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

  • UPenn Announces Completion of New Veterinary Education Facility

    The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Penn., recently finished construction on an 11,800-square-foot veterinary education building, according to a news release. The Gail P. Riepe Center for Advanced Veterinary Education is the first dedicated classroom facility at the New Bolton Center, a large-animal hospital and campus about 35 miles west of the campus proper.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.

  • Wold Completes Geothermal Projects at Two Minnesota Schools

    Wold Architects & Engineers recently announced that it has completed two geothermal expansion projects for Mounds View Public Schools in Shoreview, Minn., according to a news release. The work at Highview Middle School and Irondale High School serves the district’s long-term goal of reducing energy costs and dependency on non-renewable fuel sources, as well as improving building performance.

  • Wenger Names New Vice President of Sales for Performing Arts, Controls

    Wenger Corporation, which provides products and solutions for music and theater education, performing arts and athletic storage, recently announced the hiring of a new Vice President of Sales for Performing Arts and Controls.