The Cleveland Church of Christ Weathers the Storm

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The Cleveland Church of Christ Weathers the Storm
The Cleveland Church of Christ Citadel of Hope Ministries weathered a storm of difficulty when an unforeseen disaster caused catastrophic damage to the first floor of their building, requiring extensive renovations and repairs. They reached out to the original designers of the church to seek support and counsel. A relationship forged twenty years earlier bore more fruit.

The Cleveland Church of Christ Weathers the Storm

An alarm was triggered in the middle of the night at the Cleveland Church of Christ in January 2025. The fire department was dispatched, but after inspecting the building, it was assessed that there was no fire danger. The incident was thought to be just a sensor malfunction.

The next morning, the staff discovered that most of the back half of the first floor was flooded after a water pipe froze and burst. When the utility room door was opened, the water poured down the hallways like a river, cascading down the steps into the church sanctuary. By the time the ruptured sprinkler line was shut off, office supplies were floating everywhere. Carpet, walls, furniture, and equipment were ruined overnight.

“The sudden water damage was shocking,” said Senior Pastor and CEO Bishop Lincoln C. Haughton, III. “The water just gushed and gushed and gushed all through the offices and sanctuary. Who could ever have thought that one busted pipe could do so much damage?”

The toll on the church building was more apparent after it dried out. Repairs and renovations would be extensive—all the flooring and the lower half of the drywall needed to be completely stripped out. Ruined furniture and desks had to be discarded. Most significantly, the primary location for weekly worship services on the first floor was unusable.

With ample insurance to cover the repairs, a remediation contractor was assigned and began the nine-month process of renovating the space. The storm the Cleveland Church of Christ faced did not end with the flooding.

Bishop Haughton recalled experiencing the building stripped back down to its construction components. “When I saw the bare walls, concrete floors, and steel and pipes, it looked like it did when we first built the church,” he said. “When questions came up about new floors, paint, and carpet, I immediately thought about ThenDesign Architecture.”

The Cleveland Church of Christ building was originally designed by ThenDesign Architecture and opened in November 2002. At the time, then TDA President Robert Fiala, Project Manager Chris Smith, and Interior Designer Jeanne Klecker were involved in the project.

Nobody could have guessed how significant that rewarding, personable experience would prove to be twenty-three years later.

Cleveland Church of Christ Original Construction in 2001-2002

Way Back Then

In the late 90s, the Cleveland Church of Christ realized they needed a new building to support their expanding ministries. A plot of land was purchased across the street from the location on East 105th Street that had served the local community since 1968. In 1998, ThenDesign Architecture was awarded the $6 million project, with Chris Smith serving as the architect, and Jeanne Klecker was later brought on board to handle interiors.

“When we first met with Chris and Mr. Fiala, we just had that click,” recalled Deacon James R. Haughton, Jr., Pastor of Music and Fine Arts & COO. “It was the same when we met Jeanne. They heard what we wanted to do and really listened to us. They took our ideas and developed them from the architect’s side of things. During the process, we developed a close relationship with them because our personalities fit so well.” He added, “They’re very nice people, and we liked them from the start.”

“We knew Elder Haughton because he was a regional superintendent for CMSD at the time,” said current TDA President and CEO Chris Smith, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C. “It’s always important to understand a client’s needs, but this felt unique. We were not only struck by the close tie to the immediate community, but their outreach and pastoral services that reached much further.”

After spending an Easter Sunday at their church, it became more personal for Chris, “Very soon after the kickoff, we felt an obligation to deliver for them because we simply didn’t want to let our friends down. As the project progressed, our relationship grew even more.”

Throughout the design process, discussions were had about avoiding placing columns in the sanctuary so that the pulpit, stage, and baptismal pool were visible from every seat on the first floor. The decision to add the optional second-floor mezzanine proved to be essential decades later. From an architectural and interior finishes perspective, the entrance, the two-story atrium with dome rotunda, sanctuary, and supporting spaces reflected a reverence for the church. As a house of worship, being functional and visually pleasing were equally important. The team created a texture, color, and lighting palette that fostered an inviting, warm atmosphere that was also appropriate for hosting social gatherings.

Bishop Haughton said, “They were with us through the design process, through the building process, and through the dedication services. They shepherded us all the way through to the end. The design that was delivered was all letter-perfect.”

The new Cleveland Church of Christ building opened in November 2002. That is usually where the story ends, but a blisteringly cold Ohio winter changed that.

"As far as the building today, we were satisfied then. We're satisfied now."
Deacon James R. Haughton, Jr.
Pastor of Music and Fine Arts and COO

Bishop Haughton and His Family

A Place Prepared For You

During the renovation and repairs to the sanctuary in 2025, the congregation and band temporarily relocated to the second-floor mezzanine for services, with ministers still able to preach from the pulpit on the elevated stage below. This allowed services to continue without difficulty.

If the decision during the original construction had been made not to include a mezzanine, the Cleveland Church of Christ’s story would be very different today.

“When the church was first built, there was a question about having a mezzanine or not,” Bishop Haughton recalled. “We didn’t know, but God knew one day we would need it. If not for the mezzanine, we might not have had a place somewhere else to worship. But because we did choose to have a mezzanine, we were able to move the congregants upstairs while the repair work was still being done. This let us know that the Lord sees into the future and knows of what you have need of before you need it.”

A Friend in Need

After occupying the building for over twenty years, a ruptured water pipe created a harrowing situation for the Cleveland Church of Christ ministry and congregation. A storm of distress and activity began. Instead of it simply being a disaster of time and chance, Bishop Haughton saw it as a blessing in disguise because the damage was fully covered by insurance.

The carpeting in the offices was replaced with vinyl planking, but one of the bigger concerns for Bishop Haughton was finding a suitable replacement for the sanctuary carpet because the original was no longer manufactured. Many samples were presented, but there was a growing uncertainty that an acceptable option that suited the look, feel, and respect for the space was going to be found.

Then, Bishop Haughton had an idea.

“I told my brother that we should call Jeanne and Chris at ThenDesign Architecture. They helped us build the church. Maybe they can help us fix it,” he said.

While seeking advice from TDA, the dynamics of that first phone call were mutual on both sides: There was an immediate comfort. Jeanne said, “Even though we worked on that project together over twenty years ago, Bishop Haughton’s voice was immediately familiar.”

Bishop Haughton explained the situation and their design struggles to Interior Designer Jeanne Klecker, NCIDQ. He also expressed other concerns regarding some aspects of the construction progress. Jeanne said, “I had a really strong sense of needing to do the right thing and not just because they were a former client. I understand the struggles of things not going right on a project and how stressful that can be.”

After the initial phone call, Jeanne summarized the situation to Chris. He immediately agreed that TDA would do whatever was needed at no charge. “Even though Bishop Haughton wanted to be billed for our time, Chris was adamant that we would not accept his money,” Jeanne said.

“TDA has a long history of accepting worthwhile pro bono projects,” Chris said, “but this time we had friends in need. I can’t imagine responding differently.”

"We watched God bless us in the midst of the storm. We never gave up, and we knew somehow everything would come together."
Bishop Lincoln C. Haughton, III
Senior Pastor and CEO

Cleveland Church of Christ Renovation in Progress

An Interior Challenge

Bishop Haughton came to the TDA offices to drop off carpeting samples for reference. Jeanne said seeing him was like reconnecting with an old friend. “Every conversation with him was positive, and I smiled each time I saw his name appear on my phone.”

“It felt like we were interacting with family in mind,” Bishop Haughton said. “It was like a good security blanket that you could reach for. They freely offered their expertise, freely offered their advice, and freely offered any type of support we wanted. They are always looking out for the people they work with.”

While the project progressed, Bishop Haughton and his team were also seeking Jeanne’s professional guidance to navigate through construction difficulties due to various schedule delays, supply issues, budgetary limitations, and communication challenges.

“It became a deeper commitment to me,” Jeanne said. “I felt a different sense of responsibility. This wasn’t a place of work or education. It’s a person’s place of worship, and I wanted to be highly respectful of that.”

While not official consultants on this phase of the project, Jeanne and Chris provided their professional experience to help Bishop Haughton decipher cost estimates and other construction-related technicalities. Jeanne educated the Cleveland Church of Christ team on modern construction practices so that they could make their own informed decisions with the remediation contractor.

While acting as an advisor, Jeanne was still determined to find a compatible pattern and color way that blended naturally with the entire space, but also felt appropriate for a religious environment. Bishop Haughton wanted to have a carpet wall base instead of the original rubber so the room would feel more inviting and comfortable. He shared his color preferences so Jeanne could understand the feeling he was aiming for.

“I came across a really beautiful broadloom carpet that was well-priced,” Jeanne said, “and everyone loved it.”

“We found a sample we were all really happy with,” Bishop Haughton said. “It was like a sign we made the right decision because Jeanne was involved with picking out the original carpet, and it was fitting she helped us to choose the new one.”

"It’s really been a journey, but we’re glad to be at the finish line."
Bishop Lincoln C. Haughton, III
Senior Pastor and CEO

The Cleveland Church of Christ Renovated

A Revival

Bishop Haughton reflected on the church flooding due to a frozen water pipe from the perspective of the eventual outcome that was paid for by insurance. “The entire church, the entire sanctuary, all the offices, all the hallways on the main floor have been refreshed. It was very timely that the physical revival happened in our 101st year. It was clearly God’s will that we got a refresh. It was a trial for about nine months, but now it will look great for years.”

The fresh, new sanctuary was officially opened for services on September 21, 2025. Deacon Haughton remembers how their parishioners received the finished room: “The response was very positive. They loved the new carpet and how everything looked and was brighter now.” He smiled and nodded, “They loved what they saw.”

Referencing the original building design and the renovation, he said, “If we needed to do this all over again, we wouldn’t change anything.”

“The first Sunday when everything was finished was very joyous. Very joyous. Very joyous,” said Bishop Haughton. “The congregants were thrilled to see the sanctuary back together. They were just thankful for what the Lord had done. The sermon that day was on the topic of revival. I went through the blueprints that God has provided for revival. The building has had a much-needed revival, but we can also see that in the spiritual sense, so we can remember what God has done in this church.”

"The building has grown with us over the years. It's just as relevant today as it was back then. The building has enabled us to do what we needed to do."
Deacon James R. Haughton, Jr.
Pastor of Music and Fine Arts and COO

Cleveland Church of Christ's Interior Revival

Building Bridges. Keeping Bridges.

Bishop Haughton summarized his experience with TDA, “You should not forget the bridges you come over. You have to be thankful for them and make sure that you keep relationships and make sure you deal with people in the right way.”

Jeanne said, “By the end of this whole process, I felt my friendship with Bishop Haughton was a continuation of one that started so long ago.”

“TDA has built a legacy on forging relationships,” Chris said. “To look back and appreciate the relationship we still have with clients from long ago, like Bishop Haughton, is incredibly fulfilling. We were happy to help and glad that everyone is pleased.”

“Consistently, Bob and Chris see the value in doing the right thing regardless of whether or not we get future work from a client. But if we do, that’s kind of a bonus. Other firms may do pro bono for that primary reason, but with TDA, when you see a client struggling and in need of professional assistance with architectural or design issues, but they don’t really have the funds to cover it, stepping up and helping your neighbor or that community is the right thing to do.”

Jeanne concluded, “It’s a moral choice that may not benefit us financially, but we help build that relationship. They know that when they needed help, we were there for them. And we were happy to do it.”

"God can bless you to build, and He can bless you to rebuild."
Bishop Lincoln C. Haughton, III
Senior Pastor and CEO

The Storm Was Weathered
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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Avon Lake City Schools’ 5-8 Visioning Workshop

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Avon Lake City Schools' 5-8 Visioning Workshop
A Visioning Workshop for Avon Lake City Schools in September 2025 informed designers about the community's preferences for the new 5-8 school funded by the passage of a bond issue in May 2025. ThenDesign Architecture staff facilitated activities that engaged students, faculty, and guests to garner ideas to assist in the school's planning and development.

Avon Lake City Schools' 5-8 Visioning Workshop

Avon Lake City Schools hosted a Visioning Workshop at Avon Lake High School in September 2025 to engage the community and garner their ideas and preferences for the district’s new 5-8 school. Members from ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) facilitated the event that had students, staff, members of the local government, and residents in attendance.

After voters passed the school district’s bond issue in May 2025, the team immediately began planning the design for the new 5-8 school to better accommodate the student population and provide a modern educational environment through the new facility. The capital improvement initiative is called “Building ALegacy.”

Leading up to the Visioning Workshop, the district gathered the entire staff from Troy Intermediate and Learwood Middle School to participate in structured activities to gather key information from the staff’s perspective to be incorporated into initial layouts. The Visioning Workshop was held a week later and was open to more of the community.

During this stage of the design phase, these sessions were not only about how students and faculty would use the 5-8 school, but also about how to utilize the building as a shared-use space for other community groups.

"We need to make sure the building will be prepared for whatever educational needs may come in the future."
Joelle Magyar
Superintendent

Designing for Education and Community

“Our mission statement is to prepare students for an evolving world,” said Superintendent Joelle Magyar, “and the new building is a reflection of that.”

Joelle welcomed the participants, and ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Ryan Schmit, RA, NCARB, LEED AP, provided an overview of the day’s activities. “This stage in the design process is to start thinking about how you will experience the building,” he said. “Please make sure your voice is heard. That will ensure this project is as successful as possible.”

Ryan let everyone know that there are no bad ideas, there are only ideas. “Our job is to pull in your ideas from today, blend those with ours, and the process will keep snowballing into the final design,” he said. “We need to make sure that we’re planning so that these spaces can be utilized by the next generations of teachers, students, and staff, and incorporate the best modern educational practices. But remember to also have fun.”

After introductions by TDA and Greenspace Construction Services staff, district representatives made comments and summarized what was learned from district staff the previous week. Participants then answered surveys on their phones, wrote down their wish list items, likes and dislikes, engaged with a student Q & A panel, and concluded the day by presenting their customized foamcore models of the school’s layout.

"Today's exercises will help us gain insight into what makes Avon Lake, Avon Lake."
Ryan Schmit
Project Manager

Avon Lake City Schools' 5-8 Visioning Workshop

Gaining Perspective

Joelle stressed the importance of hearing ideas from the student perspective, which is why TDA Interior Designer Jen Murray, NCIDQ, moderated a student panel. “Educational Visioning helps us get an idea of the direction that the design can possibly go. We hear people want extra windows and more natural light in the spaces,” she said.

The student panel answered questions and engaged in a back-and-forth discussion with the audience, covering a variety of topics about their experiences and preferences.

Jen explained that what is inside a building is equally important as the layout, “We touched on the idea of furniture that they would like to see in the classrooms and what makes them comfortable. Every student learns differently, and how furniture functions can vary. Some students are more fidgety than others, so whether a chair is stationary or mobile makes a difference.”

She concluded, “Talking about the different furniture in classrooms is helpful to us because we can offer informed recommendations for the different styles that can be provided in the final design.”

"It's great to hear all the fresh ideas from the kids and staff who are invested in the project."
Jen Murray
Interior Designer

Avon Lake's Visioning Workshop - Inclusive Ideas

Many Voices, One Theme

The theme of the day was about bettering education for students and how the new building could help facilitate that. Beyond aesthetic considerations, some concepts discussed included traffic flow, transition times, community amenities, and classroom placement.

Ryan commented, “There were a lot of consistent themes today, which I think are really important to appreciate because we’re finding the identity of what the building will be. The next steps will be taking all this information back to our office, distilling it, and putting it all together in a comprehensive way so we can do our best at navigating and incorporating these ideas.”

Joelle explained the impact of the design on future generations, “The building we are planning will outlive all of us. It isn’t easy to know what education will look like 50 years from now, but we need to do our best to make sure that students today and tomorrow are academically prepared.”

The Avon Lake Community Creates a Shared Vision

From Past to Present

Since the Visioning Workshop last September, significant milestones have been passed as the design process continues to mature. After gathering the ideas and preferences from teachers, students, and community members, elements from those discussions have inspired many facets of the school’s design.

The anticipated opening date for the new Avon Lake 5-8 School is scheduled for the 2028-2029 school year. The district remains committed to keeping the community informed as this vital project progresses.

"We will continue to progress and be an elite school district. The support from our community throughout the year keeps us stronger together."
Joelle Magyar
Superintendent

Avon Lake City Schools' 5-8 Visioning Workshop
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

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Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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CMSD Celebrates the Clark PreK-8 School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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CMSD Celebrates the Clark PreK-8 School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The 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
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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The New Bryden Elementary School Ribbon Cutting

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The New Bryden Elementary School Ribbon Cutting
Beachwood 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 groundbreaking ceremonies for Bryden and Hilltop took place in May 2024. To learn more about those events, read this article: https://www.thendesign.com/bryden-hilltop-groundbreakings/

Bryden and Hilltop Celebrate Their Groundbreakings

Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building Dedication

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Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building Dedication
The 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
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

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Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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CMSD Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School Ribbon Cutting

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CMSD Joseph M. Gallagher PreK-8 School Ribbon Cutting
After 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
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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Inside Wickliffe’s Family Resource Center: Strengthening Communities

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Inside Wickliffe's Family Resource Center: Strengthening Communities
The 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

The Wickliffe Family Resource Center (WFRC) is operated by the Wickliffe City School District in partnership with Signature Health. It is a unique organization that brings together support services and educational resources to enhance the well-being of students, families, and community members.

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.

Learn more about the Wickliffe Family Resource Center by visiting their website: https://www.wickliffeschools.org/wickliffe-frc

Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Communications

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Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Ryan is a communications specialist who is passionate about using digital media to further the goals of organizations and communities in Northeast Ohio. With a background in construction and a degree in architecture, he spent over a decade in corporate video production and brings this mindset to videography, editing, photography and content marketing. He is passionate about supporting the arts, and can be found hiking in the parks system.
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Mentor Public Schools Career Academics Renovation Completed

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Mentor Public Schools Career Academics Renovation Completed
The 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
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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