and how the space was taking shape, “Now that the cabinets are going in, the scale is coming down, and the room feels much more personal,” he continued, “Instead of being a big, empty room, you can start to see that students belong here.”
Gilmour Academy Student Commons Renovation Update – February 2024
Anticipating a Hopeful Future
Students from all over the world attend Gilmour Academy, housed at the campus dormitory. They will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the updated Student Commons, which will have more seating and menu options available to relax and recharge than ever before. To accommodate this, the hallway connecting to the existing school will have double-wide doors, making traversal for the over four hundred students more comfortable during high-traffic times.
The space was designed for variety to encourage more fun and meaningful mealtimes. There are opportunities for evening events, club meetings, and other extracurricular student engagements. The Student Commons can be a centralized location for activities and enjoyment at Gilmour Academy.
Significant strides have already been achieved, marking the successful completion of various construction milestones. This progress is a testament to the project’s steady advancement and a reassurance to the Gilmour Academy community that the project is on track and promises a bright future for the Student Commons.
“I am very excited to see the students and staff reaction to the new space. I hope it is not just a place for the kids to eat but to hang out creating memories together.”
Robert Orovets, RA
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager
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Gilmour Academy Student Commons RenovationThe Gilmour Academy Student Commons renovation project will bring contemporary amenities and delight to future generations of students. Beyond its primary function of providing meal distribution, the modernized Student Commons building will be a hub of student socializing and collaboration. Its inviting aesthetic and state-of-the-art kitchen will create a pleasant environment for students to enjoy healthful meals that can be savored in the 300-seat dining room or outside on the patio area.
Gilmour Academy Student Commons Renovation
The Gilmour Academy’s mission is “To develop the competence to see and the courage to act in creating a more human and just society.” Focusing on academics, arts, faith, and athletics, the campus is an independent, Catholic, coed day and residential school in Gates Mills, Ohio.
Robert Orovets, RA, helped create the 18,000-square-foot Floyd E. Stefanski Ice Center more than twenty years ago and has worked on over a dozen projects for Gilmour Academy since. As a seasoned professional with ThenDesign Architecture, he is the Project Manager for the ongoing renovation of the Student Commons building. His expertise and dedication are instrumental in supporting the close relationship between Gilmour Academy and TDA.
“Gilmour Academy is a great client to work with,” Robert said. “They get it. They understand the process of developing an idea and transforming it into a budget-friendly plan with renderings and sketches. It’s wonderful to work with people who appreciate good design.”
“They have a clear idea of what they want to provide for their students.
It is rewarding to help them develop that vision.”
Robert Orovets, RA
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager
Gilmour Academy Student Commons Renovation Update – March 2024
Preserving a Cherished Past
Beyond its primary function as an area for student dining, the modernized Student Commons building will be a hub of student socializing and collaboration. Its inviting aesthetic and state-of-the-art kitchen will create a pleasant environment for students to enjoy healthful meals that can be savored in the 300-seat dining room or outside on the patio area.
Out of respect for the original 1970s design, the signature half-octagonal space at the center of the room was intentionally preserved and converted into a half wall, making the intimate space ideal for flexible learning and speaking events. The renovation maintains the previous structure but brings a contemporary refresh to all the services and amenities.
Bob commented on the construction progress and how the space was taking shape, “Now that the cabinets are going in, the scale is coming down, and the room feels much more personal,” he continued, “Instead of being a big, empty room, you can start to see that students belong here.”
Gilmour Academy Student Commons Renovation Update – February 2024
Anticipating a Hopeful Future
Students from all over the world attend Gilmour Academy, housed at the campus dormitory. They will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the updated Student Commons, which will have more seating and menu options available to relax and recharge than ever before. To accommodate this, the hallway connecting to the existing school will have double-wide doors, making traversal for the over four hundred students more comfortable during high-traffic times.
The space was designed for variety to encourage more fun and meaningful mealtimes. There are opportunities for evening events, club meetings, and other extracurricular student engagements. The Student Commons can be a centralized location for activities and enjoyment at Gilmour Academy.
Significant strides have already been achieved, marking the successful completion of various construction milestones. This progress is a testament to the project’s steady advancement and a reassurance to the Gilmour Academy community that the project is on track and promises a bright future for the Student Commons.
“I am very excited to see the students and staff reaction to the new space. I hope it is not just a place for the kids to eat but to hang out creating memories together.”
Robert Orovets, RA
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager
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Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Winter UpdateSubstantial progress has been made in the construction of the Cuyahoga Falls City School District’s new 6-12 campus since the groundbreaking ceremony in September 2022. The winter months proved to be very productive, with the project remaining on schedule and on budget.
Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Winter Update
The early site package for the Cuyahoga Falls City Schools District’s 6-12 campus was completed in June 2023, which moved the project into constructing the main buildings. That work included foundations, underground electrical, and plumbing.
The new campus will feature an auditorium, a black box theater, and an attached athletics stadium. The State of Ohio, through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), is funding $33.6 million of the total $133 million cost. The state-of-the-art facility will provide students and faculty with updated technology, expanded academic spaces, and opportunities for collaboration in a secure, comfortable environment.
Construction Administrator Lyle Satterlee for ThenDesign Architecture commented, “It’s always good to hit a milestone date on schedule. We were very happy with the outcome.”
He continued, “It was exciting to see the project go vertical when the stair towers went up in the summer.” The steel erection began and continued around the central classroom core of the building. To the south, work started on the foundations for the performing arts center and art rooms.
“A tremendous amount of hard work has gone into this project.”
Lyle Satterlee
TDA Construction Administrator
Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Early Summer Progress:
Cuyahoga Falls Winter Construction Sees Significant Progress
The mild Ohio winter created better-than-expected conditions for the multi-year, 365,000 SF school development project led by Project Manager Scott Alleman of ThenDesign Architecture. Engineers and contractors with Hammond Construction continue on schedule through significant construction milestones.
A critical component of the Construction Management Team is having a project architect in place to ensure the integrity of the design is maintained during construction. TDA Project Architect Dan Clements has been active since the early phases of the project to assist in clarifying design intent and responding to the contractor’s information requests.
Aerial photography courtesy of Hammond Construction
Construction Thrives on Teamwork
“Hammond pushed hard to get the buildings buttoned up for the winter climate,” Lyle said. “Enclosures and temporary gas heaters were in place so they could complete interior construction during the winter phases.”
Cuyahoga Falls winter construction interior work included wall framing, masonry, plumbing, and mechanical and electrical rough-ins.
Fellow TDA Construction Administrator Melissa Blask acts as a liaison between the structural engineer and Hammond contractors. “It’s amazing to see how fast some things progress. You see walls come up that weren’t there last week. I find it fascinating that a new foundation and stage area can appear when it was just an empty space days before.”
“It is fun to watch the site grow and see our vision come to life.”
Melissa Blask
TDA Construction Administrator
Winter Exterior Progress in December 2023
Four Sections Will Become One
In December 2023, the retaining walls for the stadium work were underway, and the high school gymnasium roof trusses were set into place.
The Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 school is being constructed in four main sections or “buildings.”
“Building One” is the central education core.
“Building Two” is the high school gymnasium, auxiliary gym, and administrative wing.
“Building Three” is the lower middle school gymnasium, cafeteria, and lower dining area.
“Building Four” is the art wing hosting the performing arts center.
Eventually, all these sections are joined together to make up the entire new school.
Winter Interior Progress in December 2023
Always Moving Forward
As campus construction spreads in all directions, each new phase reveals simultaneous progress inside and out.
As of February 2024, the “Building One” installation of air handlers began while drywall went up on the third floor. The air conditioning system’s large central chiller was set.
The steel erection for “Building Two” was completed, and for “Building Three,” it has begun. The middle school gymnasium’s masonry bearing walls were completed, and the foundations for “Building Four” were started.
Interior Progress Comparison Between December 2023 and February 2024
“I just love building buildings,” Lyle said. “I’ve been blessed to have a career of almost 40 years. Being involved in architectural design and construction has been a joy.”
Lyle appreciates the long-standing partnerships shared on large projects such as the Cuyahoga Falls Campus. The team that includes TDA, Hammond Construction, and all the other trades on site has the community’s best interest in mind. Working together, they strive to build the school campus in the most efficient manner with the best quality the budget allows.
“It’s cool to watch adults walk through a new school you’ve spent years working on,” said Melissa, “but the way the kids’ faces light up just makes all that time and effort worthwhile.”
Cuyahoga Fall City School District looks forward to the completion of the new facility. Not only will the students have access to technology and a range of spaces that will enhance their educational experience, but the new campus will become the pride of the local community.
“I enjoy driving past a completed project and telling my family I had a hand in building that.”
Lyle Satterlee
TDA Construction Administrator
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Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Winter UpdateSubstantial progress has been made in the construction of the Cuyahoga Falls City School District’s new 6-12 campus since the groundbreaking ceremony in September 2022. The winter months proved to be very productive, with the project remaining on schedule and on budget.
Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Winter Update
The early site package for the Cuyahoga Falls City Schools District’s 6-12 campus was completed in June 2023, which moved the project into constructing the main buildings. That work included foundations, underground electrical, and plumbing.
The new campus will feature an auditorium, a black box theater, and an attached athletics stadium. The State of Ohio, through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), is funding $33.6 million of the total $133 million cost. The state-of-the-art facility will provide students and faculty with updated technology, expanded academic spaces, and opportunities for collaboration in a secure, comfortable environment.
Construction Administrator Lyle Satterlee for ThenDesign Architecture commented, “It’s always good to hit a milestone date on schedule. We were very happy with the outcome.”
He continued, “It was exciting to see the project go vertical when the stair towers went up in the summer.” The steel erection began and continued around the central classroom core of the building. To the south, work started on the foundations for the performing arts center and art rooms.
“A tremendous amount of hard work has gone into this project.”
Lyle Satterlee
TDA Construction Administrator
Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Early Summer Progress:
Cuyahoga Falls Winter Construction Sees Significant Progress
The mild Ohio winter created better-than-expected conditions for the multi-year, 365,000 SF school development project led by Project Manager Scott Alleman of ThenDesign Architecture. Engineers and contractors with Hammond Construction continue on schedule through significant construction milestones.
A critical component of the Construction Management Team is having a project architect in place to ensure the integrity of the design is maintained during construction. TDA Project Architect Dan Clements has been active since the early phases of the project to assist in clarifying design intent and responding to the contractor’s information requests.
Aerial photography courtesy of Hammond Construction
Construction Thrives on Teamwork
“Hammond pushed hard to get the buildings buttoned up for the winter climate,” Lyle said. “Enclosures and temporary gas heaters were in place so they could complete interior construction during the winter phases.”
Cuyahoga Falls winter construction interior work included wall framing, masonry, plumbing, and mechanical and electrical rough-ins.
Fellow TDA Construction Administrator Melissa Blask acts as a liaison between the structural engineer and Hammond contractors. “It’s amazing to see how fast some things progress. You see walls come up that weren’t there last week. I find it fascinating that a new foundation and stage area can appear when it was just an empty space days before.”
“It is fun to watch the site grow and see our vision come to life.”
Melissa Blask
TDA Construction Administrator
Winter Exterior Progress in December 2023
Four Sections Will Become One
In December 2023, the retaining walls for the stadium work were underway, and the high school gymnasium roof trusses were set into place.
The Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 school is being constructed in four main sections or “buildings.”
“Building One” is the central education core.
“Building Two” is the high school gymnasium, auxiliary gym, and administrative wing.
“Building Three” is the lower middle school gymnasium, cafeteria, and lower dining area.
“Building Four” is the art wing hosting the performing arts center.
Eventually, all these sections are joined together to make up the entire new school.
Winter Interior Progress in December 2023
Always Moving Forward
As campus construction spreads in all directions, each new phase reveals simultaneous progress inside and out.
As of February 2024, the “Building One” installation of air handlers began while drywall went up on the third floor. The air conditioning system’s large central chiller was set.
The steel erection for “Building Two” was completed, and for “Building Three,” it has begun. The middle school gymnasium’s masonry bearing walls were completed, and the foundations for “Building Four” were started.
Interior Progress Comparison Between December 2023 and February 2024
“I just love building buildings,” Lyle said. “I’ve been blessed to have a career of almost 40 years. Being involved in architectural design and construction has been a joy.”
Lyle appreciates the long-standing partnerships shared on large projects such as the Cuyahoga Falls Campus. The team that includes TDA, Hammond Construction, and all the other trades on site has the community’s best interest in mind. Working together, they strive to build the school campus in the most efficient manner with the best quality the budget allows.
“It’s cool to watch adults walk through a new school you’ve spent years working on,” said Melissa, “but the way the kids’ faces light up just makes all that time and effort worthwhile.”
Cuyahoga Fall City School District looks forward to the completion of the new facility. Not only will the students have access to technology and a range of spaces that will enhance their educational experience, but the new campus will become the pride of the local community.
“I enjoy driving past a completed project and telling my family I had a hand in building that.”
Lyle Satterlee
TDA Construction Administrator
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
Geauga County Courthouse Groundbreaking CeremonyThe Groundbreaking Ceremony for the historic Geauga County Courthouse brought together local government officials, members of the Geauga Bar Association, and residents. The current courthouse, built over 150 years ago, is the iconic anchor of downtown Chardon. This crucial update and expansion of the notable landmark will further enhance the presence of Chardon Square.
Geauga County Courthouse Groundbreaking Ceremony
Geauga County celebrated its much-anticipated Groundbreaking Ceremony for the expansion and renovation of the Geauga County Courthouse. On December 12th, local community members and government officials gathered on a brisk afternoon in Chardon Square to recognize this unique occasion.
The three-story, nearly 22,000 SF addition and improvement project will retain the stature and viability of the courthouse to ensure that it continues to provide essential services to the residents of Geauga County.
Opening comments by Commissioner Dvorak set the tone, “I’m from the building trades. After high school, I followed in my dad’s footsteps. I went from building buildings to building relationships.” He added, “This project will incorporate the latest in sustainability, operational excellence, state-of-the-art security, and communication technology. This courthouse will continue to be a lasting treasure.”
A Groundbreaking Ceremony in Chardon Square
“Our courthouse is an icon of Geauga County in the State of Ohio and is devoted to the pursuit of justice.”
Jim Dvorak
Geauga County Commissioner
Gathered In Solidarity
“With this new expansion, Geauga County Common Pleas Courts and associated services will be secure, better serve local citizens, and continue to provide the iconic centerpiece for the county,” remarked Geauga County Administrator Gerry Morgan.
Since becoming incorporated in 1812, Chardon has enjoyed a distinct identity and vibrant history, which is a source of pride for the community. Court of Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Pashcke commented, “I love this beautiful, historic building. It serves as a reminder of our longstanding, rich history of administering justice and legal services here in Geauga County. The project will provide necessary, functional, well-designed space for the courts to continue to serve our community.”
The need to update the courthouse grew as the community expanded and technology evolved. Respect for the traditional was blended with the requirements of advancing modernization.
Geauga County Courthouse Artist Renderings
“The new addition will provide efficient operations and a safe experience that will bring our Geauga County courthouse into the 21st century.”
Gerry Morgan
Geauga County Administrator
A Design Respectful of the Local Heritage
Communities can be brought together through good architectural design.
TDA Project Manager Brad Gellert understands that the Geauga County Courthouse is a beloved architectural landmark, and the renovation needed to be approached with a deep respect for its cherished legacy and cultural significance. “Creating a compatible expansion that matched the Italianate Architecture of downtown Chardon was important to the community, and we were determined to honor that.”
He continued, “While meeting the growing operational needs of the courthouse staff, we incorporated more traditional architectural elements into the design to preserve the understanding that this building belongs in Chardon.”
As a helpful communication tool to convey the approved design, a 1/16” = 1’ scale 3D-printed model of the completed building was unveiled at the groundbreaking ceremony. It took TDA Emerging Professional Archie Liptow over 100 hours to print the ten separate building segments and four site pieces.
Geauga County Courthouse 3D-Printed Model
The expanded and renovated Geauga County Courthouse will remain a vital part of Chardon Township’s heritage and will serve the Geauga County community into the next century.
“We look forward to continuing to provide excellent service to the citizens of Geauga County and the legal community and administering justice in this building for years to come.”
Judge Carolyn Paschke
Court of Common Pleas
Get our newsletter with insights, events and tips.
Geauga County Courthouse Groundbreaking CeremonyThe Groundbreaking Ceremony for the historic Geauga County Courthouse brought together local government officials, members of the Geauga Bar Association, and residents. The current courthouse, built over 150 years ago, is the iconic anchor of downtown Chardon. This crucial update and expansion of the notable landmark will further enhance the presence of Chardon Square.
Geauga County Courthouse Groundbreaking Ceremony
Geauga County celebrated its much-anticipated Groundbreaking Ceremony for the expansion and renovation of the Geauga County Courthouse. On December 12th, local community members and government officials gathered on a brisk afternoon in Chardon Square to recognize this unique occasion.
The three-story, nearly 22,000 SF addition and improvement project will retain the stature and viability of the courthouse to ensure that it continues to provide essential services to the residents of Geauga County.
Opening comments by Commissioner Dvorak set the tone, “I’m from the building trades. After high school, I followed in my dad’s footsteps. I went from building buildings to building relationships.” He added, “This project will incorporate the latest in sustainability, operational excellence, state-of-the-art security, and communication technology. This courthouse will continue to be a lasting treasure.”
A Groundbreaking Ceremony in Chardon Square
“Our courthouse is an icon of Geauga County in the State of Ohio and is devoted to the pursuit of justice.”
Jim Dvorak
Geauga County Commissioner
Gathered In Solidarity
“With this new expansion, Geauga County Common Pleas Courts and associated services will be secure, better serve local citizens, and continue to provide the iconic centerpiece for the county,” remarked Geauga County Administrator Gerry Morgan.
Since becoming incorporated in 1812, Chardon has enjoyed a distinct identity and vibrant history, which is a source of pride for the community. Court of Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Pashcke commented, “I love this beautiful, historic building. It serves as a reminder of our longstanding, rich history of administering justice and legal services here in Geauga County. The project will provide necessary, functional, well-designed space for the courts to continue to serve our community.”
The need to update the courthouse grew as the community expanded and technology evolved. Respect for the traditional was blended with the requirements of advancing modernization.
Geauga County Courthouse Artist Renderings
“The new addition will provide efficient operations and a safe experience that will bring our Geauga County courthouse into the 21st century.”
Gerry Morgan
Geauga County Administrator
A Design Respectful of the Local Heritage
Communities can be brought together through good architectural design.
TDA Project Manager Brad Gellert understands that the Geauga County Courthouse is a beloved architectural landmark, and the renovation needed to be approached with a deep respect for its cherished legacy and cultural significance. “Creating a compatible expansion that matched the Italianate Architecture of downtown Chardon was important to the community, and we were determined to honor that.”
He continued, “While meeting the growing operational needs of the courthouse staff, we incorporated more traditional architectural elements into the design to preserve the understanding that this building belongs in Chardon.”
As a helpful communication tool to convey the approved design, a 1/16” = 1’ scale 3D-printed model of the completed building was unveiled at the groundbreaking ceremony. It took TDA Emerging Professional Archie Liptow over 100 hours to print the ten separate building segments and four site pieces.
Geauga County Courthouse 3D-Printed Model
The expanded and renovated Geauga County Courthouse will remain a vital part of Chardon Township’s heritage and will serve the Geauga County community into the next century.
“We look forward to continuing to provide excellent service to the citizens of Geauga County and the legal community and administering justice in this building for years to come.”
Judge Carolyn Paschke
Court of Common Pleas
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The Campus of Wickliffe – Designed for Flexible LearningFrom the ground up, the Campus of Wickliffe was designed for flexible learning. The Wickliffe City School District focused on creating educational spaces that would serve the needs of students today and provide adaptability for generations to come.
The Campus of Wickliffe – Designed for Flexible Learning
As part of the “Catalyst for Change” initiative, the 204,000 SF Wickliffe PreK-12 Campus was designed to create flexible learning spaces for the Wickliffe City School District that would be capable of adapting to future educational needs. The district participated in the Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP) through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), and this $60 million project replaces the aging elementary, middle, and high schools with a single PreK-12 building. In addition, the new facility hosts space for the Family Resource Center, a community center that offers free services to many in need.
The two-story school officially opened at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. More than 1,000 community members, state and local government officials, students, educators, and parents came to the Open House and Ribbon Cutting ceremony.
The Campus of Wickliffe was Designed for Flexible Learning
“If a student is ready to excel, our goal has been to ensure we provide them with that opportunity. That all exists under one roof now.”
Joseph Spiccia
Superintendent of Wickliffe City Schools
Wickliffe – A District Transforms
Built by Hammond Construction, the Wickliffe PK-12 Campus was designed by ThenDesign Architecture (TDA), with Claire Bank, AIA NCARB, serving as the project manager. She commented on the significance of the campus, “Wickliffe has some unique and powerful ideas for how their district can transform. We were able to design non-traditional spaces that provide more options for the students and educators.”
From the beginning of the design process, a fresh look at learning techniques was necessary. Wickliffe City School Superintendent Joseph Spiccia noted, “The educational program is being retooled to be in line with the flexibility of the future. This building allows us to be dynamic and to change with the needs of our students.”
The Campus of Wickliffe in Action
“A lot of thought was put into how every grade level is customized to the needs of that grade.”
Claire Bank, AIA, NCARMB
ThenDesign Architecture
The Community Tours The Wickliffe Campus
Open House attendees were excited to tour the spaces for the first time. Among those there were students who would begin attending the following week. 7th Grade Student Robert commented, “What’s so exciting is that it’s big, and all the classes are new and improved.” Seneca is an 11th-grade cheerleader, “It’s more of a chill place and cool to be in.”
The Wickliffe PK-12 Campus was designed to be forward-thinking, an educational facility designed for flexible learning. The district saw a rare opportunity to incorporate three schools and the Family Resource Center into one building. During the construction phase, they also brought significant change to their classroom educational model by training educators ahead of the building’s completion to facilitate the smoothest transition possible.
The Campus of Wickliffe Open House Event
“They were in three separate buildings. It’s a rare opportunity to get to rebuild an entire district all at once.”
Claire Bank, AIA, NCARB
ThenDesign Architecture
The re-imagination of education that has taken place at the Wickliffe PK-12 Campus is an example of what is possible with modernized facilities. The district can offer its students the latest technology and present unique educational programming that is only possible by having the entire district together under one roof. Flexible learning opportunities encourage students to diversify their talents and reach their full potential.
The Campus of Wickliffe Ribbon Cutting
“I think the new school will bring everyone together like one big family.”
Jules
11th Grade Student
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The Campus of Wickliffe – Designed for Flexible LearningFrom the ground up, the Campus of Wickliffe was designed for flexible learning. The Wickliffe City School District focused on creating educational spaces that would serve the needs of students today and provide adaptability for generations to come.
The Campus of Wickliffe – Designed for Flexible Learning
As part of the “Catalyst for Change” initiative, the 204,000 SF Wickliffe PreK-12 Campus was designed to create flexible learning spaces for the Wickliffe City School District that would be capable of adapting to future educational needs. The district participated in the Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP) through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), and this $60 million project replaces the aging elementary, middle, and high schools with a single PreK-12 building. In addition, the new facility hosts space for the Family Resource Center, a community center that offers free services to many in need.
The two-story school officially opened at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. More than 1,000 community members, state and local government officials, students, educators, and parents came to the Open House and Ribbon Cutting ceremony.
The Campus of Wickliffe was Designed for Flexible Learning
“If a student is ready to excel, our goal has been to ensure we provide them with that opportunity. That all exists under one roof now.”
Joseph Spiccia
Superintendent of Wickliffe City Schools
Wickliffe – A District Transforms
Built by Hammond Construction, the Wickliffe PK-12 Campus was designed by ThenDesign Architecture (TDA), with Claire Bank, AIA NCARB, serving as the project manager. She commented on the significance of the campus, “Wickliffe has some unique and powerful ideas for how their district can transform. We were able to design non-traditional spaces that provide more options for the students and educators.”
From the beginning of the design process, a fresh look at learning techniques was necessary. Wickliffe City School Superintendent Joseph Spiccia noted, “The educational program is being retooled to be in line with the flexibility of the future. This building allows us to be dynamic and to change with the needs of our students.”
The Campus of Wickliffe in Action
“A lot of thought was put into how every grade level is customized to the needs of that grade.”
Claire Bank, AIA, NCARMB
ThenDesign Architecture
The Community Tours The Wickliffe Campus
Open House attendees were excited to tour the spaces for the first time. Among those there were students who would begin attending the following week. 7th Grade Student Robert commented, “What’s so exciting is that it’s big, and all the classes are new and improved.” Seneca is an 11th-grade cheerleader, “It’s more of a chill place and cool to be in.”
The Wickliffe PK-12 Campus was designed to be forward-thinking, an educational facility designed for flexible learning. The district saw a rare opportunity to incorporate three schools and the Family Resource Center into one building. During the construction phase, they also brought significant change to their classroom educational model by training educators ahead of the building’s completion to facilitate the smoothest transition possible.
The Campus of Wickliffe Open House Event
“They were in three separate buildings. It’s a rare opportunity to get to rebuild an entire district all at once.”
Claire Bank, AIA, NCARB
ThenDesign Architecture
The re-imagination of education that has taken place at the Wickliffe PK-12 Campus is an example of what is possible with modernized facilities. The district can offer its students the latest technology and present unique educational programming that is only possible by having the entire district together under one roof. Flexible learning opportunities encourage students to diversify their talents and reach their full potential.
The Campus of Wickliffe Ribbon Cutting
“I think the new school will bring everyone together like one big family.”
Jules
11th Grade Student
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Perry LSD’s Southway Elementary AnimationCreated by ThenDesign Architecture artists, the Southway Elementary animation provided the Perry Local School District with a sneak peek of what the new school will look like once it is completed. Two elementary school students gave their impressions of the rendering and shared their initial reactions to the modernized spaces.
Perry Local School District’s Southway Elementary Animation
As part of the design development process for the Perry Local School District, ThenDesign Architecture created a fly-through animation of what the completed Southway Elementary School will look like.
Representing their peers, Perry students, fifth-grader Veda and sixth-grader Jordan were shown the virtual walkthrough video to get their initial reactions and share their thoughts on the new school.
“It’s very open. Everyone can find the entrance very easily.”
Jordan
6th Grade Student
Perry Local School District’s Southway Elementary Animation
Three Elementary Schools in Progress
The Perry Community approved a bond levy in early 2020 to secure funds to update its educational facilities. This successful bond passage, which raised $85 million from the community, was a crucial step in the district’s facility projects. It allowed the district to secure additional funds from the state through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), which agreed to provide another $80 million towards the project.
With three elementary schools currently under construction, PJ Lohr, Watson, and Southway, the district has been providing regular updates to keep the community informed of the progress.
Understanding the benefits these new schools will bring to the district will maintain the project’s momentum, which is necessary to provide students with the best educational environment possible.
Southway Elementary Animation Frames
“I like all the colors and how the tables are different shapes and connect together.”
Veda
5th Grade Student
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Perry LSD’s Southway Elementary AnimationCreated by ThenDesign Architecture artists, the Southway Elementary animation provided the Perry Local School District with a sneak peek of what the new school will look like once it is completed. Two elementary school students gave their impressions of the rendering and shared their initial reactions to the modernized spaces.
Perry Local School District’s Southway Elementary Animation
As part of the design development process for the Perry Local School District, ThenDesign Architecture created a fly-through animation of what the completed Southway Elementary School will look like.
Representing their peers, Perry students, fifth-grader Veda and sixth-grader Jordan were shown the virtual walkthrough video to get their initial reactions and share their thoughts on the new school.
“It’s very open. Everyone can find the entrance very easily.”
Jordan
6th Grade Student
Perry Local School District’s Southway Elementary Animation
Three Elementary Schools in Progress
The Perry Community approved a bond levy in early 2020 to secure funds to update its educational facilities. This successful bond passage, which raised $85 million from the community, was a crucial step in the district’s facility projects. It allowed the district to secure additional funds from the state through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), which agreed to provide another $80 million towards the project.
With three elementary schools currently under construction, PJ Lohr, Watson, and Southway, the district has been providing regular updates to keep the community informed of the progress.
Understanding the benefits these new schools will bring to the district will maintain the project’s momentum, which is necessary to provide students with the best educational environment possible.
Southway Elementary Animation Frames
“I like all the colors and how the tables are different shapes and connect together.”
Veda
5th Grade Student
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Educational Visioning for Brunswick City Schools New High SchoolOn September 20th, students, parents, community members, faith leaders, city officials, and district staff attended an Educational Visioning Session hosted by ThenDesign Architecture at Brunswick High School. This 4-hour session focused on collaboration and brainstorming designs for the district’s new high school.
Brunswick City Schools – Educational Visioning for their New High School
On September 20th, students, parents, community members, faith leaders, city officials, and district staff attended an Educational Visioning Session hosted by ThenDesign Architecture at Brunswick High School. This 4-hour session focused on collaboration and brainstorming designs for the district’s new high school. Ideas were discussed for how it can improve every student’s educational experience.
Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer commented: “Today we came together to talk about our vision for Brunswick students, what it looks like from a 21st-century learning perspective, and how we can create a flexible learning environment for our kids. This involves taking what we currently do and transforming it for the betterment of our students.”
With over 80 in attendance, everyone had a say in the design activities. The new, 301,740 sf, 9-12 high school includes an auditorium and replaces the existing school. It will provide a modern educational environment better positioned to accommodate personalized student needs and foster learning and collaboration.
A current high school senior who attended, Michael Romano, was optimistic about the plans. “Today, we’re having a community meeting with different members of our city and community to get ideas of what different groups want for this new high school that will be built. We shared our inputs and came together for the best solution for everyone.”
In small groups, teams worked to develop a vision for the high school, prioritize goals, analyze learning environments, and explore options for space planning.
“Today we came together to talk about our vision for Brunswick students … and how we can create a flexible learning environment for our kids. This involves taking what we currently do and transforming it for the betterment of our students.”
Jason Niedermeyer
Superintendent of Brunswick City Schools
Educational Visioning – Brainstorming for the New School
The session was divided into activities that presented opportunities for attendees to provide input on the project. Since it is early in the design process, architects use this broad feedback to study the similarities between groups of community members and district staff and establish common goals.
The three major activities conducted were:
Where Are We Now? – Learning about the project and examining case studies for different high school configurations.
Understanding Our Learning Environment – Group work that defined the priorities for the project, and categorized what spaces best supported their priorities through the lens of the “Journey of a Blue Devil.”
Putting it all Together – Based on the information developed in the session, groups laid out their solutions for the new school.
These activities are geared towards gathering input that designers will use for the early design phases.
Brunswick CSD Visioning Session
“The new building is going to be a cornerstone for our entire community.”
Kim Goessler
Board of Education Member
Where are we now?
“To know where we are headed as a district, it is important to understand where we are now,” commented High School Principal Keith Merrill. He provided an overview of challenges at the current high school. “We want you to work collaboratively, think critically, and problem solve to come up with learning opportunities that overcome the challenges of our current space and come up with solutions for what students need to be successful.”
A few of the biggest challenges he referenced were:
The overall school length. The existing building is 1/4 mile long and is challenging for students to travel through, often resulting in tardiness due to distance.
The outdated heating and cooling systems do not regulate temperatures in many classrooms.
Science Labs that don’t have adequate space for equipment, outlets for technology, and life skills rooms that don’t support modern programming.
Different-sized classrooms with dark environments, no exterior windows, and columns or structural objects that obscure views in some rooms.
“We can all remember those “special spaces,” from our high school experience, and this new school will contain more “special spaces” for all our students in a few short years,” reiterated Mr. Merrill. “Today, part of this design process is figuring out what those can be.”
Educational Visioning with Brunswick City Schools:
School planning is firmly rooted in the academic and curricular goals of each school district. Spaces should reflect how the district teaches students now but allow for flexibility to adapt in the future.
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Scott Alleman commented, “We gauge where the district is with their educational goals and see how the building layout can accommodate those. It is very important for us.”
Scott highlighted two recent case studies for how a more “Traditional Learning Environment” and “Student-Centered Learning Environment” building layouts work and how they can be potentially blended for the Brunswick City School District.
Future activities sometimes highlight priorities from the community. “During the last activity, we see how people lay out adjacencies, and those are things we sometimes haven’t even thought about yet and wouldn’t unless we heard it from them.”
Case Study Schools – Fremont Ross 9-12 High School and Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 School
“I’m excited because I’m going to go to the new school. My friends should be excited because they’re going to go to the school one day, and they’re going to think it’s super awesome.”
Avery
Brunswick Middle School 6th Grade Student
Understanding Our Learning Environment
Superintendent Niedermeyer added perspective to the decisions the group was making. “Think about ‘What is our vision for our students,’ what does that look like from a 21st-century learning perspective and deeper learning for our students?”
Designing a school shouldn’t just accommodate current activities but how education can change in the future. He continues, “How can we create flexible learning environments for our kids as we move forward? How can we take what we currently do and transform that for future generations of students?
Using both digital and written materials, community members were able to prioritize their wishes for components of the new high school.
The top three priorities for this group included:
Student-Centered Learning Environments
Technology
Collaborative Space
Each individual recorded their thoughts on the major components of the building, which will be examined and incorporated as the design progresses.
Each group also worked together to decide what type of learning environment best supported the goals of the School District as defined in the “Journey of a Blue Devil”.
Group preferences on priorities for the new high school
Putting it all Together
The final activity tasked groups with laying out their preferred site plan for the new school. Incorporating the necessary square footage for different interior academic and support spaces, as well as parking and athletics, the groups grappled with site entry, access, and traffic flow of the building. They then reported their decisions to the whole group, answered questions, and provided insight into the major discussion points.
Common themes developed across the groups included:
Music spaces and the Performing Arts Center were grouped together
6 groups used departmental organization. 4 groups used grade-level organization
Groups often paired Math and Science together, with Language Arts and Social Studies paired together
Inclusion of parking by baseball fields, away from Center Road.
The gymnasium, music spaces, and auditorium were often paired together or adjacent to each other
These were often on the north side of the plan toward outdoor athletics.
The media center was often placed adjacent to academic core spaces
Classrooms and academic programs were usually on the south side of the plan, towards Center Road.
The administration spaces were usually centralized in the plan instead of spread throughout the building.
Baseball fields were often grouped together in a clover pattern.
Group developed site plans (Tables 1-10)
“You [community members and staff] are essential members of this process, helping us to design what will be the future home of our kids and our community.”
Keith Merrill
Brunswick High School Principal
Next Steps
With Educational Visioning complete, the design team is compiling a summary of the day’s activities and outcome report to be viewed by the community. The outcomes of these activities help inform the new school’s design.
In four hours, over 80 members of the Brunswick community came together to brainstorm and express their ideas for the new school. Capturing a variety of perspectives from attendees allows designers to incorporate changes that can benefit students for years to come.
Board of Education Member Kim Goessler was encouraged by what the new high school could mean for the district. “I think this will be a great opportunity for our students to have access to 21st-century learning capabilities…and provide an opportunity to use new technologies and collaborate together. The new building is going to be a cornerstone for our entire community.”
This fall, architects are working through the schematic design phase. During this phase, initial plans are developed, which will be used for initial cost estimation. Currently, the design team is engaging with district staff to better understand their individual needs for inclusion in the new plans.
View the report below from the Educational Visioning Session to see the group’s findings that day.
Educational Visioning for Brunswick City Schools New High SchoolOn September 20th, students, parents, community members, faith leaders, city officials, and district staff attended an Educational Visioning Session hosted by ThenDesign Architecture at Brunswick High School. This 4-hour session focused on collaboration and brainstorming designs for the district’s new high school.
Brunswick City Schools – Educational Visioning for their New High School
On September 20th, students, parents, community members, faith leaders, city officials, and district staff attended an Educational Visioning Session hosted by ThenDesign Architecture at Brunswick High School. This 4-hour session focused on collaboration and brainstorming designs for the district’s new high school. Ideas were discussed for how it can improve every student’s educational experience.
Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer commented: “Today we came together to talk about our vision for Brunswick students, what it looks like from a 21st-century learning perspective, and how we can create a flexible learning environment for our kids. This involves taking what we currently do and transforming it for the betterment of our students.”
With over 80 in attendance, everyone had a say in the design activities. The new, 301,740 sf, 9-12 high school includes an auditorium and replaces the existing school. It will provide a modern educational environment better positioned to accommodate personalized student needs and foster learning and collaboration.
A current high school senior who attended, Michael Romano, was optimistic about the plans. “Today, we’re having a community meeting with different members of our city and community to get ideas of what different groups want for this new high school that will be built. We shared our inputs and came together for the best solution for everyone.”
In small groups, teams worked to develop a vision for the high school, prioritize goals, analyze learning environments, and explore options for space planning.
“Today we came together to talk about our vision for Brunswick students … and how we can create a flexible learning environment for our kids. This involves taking what we currently do and transforming it for the betterment of our students.”
Jason Niedermeyer
Superintendent of Brunswick City Schools
Educational Visioning – Brainstorming for the New School
The session was divided into activities that presented opportunities for attendees to provide input on the project. Since it is early in the design process, architects use this broad feedback to study the similarities between groups of community members and district staff and establish common goals.
The three major activities conducted were:
Where Are We Now? – Learning about the project and examining case studies for different high school configurations.
Understanding Our Learning Environment – Group work that defined the priorities for the project, and categorized what spaces best supported their priorities through the lens of the “Journey of a Blue Devil.”
Putting it all Together – Based on the information developed in the session, groups laid out their solutions for the new school.
These activities are geared towards gathering input that designers will use for the early design phases.
Brunswick CSD Visioning Session
“The new building is going to be a cornerstone for our entire community.”
Kim Goessler
Board of Education Member
Where are we now?
“To know where we are headed as a district, it is important to understand where we are now,” commented High School Principal Keith Merrill. He provided an overview of challenges at the current high school. “We want you to work collaboratively, think critically, and problem solve to come up with learning opportunities that overcome the challenges of our current space and come up with solutions for what students need to be successful.”
A few of the biggest challenges he referenced were:
The overall school length. The existing building is 1/4 mile long and is challenging for students to travel through, often resulting in tardiness due to distance.
The outdated heating and cooling systems do not regulate temperatures in many classrooms.
Science Labs that don’t have adequate space for equipment, outlets for technology, and life skills rooms that don’t support modern programming.
Different-sized classrooms with dark environments, no exterior windows, and columns or structural objects that obscure views in some rooms.
“We can all remember those “special spaces,” from our high school experience, and this new school will contain more “special spaces” for all our students in a few short years,” reiterated Mr. Merrill. “Today, part of this design process is figuring out what those can be.”
Educational Visioning with Brunswick City Schools:
School planning is firmly rooted in the academic and curricular goals of each school district. Spaces should reflect how the district teaches students now but allow for flexibility to adapt in the future.
ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Scott Alleman commented, “We gauge where the district is with their educational goals and see how the building layout can accommodate those. It is very important for us.”
Scott highlighted two recent case studies for how a more “Traditional Learning Environment” and “Student-Centered Learning Environment” building layouts work and how they can be potentially blended for the Brunswick City School District.
Future activities sometimes highlight priorities from the community. “During the last activity, we see how people lay out adjacencies, and those are things we sometimes haven’t even thought about yet and wouldn’t unless we heard it from them.”
Case Study Schools – Fremont Ross 9-12 High School and Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 School
“I’m excited because I’m going to go to the new school. My friends should be excited because they’re going to go to the school one day, and they’re going to think it’s super awesome.”
Avery
Brunswick Middle School 6th Grade Student
Understanding Our Learning Environment
Superintendent Niedermeyer added perspective to the decisions the group was making. “Think about ‘What is our vision for our students,’ what does that look like from a 21st-century learning perspective and deeper learning for our students?”
Designing a school shouldn’t just accommodate current activities but how education can change in the future. He continues, “How can we create flexible learning environments for our kids as we move forward? How can we take what we currently do and transform that for future generations of students?
Using both digital and written materials, community members were able to prioritize their wishes for components of the new high school.
The top three priorities for this group included:
Student-Centered Learning Environments
Technology
Collaborative Space
Each individual recorded their thoughts on the major components of the building, which will be examined and incorporated as the design progresses.
Each group also worked together to decide what type of learning environment best supported the goals of the School District as defined in the “Journey of a Blue Devil”.
Group preferences on priorities for the new high school
Putting it all Together
The final activity tasked groups with laying out their preferred site plan for the new school. Incorporating the necessary square footage for different interior academic and support spaces, as well as parking and athletics, the groups grappled with site entry, access, and traffic flow of the building. They then reported their decisions to the whole group, answered questions, and provided insight into the major discussion points.
Common themes developed across the groups included:
Music spaces and the Performing Arts Center were grouped together
6 groups used departmental organization. 4 groups used grade-level organization
Groups often paired Math and Science together, with Language Arts and Social Studies paired together
Inclusion of parking by baseball fields, away from Center Road.
The gymnasium, music spaces, and auditorium were often paired together or adjacent to each other
These were often on the north side of the plan toward outdoor athletics.
The media center was often placed adjacent to academic core spaces
Classrooms and academic programs were usually on the south side of the plan, towards Center Road.
The administration spaces were usually centralized in the plan instead of spread throughout the building.
Baseball fields were often grouped together in a clover pattern.
Group developed site plans (Tables 1-10)
“You [community members and staff] are essential members of this process, helping us to design what will be the future home of our kids and our community.”
Keith Merrill
Brunswick High School Principal
Next Steps
With Educational Visioning complete, the design team is compiling a summary of the day’s activities and outcome report to be viewed by the community. The outcomes of these activities help inform the new school’s design.
In four hours, over 80 members of the Brunswick community came together to brainstorm and express their ideas for the new school. Capturing a variety of perspectives from attendees allows designers to incorporate changes that can benefit students for years to come.
Board of Education Member Kim Goessler was encouraged by what the new high school could mean for the district. “I think this will be a great opportunity for our students to have access to 21st-century learning capabilities…and provide an opportunity to use new technologies and collaborate together. The new building is going to be a cornerstone for our entire community.”
This fall, architects are working through the schematic design phase. During this phase, initial plans are developed, which will be used for initial cost estimation. Currently, the design team is engaging with district staff to better understand their individual needs for inclusion in the new plans.
View the report below from the Educational Visioning Session to see the group’s findings that day.
Wickliffe PK-12 Campus Ribbon CuttingOver 700 attendees came to Wickliffe, Ohio, to celebrate the new PK-12 Campus grand opening, open house, and ribbon cutting ceremony. After the formal event, parents, students, and community members were invited to tour the school to witness the next generation of educational design.
Wickliffe PK-12 Campus Ribbon Cutting
On August 26, 2023, community members, distinguished guests, educators, and students gathered in Wickliffe, Ohio, to celebrate the grand opening of the Wickliffe PreK-12 Campus. Nearly seven hundred attendees were in the Student Commons for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
This two-story, 204,000 SF building incorporates spaces to greatly expand opportunities for the curriculum, provide students with better collaborative spaces, flexible classrooms, and athletic areas, and include a new performing arts center that seats 500. The $60 million project replaces the aging elementary, middle, and high schools with a single PreK-12 school. In addition, the new facility allows expansion of the Family Resource Center, a community center that offers free services to many who are in need.
Watch the Wickliffe PK-12 Campus Ribbon Cutting Highlights
“This is not the work simply of the school staff or administration, but the work of an entire community. This is your work.”
Joseph Spiccia
Superintendent of Wickliffe City Schools
Welcome Community Members and Distinguished Guests
“We are excited to see the extraordinary educational opportunities that will be afforded to our students now and into the future.”
Carl Marine
President of the Board of Education
Two Surprise Awards Announced
As an unexpected treat, Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) Executive Committee Member Sally Green revealed that two momentous achievements were being presented. Joseph Spiccia was selected as the 2023 Northeast Region Superintendent of the Year.
Then, they designated Don Marn, a school board member, as the “2023 All-Ohioan.” This designation is the most prestigious award possible and made possible due to his 30-year service on the Wickliffe City Schools board of education.
An Event to Remember
“The administrative team wants to express our appreciation to the community for your continuous support and dedication to our students.”
Lori Rodman
Head of Schools
The Wickliffe PK-12 Campus was designed by ThenDesign Architecture (TDA), the project being led by Claire Bank, RA. Hammond Construction was the Construction Manager at Risk.
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, parents and students toured the facility to get a hands-on preview of the modernized spaces intentionally created to enhance student learning by optimizing efficiency and comfort for students and teachers. The Wickliffe PK-12 Campus is a shining example of the next generation of educational design.
“Today is particularly exciting because they used to be in three separate buildings. It’s a rare opportunity to rebuild an entire district and place them under one roof.”
Claire Bank, RA
ThenDesign Architecture
Making A Dream Reality
Construction of the project officially began on May 6, 2021, with a Groundbreaking Ceremony.
https://youtu.be/dgv3e0Gqo_Q
Active participation from community members and stakeholders was vital to the design process. One of the more unique events was the Playground Engagement, where students gave valuable input on the layout of their own playgrounds.
https://youtu.be/Ue1fPo1-EYg
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