North Olmsted City Schools Opens New $90-million Campus

The first school bell at the North Olmsted (Ohio) City Schools' $90 million facilities project—a new grade 6-12 educational, performing arts center and athletic complex—opened in September. The exterior of the building is emphasized by the late 19th-century Georgian Architecture characterized by its proportion, symmetry, and balance. More than half of the 38.5 acres of the property is located in a flood zone which posed challenges for the 315,000-square-foot campus, including creating separate entrances for the middle and high school, performing arts center, and stadium.

North Olmsted City Schools

Middle school students (grades 6-8) are organized in 6 studios, two per grade level. Each studio houses 150 students, and consists of four general classrooms, one science lab, two small-group rooms, teacher prep room with storage, central collaboration area with presentation platform and adjoining restroom facilities.

The high school (grades 9-12) features labs on the first floor while core classrooms are located on the second floor. Each wing has a defined collaborative area surrounded by classrooms and small-group rooms. Classroom and adjacent spaces are technology-rich with flexible furniture. Transparency of rooms and open hallways provide clear lines of sight enhancing the monitoring and supervision of students.

Designed as a hub rather than a space for lunch, the cafeteria features the school’s orange color and offers high-top tables, moveable furniture, Wi-Fi and charging stations.

The interior color palette, patterns and classical elements such as niches, alcoves and columns provide a sophisticated twist of the 21st-century design flexibility. Color scheme for the middle school is energetic while the high school scheme is calm and sophisticated. Symbolizing the district’s rich history in the arts, an 850-seat performing arts center with oversized proscenium opening evokes a feeling of professional theater. Adjacent to the campus is a new 4,000-seat stadium which features artificial turf football/soccer field and track. Heated lockers rooms, restrooms, and concession stands are located below the stands.

Featured

  • DLR Group Announces New Mid-Atlantic Higher Education Leader

    Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that it has promoted Principal Shawn Gaither, AIA, LEED AP, to the role of higher education leader in the Mid-Atlantic, according to a news release. Gaither has served with the firm for more than 20 years, most recently as the national higher education business development leader.

  • Bradley Company Highlights Hygiene Tips for Global Handwashing Day

    In honor of Global Handwashing Day on October 15, commercial washrooms and emergency safety solutions provider Bradley Company recently released the results of its 2026 Healthy Handwashing Survey. The findings indicate simple, practical steps that facilities managers can take to encourage good hygiene on campus.

  • Montclair State University Debuts New VR Facility

    Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., recently announced the completion of a new virtual reality learning facility developed in partnership with Dreamscape Learn, according to a news release. The 2,450-square-foot lab space is inside the College of Communication and Media building and will serve students pursuing careers in digital media, virtual reality, and content creation.

  • Carnegie Mellon University Receives $3B Gift to Launch New Campus

    Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Penn., recently announced that it has received $3 billion—the largest individual gift in higher education history—from Citadel CEO and founder Ken Griffin, according to a news release.