Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus: Designed for Educational Excellence

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Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus: Designed for Educational Excellence
The new Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus was designed for educational excellence with the flexibility to adapt to evolving curricula. The campus has an athletics stadium, a performing arts center, and a black box theater, which makes it an ideal location for community events. With abundant natural lighting, open spaces, and bright colors, the campus is a comfortable, welcoming educational facility serving the Silver Lake and Cuyahoga Falls communities.

Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus: Designed for Educational Excellence

The Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus was designed for educational excellence by incorporating flexible learning spaces to enhance the student experience. Replacing an over one hundred-year-old school, the new 365,000 square foot building with a connected 4,000-seat athletics stadium and practice fields also includes a 1,400-seat performing arts center, black box theatre, media center, planetarium, cosmetology lab, multiple collaborative spaces, a two-level student dining area, and three gymnasiums.

“This campus represents a promise that our students will learn in a place designed for the world they are entering,” said Superintendent Dr. Andrea Celico, Ph.D. “We’re really excited to show our students the new cosmetology lab and our communications space with a green screen, which doubles as a press box. Our athletics facilities and performing arts center are unmatched.”

Specially designed collaborative spaces for the middle and high school are customized to serve each level of student. The high school collaboratives are large and open. The middle school has pods for core subjects that are connected to a common area. Both allow for flexible teaching styles, collaboration, and student comfort.

The ribbon cutting ceremony and community tour in December 2025 marked the official opening of the campus. Students began using their new school after the winter break concluded.

"Everyone has come here today to celebrate this great event for our community and our district."
Alecia Coco
Former School Board President

Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus: Designed for Excellence

Innovative Educational Programming

The campus showcases innovative educational programming that maximizes customization for educators to teach the way they want. Whether they stay within the pods, move into the common areas, or allow students to venture into quiet collaborative spaces, there are endless possibilities for learning.

“I’m excited to see how the spaces will be used,” said High School Principal Jason Smith. “There are a lot of opportunities.” With moveable walls between some classrooms and collaborative areas nearby, cross-curricular planning is possible for multiple teachers to come together and host a combined lesson.

Though some students decide to directly enter a trade to capitalize on their STEAM education, the Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus provides students with a “college feel” to better prepare them after graduation. As part of the Six District Educational Compact, Cuyahoga Falls High School hosts the Academy of Medical Office and Business Management, Automotive Technologies, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Interactive Marketing and Design, IT Academy with CISCO Cyber Security STEM, and Modern Communications through Media Production.

Jason said that Career Technical Education is a huge component of their employment, enlistment, and enrollment philosophy. “We really value our trades, industrial arts, visual arts, and performing arts programs, and Cuyahoga Falls offers a competitive curriculum that benefits the young people of our Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake communities.”

8th-grader Caleb was able to visit his future classrooms and tour the campus alongside his classmates and curious community members. “This is way bigger and fancier than any school I’ve ever been in,” Caleb said. He was impressed with the spaces and excited by the prospect of acting in the black box theater and performing arts center.

The high school two-story collaborative space was designed to accommodate three classrooms joining together on special projects. “I really like this collaborative area,” he said, “I can picture coming here with my friends, doing some work on my Chromebook, and getting things done outside the classroom. I could really focus on my work here because I want to get my grades up this year.”

"The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the spaces being used."
Scott Alleman, RA, NCARB
Project Manager

Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building Dedication & Community Tour

Endless Educational Opportunities

“We designed the building for success,” said TDA Project Manager Scott Alleman, RA, NCARB. “Having flexibility in the classroom and other teaching environments allows for an evolving curriculum.”

“The possibilities are endless,” said Former School Board President Aleica Coco, “We are excited to utilize this campus as a true hub for our community. I know that this building will continue to tighten our Black Tiger community.”

“We have a gorgeous student dining area,” said Jason, “It’s bright and open with a very inviting atmosphere. We intended it to be a versatile space to host community events.”

The student dining area features a ceiling-high glass wall with a clear view of the stadium and is visible from three levels. An ADA-compliant elevator ensures all students have easy navigation to each floor. Comfortable booths and a learning stairs with power outlets offer students a place to lounge, study, or socialize.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, the community toured the campus to fully explore the result of their investment. Hundreds of people were involved in the building’s design process and those same individuals walked the halls, entered the classrooms, and sat on furniture in the spaces they had a hand in shaping.

Through interactive visioning sessions, students, staff, and community members provided valuable input that helped formulate the campus layout and influenced its features. Scott said, “Collaboration was a key part of the design and construction process that really helped take what was drawn on paper and come to life.”

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.

Students began attending the new campus after the winter break ended in January 2026. The Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus will serve the Silver Lake and Cuyahoga Falls communities as an educational beacon and activity hub, facilitating flexible educational excellence for decades.

"Many students were silent when they first entered. I think they were just in awe."
Dr. Andrea Celico, Ph.D.
Superintendent

Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus Building Dedication & Community Tour
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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TDA Partners with Habitat for Humanity on House 100

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TDA Partners with Habitat for Humanity on House 100
TDA partners with Habitat for Humanity on the House 100 project in Lake and Geauga Counties. The 100 Homes & Beyond Campaign brings the community together to volunteer in building safe, affordable homes for families in need. We are proud to donate our architecture and communications services for the 100th home project.

TDA Partners with Habitat for Humanity on House 100

We are proud to announce our partnership with Lake-Geauga County Habitat for Humanity on their 100 Homes & Beyond Campaign. TDA is donating our architecture and communications services for the 100th home project of Lake and Geauga Counties.

TDA has a long history of being a “people first” architectural design firm and is also 100 % employee-owned. Our partnership with Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity is a natural fit, and we are excited to collaborate with them.

Habitat for Humanity is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1976 with a mission to seek to put “God’s love into action” by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Through a movement of people in local areas and around the world, they strive to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a decent, safe, and affordable place to call home.

Habitat’s 100 Homes & Beyond Campaign in Lake and Geauga Counties is designed to provide a home to families who would not otherwise have the opportunity for homeownership. Lake County resident, Juana, and her family were accepted into the program and have agreed to invest 200 “sweat equity hours” by assisting in the construction process, volunteering at Habitat’s ReStore, helping with Habitat events, and taking financial management courses. She will be participating in the construction of her new home.

TDA Partners with Habitat for Humanity on House 100

House 100 Groundbreaking Ceremony

This past Sunday, Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate Juana and her family’s new home in Eastlake, Ohio. Neighbors, local leaders, and invited guests gathered to mark the start of construction for House 100.

More than 50 people convened on a brisk and sunny afternoon to mark this special occasion by showing their support for Juana and her family. Among those in attendance were Eastlake Mayor Kevin Kostelnik, Lake County Commissioner John Plecnik, Fire Chief Frank Kovacic, and members of the Eastlake City Council. Reverend Dr. Armando Arellano of the Shoregate United Methodist Church led special prayers.

“We’re really happy to be celebrating our 100th home right here in Eastlake,” said Lake-Geauga County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Chad Collins. “This achievement belongs to the entire community. When families have a stable home, communities thrive. Affordable housing isn’t just shelter, but it’s about opportunity.”

One of the purposes of providing a safe, stable home is to help families build financial independence by giving them a foothold in an affordable living space, which instills dignity and well-being that benefits the surrounding community.

Mayor Kostelnik said, “It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of this. And we could not be more happy to have the 100th home being built here in our community.”

“This moment is about reflection when community comes together to answer a simple, yet powerful yes,” said Lake-Geauga County Habitat for Humanity Board Chairwoman Juliana Petti. “A simple and powerful yes to the call to love our neighbors as ourselves, as Jesus said. It’s every yes and every act of generosity that matters.”

She concluded, “We don’t just build homes. We build hope, stability, and a future.”

Lake County Board of Commissioners John Plecnik expressed the significance of this being Home 100, “All three commissioners are so passionate about the work you do, and we are proud to support Habitat for Humanity. We’re all excited for the 99 homes you’ve already built here and for the future that we see in Eastlake.”

Juana thanked everyone for coming and was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. “Thank you to everybody that’s here today and part of this 100th home,” she said. “We’re very excited to soon live here.”

Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity 100 Homes and Beyond

Volunteer Opportunities

Alongside ThenDesign Architecture, many local businesses are contributing their time, expertise, and resources to make such an affordable residential living space possible. Lake-Geauga County Habitat for Humanity has partnered with Help Build Hope, 4 Seasons Construction & Roofing, Firenza Stone, Powers Roofing & Exteriors, Polaris Engineering & Surveying, Inc., NEO Electrical Supply Co. & Lighting Center, and Blue Collar Electricians, all of which are generously contributing to make the project a success.

Construction of House 100 began this week, and it will be completed in July.

On Saturday, May 9, between 8:30 AM and 3 PM, 120 volunteers are needed at the wall assembly event for Juana’s house in the Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity ReStore parking lot (34225 Vine Street in Eastlake). You can check out the Facebook event page or visit the informational website: https://www.lake-geaugahabitat.org/buildhome100.

For those interested in other volunteering opportunities, visit https://www.lake-geaugahabitat.org/volunteer for more information.

A Celebration of House 100
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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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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Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening

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Gilmour Academy Howley Commons Grand Opening
Four 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
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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Lutheran West’s Building Expansion Grand Opening

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Lutheran West's Building Expansion Grand Opening
Lutheran 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.

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
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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Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking

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Garfield Heights High School Stadium Groundbreaking
Hundreds 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
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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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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Gilmour Academy Student Commons Renovation

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Gilmour Academy Student Commons Renovation
The 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
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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