Northeast Ohio Properties, August 2025

CentroVilla25 unites food, culture + opportunity in Cleveland’s largest Latino neighborhood

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mark Watt mwatt@propertiesmag.com 216.251.2655

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Lisa Larissey llarissey@propertiesmag.com 440.429.6153

CONTRIBUTING

Doug Bardwell, Scott Esterly, Dan Holland, Christopher Johnston, Alec Pacella

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Matt Lehnert mlehnert@propertiesmag.com 216.251.6753

Larry Overbey loverbey@propertiesmag.com 216.251.6649

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Cover photo: CentroVilla25, by Doug Bardwell

by Christian Phillips

DEPARTMENTS

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PROPERTIES PEOPLE

1 Casey Shrader, Bob Trefzger and Arthur Q. Lindrose (Bolton Pratt) with Glen Shumate (CEA)

Construction Employers Association (CEA) recently held its 2025 Golf Invitational at Chagrin Valley Country Club, bringing together Cleveland’s union construction community for a day of competition, networking and giving back. The returning Beat the Pro contest raised funds for the Jim Brown Scholarship Fund, letting attendees challenge a pro golfer while supporting future industry leaders.

2 Patrick Butler, Dominic Ozanne II and Rob Fitzgerald (Ozanne Construction Company) with Spencer Krebs (Tucker Ellis LLP)

3 Scott Mackey, Claire Novak, Tari Rivera and Ethan Weinberg (Regency Construction Services)

4 Sean Campbell (Laborers Local 310), Dave Wondolowski (Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council), Mark Neitzel (Self Funded Plans and Insured-Ease) and Bill Nails (Plasterers Local 526)

5 Torrey Romano, Jerry Vitanza, Mark Phipps and Bernie Nowak (Forest City Erectors)

6 Nicolle Gorzki and Sarah Swift (Construction Employers Association)

(JSI Janitorial, LLC)

40th Annual BOMA Northeast Ohio Golf Outing drew nearly 200 industry professionals to Little Mountain Country Club in Painesville for a day of golf, net-

2 Cassie Brown (Midwest Installation Group), April White (Ohio Paving & Construction Co.) and Jessica Brown (BOMA Northeast Ohio)

3 Mike Barnes and Dave Ellison (H&M Landscaping, a Visterra Company)

Ron Jones (The Copius Group), Mychael Turner (PNC Bank), Ryan West (JSI Janitorial, LLC) and Dean Pol

Designed for Community Glenville’s library returns, thanks to CPL’s master plan and a generous philanthropic gift

Story by Scott Esterly | Photos by Scott Esterly & Christian Phillips

After 15 months of construction, the Glenville Campus of Cleveland Public Library has reopened with a bold new look and a renewed purpose at 11900 St. Clair Ave. The $7 million renovation expanded the building from 11,300 to 12,500 square feet and introduced a striking new design that replaces the previous sloped roof and brick exterior with a sleek mix of glass, steel and contemporary finishes. Inside, the campus features maker spaces, private study rooms, a vibrant children’s area and subtle design elements that pay homage to Glenville’s rich cultural history.

A $3.25 million grant from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation also helped fund a new digital innovation lab focused on workforce development, positioning the library as both a neighborhood anchor and a forward-looking resource for the East Side.

A plan for renewal

The Glenville project aligns with Cleveland Public Library’s system-wide master plan, which reimagines library spaces around four principles: rebalance, reorganize, remove and reconfigure. The intent is to shift away from static collections and toward dynamic, inclusive

environments that emphasize community interaction and lifelong learning.

This vision is evident in Glenville’s flexible layout, which replaces rows of shelving with open areas that support programming, workshops and casual gatherings. Interior elements have been reorganized to remove physical and visual barriers, creating an approachable, people-centered space that encourages exploration and engagement.

Boosted by philanthropy

Glenville’s renovation was initially planned for a later phase of CPL’s capital improvements, but the Mandel

Foundation’s gift helped fast-track the project. “We are touching every campus in the system, but Glenville was accelerated because of the Mandel Foundation’s generosity,” says Kathleen Sonnhalter, CPL’s capital projects manager. “They wanted a more immediate impact.”

In addition to expanding the campus’ footprint, the donation funded a larger-than-planned digital innovation lab focused on job training and workforce development. The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Workforce and Senior Digital Innovation Lab provides access to computers, software and emerging technologies that

by

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Christian Phillips

support digital literacy, career advancement and creative exploration.

Ben Crabtree, associate principal and design director at Bialosky, emphasizes that the lab was designed to address local needs. “It has this added piece of supporting a broader community and doing something specific that’s going to help uplift the needs of the community that it’s in,” he says.

The Mandel Foundation’s investment is more than financial. As Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel grew up in the Glenville neighborhood, their roots run deep. Longtime patrons still recall the Mandel family’s presence in the community, adding a layer of continuity and care

to a gift that’s as much about honoring history as it is about shaping the future.

Team + timeline

The project was led by CPL in partnership with Bialosky, the architect of record, and R.L. Hill Management, which served as the construction manager at risk. Design was guided by Crabtree and Aaron Hill, principal/co-CEO at Bialosky, while Jennifer Blair of R.L. Hill Management managed the construction coordination.

Design work began in early 2023, and by March, schematic plans were in place. The remainder of the year was spent refining construction documents and obtaining permits. Construction

is proud to have served as the Architect and MEP Engineer for CPL Glenville.

Always by design.

officially began in January 2024. The Glenville Campus reopened its doors to the public this June, marking the completion of a project that now serves as a model for the library system’s next generation of buildings.

A smooth construction process

Blair describes the project’s preconstruction phase as one of the most efficient she’s worked on.

“As construction starts, it all starts moving fast and you have to make decisions, but at the same time understanding the big picture of what you’re going for really helps our team,” she says. “Even if we’re still working on some of the details or coordination, we know the way we need to go.”

Demolition and new construction were carefully sequenced to maintain progress across multiple work zones. Precision Environmental handled the removal of the building’s original mezzanine and central skylight, while other teams began work in surrounding areas.

Modest additions to the west and north ends of the building expanded the floorplate without encroaching on sensitive utility corridors beneath the site. Hidden steel framing was added to support the taller roofline and contemporary façade,

FLEXIBLE FOOTPRINT Rows of bookshelves at Cleveland Public Library’s Glenville Campus were replaced with open, adaptable spaces for workshops, gatherings and interactive programming.

Photo by Christian Phillips

GETTING TOGETHER The library houses a variety of gathering areas, including open seating spaces (top), private meeting/study rooms (middle) and a dividable meeting room (bottom).

which features curtain wall glass and perforated metal panels.

Coordinating utilities posed several challenges, particularly with routing infrastructure through existing structural elements. With limited access behind walls and above ceilings, electricians often had to adjust placements for outlets, exit signs and fire strobes around hidden steel supports or masonry obstacles. These field adjustments required constant collaboration and flexibility among trades.

As construction continued, the team took a second look at the roofing plan. Initially, only the new high bay and a

“The

1978 building is

significant in Cleveland’s postmodern history.... it was important to us as architects that we were not here to erase [Architect T.K. Zung’s] design. We wanted to reimagine it. We wanted to enhance it and build upon it.”

Aaron Hill Bialosky Cleveland

small area affected by demolition were scheduled for replacement. The rest of the roof was expected to stay. But with such a major renovation underway, the team agreed it made more sense to replace the entire roof. That decision prompted collaboration to identify savings in other areas that would allow for an entirely new PVC roof without exceeding the budget.

A legacy of design

The Glenville Campus has deep architectural roots. The first standalone Glenville Library opened on Parkwood Avenue in 1927 in a building designed by Walker & Weeks. That structure has since been demolished. The current campus was designed by Cleveland architect T.K. Zung and opened in 1978.

by Scott Esterly

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KID-FRIENDLY FOCUS The renovation included a refreshed children’s area featuring a bright, colorful design and new lighting, plus a variety of built-in wood storage elements and seating nooks.

“The 1978 building is significant in Cleveland’s postmodern history,” says Hill. “T.K. Zung is still alive and very proud of this building, so it was important to us as architects that we were not here to erase his design. We wanted to reimagine it. We wanted to enhance it and build upon it.”

A central aspect of Zung’s design was a mezzanine originally used as a community gathering space.

“The mezzanine had been closed for decades. It couldn’t be used because it only had a spiral stair, so it didn’t meet accessibility requirements. The memory of the mezzanine was still important to people,” says Hill.

“The mezzanine was a big piece of our community engagement,” adds Sonnhalter. “There was a lot of emotional attachment to it, and I think everyone was really effective at addressing that in the new design with the various qualitative aspects of that mezzanine, like the idea of retreat and security and having a special space to gather.”

Balancing old + new

Reusing and matching original building materials proved challenging. The 45-year-old brick exterior was both an architectural and logistical puzzle.

“The brick was one of the bigger challenges with the project,” Hill explains. “It is 45-year-old brick. They do not make this exact brick anymore. We found the best match we could, but the challenge is, the brick is both interior and exterior. The brick, weathered and aged for 45 years, was different in different locations, yet we are only using one mix of brick.

“As we matched the mortar and the brick to the interior, where you would get places that used to previously be exterior, you have spaces on the upper and the lower part of the wall that used to be on the outside. And it is darker than the interior brick. To get it to ultimately all flow

and match, the restoration contractor had to come in and, in certain places, dye and stain the brick and the mortar to make it all blend.”

Site challenges

The project team had to work around several major constraints. The library site once housed a gas station, and underground fuel tanks remain buried beneath part of the lot. In addition, a major water and sewer line runs directly beneath the building.

These conditions restricted expansion to the west and north sides of the structure. To avoid placing columns over utility lines, the design team created a cantile-

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Christian Phillips

vered entrance canopy and a compact public plaza with integrated seating and planters. This space connects directly to an RTA bus stop, reinforcing the campus’ role as a civic and transit hub.

A curtain that invites

One of the most distinctive elements of the Glenville Campus is the perforated metal screen that spans the front of the building. Referred to by the design team as a “veil,” it plays both a functional and visual role. It filters sunlight into the digital innovation lab, reducing glare and creating a more controlled interior environment. It also gives the building a layered look. Above, the screen adds texture and dimension. Below, the glass façade remains fully visible from the street, offering a clear view into the campus and sending a message of welcome.

The idea of the veil was also shaped by the perspective of Glenville Campus’ manager, who has a background in theater. The team often talked about the screen as a curtain, something that rises rather than conceals. That idea helped guide the way the building meets the street. From the sidewalk or the bus stop, the public is not kept at a distance.

The veil provides a layer of privacy for those inside, but just as importantly, it invites people in.

“The veil is also pulling away from where the entry is, and the one spot where that does not occur is where you enter the building, which gives an opportunity for signage. It naturally

“[The digital innovation lab] has this added piece of supporting a broader community and doing something specific that’s going to help uplift the needs of the community that it’s in.”

Ben Crabtree

Bialosky

Cleveland

draws your eye there, so it pulls people in,” says Crabtree.

Superman in the details

The design team incorporated subtle references to Superman, whose co-creator, Jerry Siegel, grew up in the Glenville neighborhood.

The building’s shape and atmosphere were inspired in part by the idea of the Fortress of Solitude, a quiet and pro -

tected place set apart from the stress of daily life. The “veil” on the front of the building additionally hints at the shape of a cape, adding a visual reference to a character who remains closely tied to the history of this community.

The ceiling design is a subtle nod to the Man of Steel as well. Its folded shape improves acoustics, while also mimicking the fluttering cape of Superman. Made of stretched fabric backed with insulation, the ceiling absorbs sound.

These allusions are understated but intentional, adding a touch of neighborhood pride and pop culture resonance to the space.

Purposeful programming

At 12,500 square feet, the new Glenville Campus packs a range of features into a relatively compact footprint. The highlight is the 4,500-square-foot workforce and digital innovation lab, with dedicated areas for youth STEAM programming, adult maker spaces, business development and technology instruction.

The remaining library space includes updated adult and children’s collections, four private study rooms, a central lounge and a dividable meeting room. Staff work

MAKING SPACE Spurred by a $3.25 million investment, the renovated library incorporates a 4,500-square-foot workforce and digital innovation lab, with dedicated areas for youth STEAM programming, adult maker spaces, business development and technology instruction.

Photo by Scott Esterly

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areas have been expanded, and mechanical systems modernized to improve efficiency and comfort.

Outdoors, a 1,200-square-foot reading garden offers a second public entrance and a quiet place to gather, read or host events. Modeled after the Eastman Reading Garden downtown, it opens the library to the surrounding neighborhood on both sides.

A reflection of the neighborhood

The renovated campus is designed to reflect the surrounding neighborhood’s history, resilience and potential.

“This is a very strong, proud community,” says Hill. That pride shaped the entire project, from early planning through to opening day. “At the reopening of this library, it was just an unbelievably authentic celebration. The look on those people’s faces as they were getting their library back, and seeing how it had been reinvigorated and reimagined, was incredibly uplifting. It showed just how important this library is to this community.”

For the team behind the project, the building stands as both a resource and a response to what the neighborhood has always represented.

“Once you become familiar with this neighborhood, this is the manifestation of the wealth of entrepreneurism and the history of this community. It is like they were asking for this, and we are giving it to them,” says Sonnhalter.

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Market with a Mission CentroVilla25 unites food, culture + opportunity in Cleveland’s largest Latino neighborhood

Story & photos by Doug Bardwell

Just south of Clark Avenue on West 25th Street is the 32,000-square-foot, $14 million, two-story home of Latin American cuisine and culture – CentroVilla25. Located in the heart of Cleveland’s largest Latino community, this former auto dealer and carpet shop has been reborn to serve both the neighborhood and all Clevelanders.

More than just a food hall or commercial space, CentroVilla25 is a bold, community-driven response to decades of disinvestment – a project that reclaims space, honors culture and fuels economic opportunity. Its creation is the result of grassroots advocacy, creative financing and a deeply personal vision brought to life by a determined nonprofit leader and a collaborative project team.

Solving a neighborhood quandary

When Jenice Contreras became CEO of the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development (NEOHCED), she encountered an apparent contradiction: the neighborhood had the highest concentration of Latino residents in Cleveland, with a lively and vibrant community, but the physical space itself reflected nothing of that vibrancy. The area was experiencing gentrification pressures, displacement

issues and a complete lack of historical investment or support.

Ten years ago, Latino leaders weren’t included in neighborhood planning discussions. Transit-oriented studies and

“West 25th had an abundance of underused or abandoned manufacturing buildings. I began to think – I have buildings, I have businesses. I’ll just create a market. How hard can that be?”

Jenice Contreras NEOHCED

master plans were underway, but they didn’t involve the Latino community. Contreras and other Latino leaders organized and directly approached Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, questioning why they weren’t at the table. Through educa-

tion and advocacy, they went from being excluded to becoming a key focus area on West 25th Street. When the City pledged support, they had to decide what actions to take.

“I went back to my organization and tried to figure out what our responsibility was in development, because we were a business-serving organization,” says Contreras. “I had no idea what a TOD [transitoriented development] could do, and I knew nothing about construction, so I had to spend some time educating myself in community and economic development.”

While at a conference in Minneapolis, and during one of the event’s tours, Contreras visited a place called Mercado Central and learned its story. Mercado Central was founded in 1999 in a neighborhood very similar to Cleveland’s Near West Side – lacking investment, with a high Latino popula-

CULTURAL CATALYST To create CentroVilla25, the design and construction team transformed a former auto dealer and carpet shop into a 32,000-square-foot hub for Latino food, culture and entrepreneurship in Cleveland’s largest Latino neighborhood.

tion and facing similar challenges. The space featured a Mexican bakery as its entrance, small business kiosks, a grocery store, a flower shop and second-floor services, such as money wiring and immigration attorneys. It was created by immigrant entrepreneurs working with a Mexican councilwoman.

“That was my ‘aha’ moment,” Contreras recalls. She realized she had the same ingredients: buildings and businesses. “Clark Avenue was saturated with fast food, dollar stores and auto parts shops, but then nothing else. West 25th had an abundance of underused or abandoned manufacturing buildings. I began

to think – I have buildings, I have businesses. I’ll just create a market. How hard can that be?”

Maybe harder than assumed

She visited a local community development organization and shared her idea. They agreed to help get the project started, provided that NEOHCED owned the buildings they had identified. The multi-parcel property was originally home to Hellman Motors in the 1940s, Cooley Motors in the 1960s, and H.J. Weber Carpet in the 1980s.

They began putting together the financials, which she found to be the most

significant step. With minimal resources and zero experience, they relied heavily on others for guidance.

For the bulk of their first decade, they worked to assemble a capital stack that would become diverse and complex. They began to explore more creative financing options and other economic development tools that were available.

“We were never at the point where we felt we had all the funds we needed, but we put the cart in front of the horse and kept working,” admits Contreras. “When you are CEO of a non-profit organization, you just have to believe that somehow it’s all going to come together.”

MARKET MELTING POT The food hall offers cuisine from Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba (top, middle), plus plus space for commercial food processing (bottom).

“Through the support of financial consultant, Betsy Figgie, we applied for the New Markets Tax Credit [NMTC] and found that one of the most complicated things to do,” states Contreras. “But, we did it. We received a NMTC allocation from Cleveland Development Advisors. We also received funding from the federal government for economic development, as well as from city, county and state sources. We also ran a capital campaign, so philanthropy and corporate giving ultimately enabled us to reach $14 million – the project’s total value.

“During those years came the need to interview for an architect and a contractor,” recalls Contreras. Many proposed tearing down existing structures and building a grandiose three-story structure. “I think I went through three architects and two general contractors before I landed on my dream team.”

Finally, the dream team she needed

“Being able to program the project while focusing on our needs was what led us to select RDL Architects,” explains Contreras.“

“I believe it was the culture of RDL’s firm that made it a good fit,” says Edward Kundla, of Design Endeavors, which served as owner’s representative for the project.

“We needed a lot of programming because I wanted to put a lot into the 32,000-square-foot space,” posits Contreras. “I was also very stubborn and didn’t want to negotiate. I said I wanted 20 kiosks, and somehow they found a way to give us what we wanted. I knew that my community had one chance to get it right. So, I didn’t want to cut corners.”

“RDL really listened and did their homework,” adds Kundla.

HCED held an annual fair each year to help local Latino residents who wanted to enter the construction trades or expand from residential to commercial construction businesses. As advisors, NEOHCED helped them learn how to respond to a bid, utilize

MERCHANT MIX Complementing the numerous food hall offerings (top), CentroVilla25 also includes a retail section that accommodates up to a dozen non-culinary vendors, with half already operating or preparing to open (middle, bottom).

contracting platforms and develop a capability statement. Cleveland Construction was always there to staff a table at the annual fairs, so over the years, Contreras got to know them.

Now it was Contreras who needed their expertise and asked if they would be interested in combining the elements to make this project a reality.

“They agreed,” says Contreras, “and they also were extremely good at listening and being supportive. I’m having a hard time letting them go as this project winds down.”

Combining parcels + buildings

“This wasn’t ground-up construction,” explains Kundla. “This was probably four separate structures: a couple of two-story structures, end-to-

“This is probably a once-ina-lifetime build for me, which was super exciting. I mean it has kiosks, a commercial kitchen, an office and a bar... Most people will never get the opportunity to build something like this.”

Anthony Santell Cleveland Construction

end, and then more of a warehouse space and production facility. It was a matter of piecing them together.

“The in-house placemaking studio team at RDL had been working for a year or more on the look and feel of the project, doing space planning, and making sure HDEC’s requirements could be met,” explains Luis Pupo, senior project manager at RDL. “I got involved in late 2022 or early 2023 as we began piecing together the individual buildings.”

“I recall getting involved in August 2023,” says Anthony Santell, project

manager for Cleveland Construction, “but I know Alex Stotter and his preconstruction team had been involved for some time and were a big help getting this started.”

“This is probably a once-in-a-lifetime build for me, which was super exciting,” reflects Santell. “I mean it has kiosks, a commercial kitchen, an office and a bar. Christian Brickman, our superintendent, and I were ecstatic because it’s got everything in one. Most people will never get the opportunity to build something like this.”

The building sits on a floor plate of 25,000 square feet, with an additional 7,000 square feet on the second floor.

Fourteen parcels, covering two acres, needed to be consolidated over one-anda-half city blocks along West 25th Street to accommodate the building and ample parking lots.

“With all the previous structures – many residential – we were very nervous about what we were going to uncover, and we did keep hitting existing foundations,” says Santell. “Most of the front building was clay tile, which wasn’t the strongest building material. For the brand new elevator, that meant a lot of underpinning and reinforcing. We also had new steel stairs going in, which required additional reinforcing.”

The oldest part of the building had all wood framing, while the warehouse section was made of CMU block with steel roof decking. Some of the wooden roofing required repairs before insulation, and a TPO roofing system was installed throughout the area.

All mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems were replaced, along with the installation of a sprinkler system and the addition of new kitchen equipment.

Assisting on the project, HSB Architects+Engineers was brought in specifically to design, engineer and manage the interior Mercado kiosks based on their expertise and experience with commercial kitchens and restaurants.

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MEETING NEEDS A 600-square-foot multipurpose conference room near the main entrance has hosted dozens of community, business and cultural gatherings since opening.

“[The project] was particularly unique due to the flexible nature of each of the kiosks,” says Gabriel Fey, principal with HSB Architects + Engineers. “At the time of design and engineering, not all tenants were known – so accounting for the necessary infrastructure was a moving target all the way up until opening. Fortunately, there was an extremely collaborative approach by all the team players to get it done successfully.”

With all the food tenants located in the center of the building, the HVAC system was like a giant Tetris puzzle, according to Corinne Stuppy, senior interior designer for RDL.

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Another consideration with all the food tenants was the installation of an emergency generator. They experience frequent power outages in this neighborhood, and with the generator, they didn’t even notice the latest one. During one extended outage, Cleveland Construction stepped in and helped distribute bags of ice for the neighborhood.

On the second floor, nearly the entire wood floor had to be replaced because it varied by two inches across the length of the building.

Trying to manage all those elements on a tight budget was just one of the challenges. In addition, Contreras wanted an attention-grabbing element to the exterior so people wouldn’t just drive by the building without noticing it.

Considering both the neighborhood’s culture and the budget, RDL chose a mul-

FOOD + DRINK A large commercial kitchen supports tenants, food trucks and local chefs, and offers cooking classes highlighting traditional recipes and culture (top). Still to come is a built-out bar (bottom) that will offer beer, cocktails and social space alongside the market.

ticolored palette for the exterior paint, similar to those used in Latin American countries. They selected RhinoShield ceramic-impregnated paints, which provided the necessary color options in the desired saturations, along with an extended 25-year warranty, according to Pupo. “Being so close to the street, we wanted something not only durable, but also easy to keep clean.”

Stuppy worked extensively choosing the various color palettes. “Our challenge was more to tell Jenice’s story. We’re advocating for her and want to meet her expectations of what it will look like. We care about the end user, obviously, and the community; we didn’t want to do anything that wasn’t genuine. It’s playful and joyful, and it’s about creating a wonderful environment for the community.”

“In a culture like ours,” explains Contreras, “the more color the better, and we tend to over-color things. But, what Corinne did was achieve a balance with one palette for the exterior, one for the market, and another palette for our offices.”

Tour of Latin America in one building

Parking lots extend around the building on the west and south sides, but the majority of guests enter the market through the main entrance on the south side.

Entering the Mercado (market), you are immediately presented with a choice of seven food vendors. Each kiosk represents a different country’s cuisine, allowing patrons to mix and match their dishes from Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba.

Tables and countertops line the exterior walls for dining, and the food hall has a variety of tables and chairs.

“It’s turned out to be way more than we imagined,” underscores Contreras. “We held a gala in the market and transformed previously empty warehouse into this amazing space. We put in a stage, we had beautiful draperies and lights, we had bands, we had people dancing. We’ve

accomplished some truly remarkable things with the space. Huntington Bank even hosted its employee appreciation night here, with more than 200 guests.”

Returning to the southern entrance, immediately to the right as you enter is an approximately 600-square-foot multipurpose conference room that Contreras said has been used in dozens of different ways in the few short months since it was opened.

The southeast corner is the only large vacant space in the building, and this 2,100-square-foot area, with its large windows facing south and west along West 25th Street, will probably not be available for long.

A bar for beer and liquor has been built out in the northeast corner and is awaiting its liquor license. Also along the northern wall is the merchant section, with the potential for 12 vendors, half of which are already in business or opening soon.

Exterior entrances along the north wall allow direct access to the Mandel Plaza, an outdoor gathering area. A large stage at the northwest corner will host entertainment in front of a grassy area, perfect for lawn chairs. Other fixed-seating options are located just past a unique water feature, as well as a shaded area under a distinctive umbrella-covered section of patio.

This entire outdoor community gathering area is set up to accommodate multiple food trucks along the north fence.

The northwest corner of the building, originally conceived as a grocery store, is being outfitted for a Hispanic foods producer who will primarily produce and sell empanadas and marinades to 54 grocery stores.

Continuing around the building, the southeast corner features a huge commercial kitchen, available for use by tenants, food trucks or local chefs who need certified facilities to prepare their homemade goods. There are two complete food prep lines under large hoods, multiple triple stainless-steel sinks and a dozen rollable stainless-steel tables. Additionally, tenants can “rent-arack” of stainless-steel shelving for additional goods that might not fit in the kiosks.

On select dates, the Flying Pig Tacos chef will offer three-hour cooking classes in the commercial kitchen, allowing guests to learn how to prepare and cook authentic Mexican dishes, as well as their cultural history.

Upstairs are the new offices for NEOHCED, along with a breakroom and their boardroom. It feels quite spacious compared to their original offices

on West 25th Street, which were under 1,000 square feet in size.

Achieving her 40-year-old dream

The day of our interview, Contreras had just come back from receiving an award from the City of Cleveland’s Office of Equal Opportunity.

“Cleveland Construction worked really, really hard to involve minority contractors and subcontractors, which was a require-

“This

property was very accustomed to being reincarnated – from an automotive shop to a textile shop, and now it’s reincarnated into the hub for the Latin community as well as a teaching location for others that are not Latino to come and experience that culture.”

Luis Pupo RDL Architects

ment of both our organization and our funders,” explains Contreras.

It was especially sweet since she mentioned that anything that could kill a project had happened to them at some point. After a bad start with an initial contractor, the COVID-19 pandemic

occurred. The number of challenges was unimaginable.

“Obviously, this property was very accustomed to being reincarnated – from an automotive shop to a textile shop,” states Pupo, “and now it’s reincarnated into the hub for the Latin community as well as a teaching location for others that are not Latino to come and experience that culture.”

Santell mirrors the thoughts of all the partners in this project, saying, “Each of the teams were terrific to work with. I’ve never seen an owner’s rep so involved, scheduling meetings and requesting three or more solutions to each challenge. Every person on each team was totally invested in making this the best project possible.”

This wasn’t just professional for Contreras – it was deeply personal. She grew up in this neighborhood, attended high school around the corner, and had witnessed the area’s shifts over time, both for the better and for the worse.

“It’s a true honor to be able to come back and improve the neighborhood that I grew up in,” she explains. “I hope this serves as inspiration to others – to other architects, other contractors and other communities that are looking to transform space and create space for community to happen.”

COMMUNITY CONNECTION The Mandel Plaza outdoor space features a stage, lawn seating, water feature, food truck hookups and shaded gathering areas for public events.

First Line of Defense Understanding fire classifications + extinguisher types for smarter safety planning

By Shane Sweder S.A. Comunale

Fire extinguishers are a vital component of any safety plan, whether in homes, businesses or industrial facilities. They provide the first line of defense against small fires, allowing individuals to act quickly before flames grow out of control.

More than just a smart safety measure, fire extinguishers are often required by local fire codes, insurance policies and building regulations. Understanding these requirements – and choosing the right type of extinguisher – can make all the difference in protecting property and lives.

Why fire extinguishers matter

In the event of a fire, every second counts. A properly maintained fire extinguisher can stop a small fire from becoming a major emergency. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), when used promptly, portable extinguishers are effective in containing fires 94% of the time. Being equipped with the right extinguisher can reduce property damage, limit business downtime and, most importantly, protect lives.

Types of fire extinguishers

Not all fires are the same, which is why fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they are designed to combat. Some examples include:

• Class A: For fires involving wood, paper and fabric

• Class B: For flammable liquids like oil, gasoline and paint

• Class C: For electrical fires

• Class D: For combustible metals (often found in industrial settings)

• Class K: For kitchen fires involving grease and oils

Property owners should assess their environment and choose extinguishers accordingly. For example, a restaurant kitchen should be equipped with Class

K extinguishers, while an office building may require a multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguisher (ABC).

Proper maintenance is key

When a fire extinguisher fails to perform, it can lead to some serious risks.

Being equipped with the right extinguisher can reduce property damage, limit business downtime and, most importantly, protect lives.

Property owners must ensure regular inspections, pressure checks and refills as needed. Tags and service logs should be up to date and visible. The most impor-

tant thing to consider is having any staff properly trained on how to operate extinguishers safely and confidently.

Final thoughts

Fire extinguishers are essential for maintaining a safe environment and meeting property compliance standards. Whether it is in a small business, apartment complex or large industrial site, having the right equipment – and keeping it maintained – can help stop a disaster before it starts. Investing in proper fire protection is not just about meeting codes; it’s about protecting lives, assets and peace of mind.

Shane Sweder is a fire extinguisher sales representative with S.A. Comunale. For more information, visit www.sacomunale.com.

SUITABLE CHOICE Property owners should assess their environment and choose extinguishers accordingly. For example, a restaurant kitchen should be equipped with Class K extinguishers, while an office building may require a multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguisher (ABC).

Photo provided by S.A. Comunale

Is Your Property an Easy Target?

Low-cost, high-impact safety improvements every commercial site needs

By Nick Gromicko and Kate Tarasenko InterNACHI

For any kind of a commercial investment, such as a condo filled with renters and owner-occupants, or a light-industrial complex filled with small businesses, tenants as well as owners have a mutual responsibility to ensure a safe environment that promotes both peace of mind and business as usual.

Here are some tips that you can act on now to make your commercial property safe.

Lock it up!

You may be 20 feet away from your vehicle while you’re working at your desk, but property crimes are crimes of opportunity, and criminals don’t like to work, so don’t make it any easier for them to loot your vehicle by leaving it unlocked – or by leaving valuables in plain sight, even in a locked car. Additionally, lock home and office doors, and use security locks on windows that allow them to open, but not too much. Pull drapes and shades on windows when the sun goes down and when unoccupied – don’t announce your absence by leaving your premises on display.

Light it up!

Owners should ensure that there is adequate lighting in the parking facility, whether a parking structure, individual garages or assigned parking spaces. Injuries due to inadequate light can

lead to liability issues and expensive legal hassles. Motion-detector security lights should be installed at every unit’s entrance. They save energy, and alert residents and tenants when someone is in the immediate vicinity. These lights are generally hard-wired into the build-

ing’s electrical system, but portable sensor lights can be added to the perimeter of the building to make dark areas and those obstructed by vegetation better lit to discourage nighttime trespassers.

Stairs + walkways

These should be kept clear of debris and obstructions, such as lawn care equipment. Sidewalk cement in poor repair can present a tripping hazard, leading to injury and costly legal ramifications. If sidewalks have graded steps, install photo-sensor stake lights at the edges to capture the sun’s energy during the day so they can provide illumination at night.

Security systems

There are many approaches to this issue, depending on the structure of the complex, the cost involved and the level of desired protection. Some condos

and industrial parks prohibit additional locks on doors that may prevent owners from entering a tenant’s home or office in case of an emergency. Some gated communities go the extra mile and hire personnel to regularly patrol the area. Most small businesses have electronic security systems that must be activated and disabled, and which will automati cally alert local first-responders in case of a breach.

Whether you’re a tenant or an owner, make sure the terms, as well as the limi tations, of the security system are spelled out in your lease. Also, make sure that you post window decals and lawn signs alerting potential trespassers of the risk they’d be taking. Again, most property

Whether you’re a tenant or an owner, make sure the terms, as well as the limitations, of the security system are spelled out in your lease.

crimes are crimes of opportunity, so don’t make a criminal’s job any easier by failing to use simple deterrents.

Be alert

Know your neighbors. Know their hours of operation. Pay attention to the vehicles that are regularly parked in the lot. If someone seems out of place, acts lost or is spending an inordinate amount of time on the property without entering a unit or conducting any business, consider contacting the authorities. Always exercise caution when approaching such people to question them, but do be mindful of their presence to determine whether they actually belong on the premises.

In short, safety is everyone’s concern. Regardless of your monetary investment, you can’t put a price on a safe workplace and a secure residence.

Nick Gromicko is the founder of InterNACHI, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. For more info, visit www.nachi.org.

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ACAR CORNER

Issues in the real estate industry

Safety Matters for CRE Professionals

While the most publicized physical attacks on real estate agents have involved residential agents, commercial agents are equally at risk. Additionally, it’s important to remember that not all safety and security risks are external.

Currently, many markets are faced with a high office and industrial vacancy rate. These properties present huge risks to real estate agents because they are typically isolated from populated areas and are often difficult to access. Many of the same safety tips employed by residential agents are also relevant for commercial practitioners, including being cautious with personal information, verifying customer information, announcing showings, scouting locations early and keeping your phone handy. Many office, multifamily and industrial properties have security cameras and security systems, which will not be very helpful if nobody knows you’re there. Finding the criminal after the crime is committed is not as beneficial as thwarting the criminal

before or during the crime by having the appropriate maintenance and risk management processes in place. The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) offers a variety of forms and checklists for both residential and commercial properties to facilitate this purpose, available online at www.irem.org.

Vacant land listings present unique challenges to safety and security because large parcels with woodlands offer obstructions to view of passersby. Vacant land parcels also contain ditches and low spots that present accident hazards. It is not uncommon for farmers to bury tree stumps, pesticides, construction debris, used tractor batteries and other such materials in their properties, which create obvious safety risks.

DREW GAEBELEIN

Prepare in advance by following the advice of Realtors Land Institute’s 2015 President Terri Jensen, who has published a useful article on how to stay safe in rural environments. In her article (available at www.nar.realtor/safety/ruralsafety-tips), Jensen provides a helpful list of items to stay safe, such as:

Driving

Avoid distractions behind the wheel. Use updated maps to steer clear of road closures, and drive a vehicle suited for rough terrain. Keep valuables hidden and car doors locked, and always have car keys easily accessible.

Personal safety

Share appointment details, including client and vehicle info, with a colleague. Keep your phone charged and within reach. Carry mace or hornet spray for defense, and let clients lead in unfamiliar areas like basements. Trust your instincts – leave if something feels wrong.

Weather preparedness

Use a weather alert app and keep coldweather gear, food and water in your vehicle during winter months.

New construction sites for multifamily, self-storage or any other large commercial property present hazards due to the overall size of some proj ects, and obstructions like fencing often prevent full views to the backs of the properties. Personal safety basics like wearing appropriate gear (e.g., hard hats, sturdy shoes) and making sure the prop erty has adequate lighting are easy ways to protect yourself.

Smartphone apps and other safety products enable agents to send alert signals via phone, text, social networks and email to your emergency contacts along with a GPS location; a list of expert resources is available on the NAR website (www.nar.realtor/safety/ resources-for-personal-protection).

Preparing a prospect form, an agent form and an itinerary form, among others, will allow your co-workers and

family members to know where you are, and who you are with. Developing a distress code will likewise allow you to alert others to send help.

Not all risks to real estate agents are external. Commercial property broker-

Many of the same safety tips employed by residential agents are also relevant for commercial practitioners, including being cautious with personal information, verifying customer information, announcing showings, scouting locations early and keeping your phone handy.

age is a high-stress profession, and the threat of heart attack or stroke is ever present; for instance, if an agent goes into cardiac crisis, every moment is crucial. Being able to quickly contact emergency

FOR A SUPERIOR MAKING A WAY TRANSACTION

responders is critical to survival. Adding ICE (In Case of Emergency) entries into your smartphone’s contact list enables any prospect or client to be able to dial directly to someone who can send immediate assistance. Dialing 9-1-1 is not always reliable on a cell phone, as some calls are directed to towers outside of the service area where the casualty occurs.

These tips are simple enough to incorporate into your business right away. The only thing more tragic than a real estate agent being harmed while doing their job is knowing that the harm may well have been prevented with some simple best practices.

This article was reprinted with from the NAR website (www.nar.realtor) and submitted by Drew Gaebelein (Keller Williams Living), who is 2025 president of Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS. For more information, visit www.akronclevelandrealtors.com.

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News about people, products, places & plans

SMPS Northeast Ohio Honors AEC Marketing Leaders

The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Northeast Ohio Chapter recently hosted its Annual Awards Celebration, recognizing standout marketing achievements in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.

Individual honors went to Rachel Rauscher, Hall of Fame Award; Teresa Carlisle, CPSM, Member of the Year; and Grace Rundelli, President’s Award. Firm awards recognized strategic and creative excellence, with Higley Construction earning the Corporate Identity award, Osborn Engineering receiving the Internal Communications award, and DiGeronimo Companies honored for its Promotional Campaign.

The event also acknowledged 2024–2025 Chapter President Jillian Van Wagnen for her leadership and contributions to the chapter. Awards were designed by artist Dave Crider.

With record attendance, the celebration reflected SMPS Northeast Ohio’s mission to connect and advance marketing professionals in the built environment while highlighting the role of strategic marketing in driving the region’s AEC growth.

Hahn Loeser & Parks

Welcomes Associate

Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP recently announced it has added Cesare P. Piermarini as an associate in its Cleveland office, where he will work in the firm’s litigation and construction practice areas.

Piermarini focuses on construction-related legal matters and complex commercial disputes, representing contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and owners in all phases of litigation. Named an Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2025, he advises clients on project delays, defects

and payment issues, and has secured favorable outcomes through both settlements and trial verdicts.

A Northeast Ohio native, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron and his law degree from William & Mary Law School. He is admitted to

practice in Ohio and the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Cosm to Anchor Bedrock’s Rock Block Development in Downtown Cleveland Cosm, Bedrock and Rock Entertainment Group (REG) recently announced that Cosm, an immersive technology and entertainment company, will anchor Bedrock’s mixed-use Rock Block development in downtown Cleveland’s Gateway District. The venue, located at East 4th Street, Prospect Avenue and Huron Road,

Photo courtesy of SMPS Northeast Ohio

SMPS Northeast Ohio Award Winners

Cesare Piermarini

will feature a 30-meterdiameter LED dome and wall-to-wall high-resolution LED displays.

Cosm Cleveland will offer a range of programming, including live sports broadcasts from major leagues like the NFL, NBA and

Premier League; experiential cinema; immersive art experiences; Cirque du Soleil’s production “O;” and live performances. The project is a collaboration between Cosm, Bedrock, REG and architecture firm ROSSETTI. The venue aims to enhance

Cleveland’s reputation as a sports and entertainment hub, complementing nearby Rocket Arena.

Regency Construction Names Marketing Director

Regency Construction Services, of Brook Park, recently announced it has named Hillary Lyon as marketing director. She brings more than 10 years of experience in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, with expertise in brand strategy, pursuit planning and client relations.

Lyon will lead Regency’s marketing and business development efforts, focusing on growth in K-12, higher education, healthcare, civic and

commercial markets. Her background includes work with regional and national firms on CM-at-risk and design-build projects.

Lyon will oversee strategic planning to align the firm’s internal goals with market opportunities and

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Cosm Los Angeles

Hillary Lyon

strengthen partnerships across Northeast Ohio.

AIA Cleveland Announces Details on Design Awards

The Cleveland chapter of American Institute of Architects (AIA Cleveland) recently announced that its 2025 Design Awards will return to Hotel Cleveland on Friday, November 7, celebrating excellence in architecture and design across Northeast Ohio.

This year’s keynote speaker and jury chair will be Brian MacKay-Lyons, FRAIC, (Hon. Int), FAIA, (Hon. Int) FRIBA, founding partner of MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects in Nova Scotia. The firm has received more

than 170 design awards and has been featured in hundreds of publications and exhibitions worldwide.

The Call for Entries opened on August 11, while ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities begin on August 18. More information and event updates are available at aiacleveland.com/designawards.

Air Control Products Partners with Cambridgeport Custom

Air Control Products (ACP) recently announced a new partnership with Cambridgeport Custom, a manufacturer of custom air handling solutions. Effective immediately, Air Control Products is representing Cambridgeport Custom across

its Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo markets.

With over 50 years of experience and 100,000+ square feet of manufacturing capabilities across two Massachusetts facilities, Cambridgeport Custom offers a range of product offerings, including

custom air handling units, curb adapters, isolation rails and economizers.

The partnership expands ACP’s ability to support projects that call for more than a standard solution. Cambridgeport Custom’s systems are promoted as

Cambridgeport Custom staff

Photo courtesy

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News about people, products, places & plans

well-suited for retrofit and replacement projects; designbuild applications; projects with footprint constraints or system complexity; and facilities with strict performance or ventilation requirements.

CEA Relocates Headquarters to Independence

Construction Employers Association (CEA) recently announced that its headquarters has relocated to Independence. The new office is at 5633 Brecksville Rd., Unit A.

CEA says the move to a more modern, accessible space will help the organization better serve its members and support the construction industry across Northeast Ohio.

Phone numbers and email addresses remain the same.

Founded in 1916, CEA represents contractors and trade associations, focusing on quality, integrity and professionalism in Ohio’s construction sector.

Scheeser Buckley Mayfield Expands Engineering Team

Akron-based consulting engineering firm Scheeser Buckley Mayfield (SBM) recently announced it has hired two new engineers.

Electrical engineer Blake Abbott has joined the firm after graduating from Ohio Northern University in May 2025. Abbott previously completed a co-op rotation with SBM, leading to a full-time

position. He currently lives in Canton.

Mechanical engineer Matt Dyson also joined SBM following his May 2025 graduation from The University of Akron. Dyson brings experience from four co-op rotations with proj -

ect management and design consulting firms. He resides in Uniontown.

Matt Dyson

Blake Abbott

As the seasons change, so do the risks to your roof. After a long winter, it’s essential to ensure your roof is in top shape before spring storms roll in. A Spring Roof Inspection can save you from costly repairs and headaches down the road. Call today to schedule your Free Roof Inspection and Discover the Diamond Difference.

Lights On in Spencer

Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative unveils new headquarters

By Dan Holland | Photos by Mark Watt

Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative, a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving 14,000 meters in Ashland, Huron, Lorain, Medina and Wayne counties, unveiled its new 55,000-square-foot headquarters, located at 1 Cooperative Way in Spencer, during an April 11 open house and ribbon-cutting.

The modern facility, which serves as the anchor institution for Spencer Industrial Park along State Route 301, includes a 20,500-square-foot office building connected to a 35,000-squarefoot warehouse/service garage at the rear. An initial phase that added utility infrastructure in the industrial park, including water, electric and stormwater systems, along with construction of a pre-engineered metal storage facility, was completed in 2022.

Lorain-Medina Rural Electric (LMRE), which is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, is owned and controlled by its members. It is one of 24 electric cooperatives across Ohio.

A need to grow

The new facility, built during the second development phase at the site, doubles the size of the former headquarters in Wellington, explains LMRE President/CEO Ed VanHoose.

“We had an old facility in Wellington from 1955,” says VanHoose. “We have expanded some of our different functions over the years, and there wasn’t a lot of room there, and it was very outdated. It would have taken a pretty monumental effort to be able to correct some of those things. Codes have changed over the years, and even some of the ADA requirements, so that we wouldn’t have been able to do some of the things in that building that we wanted to.”

The original site was not suitable for expansion, according to VanHoose.

“At first, we thought we would just demolish the old building and build onsite in Wellington,” he says. “But as we looked at that option, it turns out that there are a lot of underground gas lines in that area. So, it would have been very difficult to do there, as we would not have been able to expand the footprint. And we really needed to be quite a bit larger.”

The current nine-acre site was purchased by the cooperative through its development corporation in 2007, with plans to eventually build an industrial park.

Pleasant Valley Corporation, of Medina, was brought on board as construction manager at risk for the design/build project in 2021, bringing with them the design team of AVID Architects, of Fairlawn (formerly known as MPG Architects). The design was finalized in August 2023, with a groundbreaking in October.

Early design elements

Input was sought from LMRE early on in the design process, explains Todd Dille, project manager for Pleasant Valley Corporation.

“Any time you do a design/build project, you’re going to start off with a lot of input from the end user, which we did, and then it kind of snowballed from there,” says

Photo courtesy of LMRE

Future-Ready Spaces Start Here

Dille. “The AVID team was really able to grow the project along with the input of the LMRE team, and that really started to put the pieces together on the direction we needed to go.”

Initial drawings were for a facility between 40,000 and 50,000 total square feet. “The first couple of drawings had this quite a bit smaller,” explains VanHoose. “I expanded it repeatedly, because, as we started to look at what our needs were, I really wanted to build for the future, and we worked to find ways that we would have the room to do that.

“At the same time we were doing that, we were also going through an organizational structure change – reorganizing from the ground up. We’re part of a federation of cooperatives that I lead, so it’s not just this one, and we were designing and building another headquarters simultaneously at our sister cooperative located a little over an hour away from here.”

A collaborative effort between the design/build team and LMRE kept the project on track.

“We started this in late 2021 with the first items, and then in August 2023 was when we sent out our first bid package,” says Bobby Johnston, partner at AVID Architects. “The great thing about a design/build is that as we were putting our drawings together, we were working with PVC and their vendors, and they were able to work on the budget as it was evolving – and then get that back to Ed

[VanHoose] and his team to make sure we were on pace.”

Adhering to local zoning codes was a key issue early on. “We started with schematic design, and there was a lot of back-and-forth,” adds Jana Call, project manager for AVID. “Pleasant Valley hosted everyone multiple times in their office, so we could have open communication with them, our team and the LMRE team. We began with schematic design, and then we worked on our eleva-

tions and renderings that we took to the local planning and zoning meetings.”

Exteriors

Exteriors of the office building feature split-face CMU, a cast stone façade, brick veneer and metal paneling. The building is topped with a standing-seam metal roof and a flat section consisting of a TPO membrane.

Exterior materials, beginning with the dark reflective stones in flower

beds, create a palette of earthen colors and textures.

“It’s the same stone we’ve used at our other locations,” explains VanHoose. “I like how there’s a darker brick, and then an alternating color scheme all the way up to the color I chose for the standing seam roof. The stone mulch is an element of that. It comes together well and the way that it functions was all pretty important. It was a certain look we were trying to achieve, and I really like it. I would

WAREHOUSE WORKHORSE The service garage includes offices, a lineman training room, locker rooms and a truck wash, with radiant floor heating and mezzanine storage.

OPERATIONS HUB The new facility’s office area houses conference rooms, storage spaces, a command center and an IT/server room, ensuring critical operations are centrally coordinated.

describe it as ‘modern utility,’ and I think we achieved that.”

The exterior finishes were also chosen to blend with the surrounding rural community.

“One of the design elements that stood out most was the unique split-face CMU and brick veneer banding matched with a traditional standing seam roof,” says Joe Tramonte, president of construction for Pleasant Valley Corporation. “The rural area encompassing several old farms and barns was reflected in the use of the facility building components and paid tribute to the history of the region.”

Warehouse exteriors consist of CMU along the lower level, with metal panels extending up to the roofline.

An illuminated 56-space asphalt parking lot sits at the front of the facility, with 208 total parking spots on site. A drive-up window, manned by member service representatives, is positioned at the front of the building, as well as a dropbox.

Construction of a new on-site substation is currently underway that will eventually power the new headquarters and industrial park. A number of EV charging stations are strategically placed around the facility.

Interior layout

Entering through the front covered porch into the main vestibule, visitors will pass into the main lobby. To the right, in the north half of the office building, are a number of corridors leading to various office spaces, conference rooms, restrooms, storage spaces, a command center, IT/server room and flex space. The area also contains one tenant, LORCO – Lorain County Rural Wastewater District – that occupies its own offices and conference room.

The south half of the building contains offices, an employee breakroom, fitness room, communications office, A/V room, restrooms, storage and the member services representative department.

A unique component to the facility is a 5,800-square-foot community room, which features 14-foot-high ceilings and an attached warming kitchen. Anchoring the south end of the office building, the

hall features powered tables, large wall monitors and an advanced audio-visual system. The space, which is available for rent and can accommodate up to 250 persons, has an exterior entrance and access to restrooms. The hall is secured from the rest of the building during private events.

“Cooperatives are typically very integral to their communities, as we are owned by the communities,” explains VanHoose. “So, in working with the board, I wanted to make sure that we provided an area that this community needed to hold events. Providing members the benefit of a meeting space, which is publicly available but secured, provides a huge benefit to the community and membership.”

A three-hour CMU fire wall runs between the office building and the pre-engineered metal warehouse/service garage building.

The warehouse contains various offices, a locker room, rubber equipment room, restrooms, a lineman training room and work area, plus maintenance offices. A mezzanine area provides additional storage space and a main utility room.

The final bay in the warehouse building houses a truck wash for the fleet, which can vary between 15 and 25 total vehicles.

Interior design considerations

Much of the interior layout and flow, along with the color design palette, mimics features found in the previous headquarters. “We had to take into consideration factors such as safety, workflow and accessibility,” explains Call. “So, for the office portion of the building, we needed to make sure there were large enough conference rooms

THOMAS BRICK COMPANY

STAFF SUPPORT Dedicated offices for administrative and operational teams, designed with interior glass and natural light, promote collaboration while maintaining privacy.

to accommodate the programming. It includes dedicated offices with room for everyone, storage rooms and all the specific electrical requirements that guarantee their workflow. There were finishes that carried through from the previous facilities, including the carpet finish, paint colors and interior glass for the offices.”

VanHoose visited numerous electrical cooperatives to garner ideas for the interior design scheme. “I picked these colors and this design long ago, and I visited probably 20 other co-ops and looked at what elements they had and figured out what I thought would work for us,” he says, noting that this is the third co-op facility project for which he’s overseen construction.

Access to natural light was an important element of the design, he adds.

“The goal was that, even if you’re in the interior, you’re going to see natural light because of the amount of windows and glass everywhere,” says VanHoose. “We wanted to do that without putting it in the roof, which is notorious for leaking at some point. By going through the sides, it accomplishes the same thing and works very well.”

Building systems

The new facility includes substantial backup generator power in the event of an outage. “We’re a utility, so when the power goes out, our facility cannot be down, because if we’re down, then we

BROUGHT TOGETHER A 5,800-squarefoot community room with high ceilings, AV tech and a warming kitchen can host up to 250 people, providing a secure, rentable event space for the public.

can’t get other people’s power on,” explains VanHoose.

The office building is constructed of metal stud framing with a wood truss roof, while the warehouse building is a pre-engineered metal building system (PEMB).

The building features an all-electric powered HVAC delivery system consisting of individualized VRF (variable refrigerant flow) cassettes in each office zone assigned to an indoor fan-coil unit tied into outside heat pump systems through a network of refrigerant piping.

“There is a DOAS [dedicated outside air system], which is included to meet ventilation requirements,” says Call. “That serves the office spaces and some dedicated office portions of the warehouse. A ducted make-up air system serves the community hall that is designed to start and stop in conjunction with occupancy, and that is connected to the building automation system.”

The warehouse area is served by radiant floor heat loops, supplemented by space heaters and fans.

Flooring in office spaces consists mainly of LVT and carpet tile, while the warehouse and related offices feature sealed concrete and epoxy flooring. The building features all-LED lighting with room-occupancy sensors. Exterior windows are all Low-E glass.

Challenges

Early in the project, a stone ring road was built around the perimeter of the property to ease access to the site during winter and spring months, according to Tramonte.

“The sheer amount of day-to-day construction traffic in and around the work site made for some less-than-ideal site conditions as the foundations and structural elements began in the early fall through winter,” explains Tramonte. “[The stone road] helped to relieve some of the project stress and keep the progress moving forward.”

Lead times on specialty items and some uncertainty during the project could

be attributed to lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There was a ripple effect from COVID that increased lead times for certain materials,” says Dille. “With the size of some of the electrical gear required for this facility, that took some engineering and fabrication by our partners to get all that in. But overall, we were able to bring most of the components in without much lag or lead time.

“It really took a group effort to make this what it needed to be – to not just serve our needs now, but into the future. We wanted to make sure that we had that capability, and I think we achieved that.”

Ed VanHoose LMRE

It really just had us playing a little bit of a shell game with the weather.”

Green elements

Although LEED certification was not sought on the project, energy efficiency was a key element in the design process.

“We have an initiative called Beneficial Electrification through the cooperatives, and this was designed with that in mind,” explains VanHoose. “We look at ways that we use electricity in smart ways to be able to make more

efficient choices. It’s not a certification program; it’s more of a common-sense program. And it is something that the co-ops are very much involved in. It’s been initiated nationally.”

Team effort

In the end, all parties involved pulled together to deliver a beneficial community asset. “Pleasant Valley Corporation is extremely thankful to have been awarded this opportunity to work with LMRE on such a monumental project,” Tramonte says. “Ed [VanHoose] and his team have been wonderful to work with, and it truly has been a pleasure. This project is not only the new home of LMRE, but it is also a critical part of LMRE’s future infrastructure and such an important piece to the local village and community.”

“It really took a group effort to make this what it needed to be – to not just serve our needs now, but into the future,” says Van Hoose. “We wanted to make sure that we had that capability, and I think we achieved that. We all sat together with a large screen, put the drawings up and went through it. We had people from my team there, along with PVC and AVID, and by doing that, I think we came up with a very good plan on how all of this would work. I wanted to be sure that this would serve our purposes, and it did. They all listened, and we got a very good product out of it.”

Trends in Technology

Smart Tech, Smarter Threats

How AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape for AEC organizations

By Fred Franks FIT Technologies

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the cybersecurity landscape, changing not only how threat actors attack but also how security teams defend. For architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) organizations – where projects are highly visible and large financial transactions are routine – understanding these shifts is critical to protecting operations and client trust.

Historically, phishing emails were easier to identify due to grammar mistakes, spelling errors and awkward formatting. These clues often revealed fraudulent intent. Now, threat actors are using AI-powered language tools to craft professional, error-free messages that closely mimic authentic internal communications. This makes phishing attempts significantly more convincing and harder to detect.

Beyond email, advances in AI-driven voice and video technology have introduced new risks. Attackers can use voicemail recordings or public video content to create deepfake audio or video clips that replicate someone’s voice or likeness. This capability can be used to authorize fraudulent wire transfers or other sensitive actions. In an industry where finance teams and project managers handle significant sums in transactions, the risk of impersonation through AI deepfakes is becoming increasingly real.

AI is also automating the discovery of vulnerabilities within networks. Rather than manually scanning for weaknesses, attackers can use AI to methodically and efficiently identify and prioritize gaps. As with any tool that improves efficiency, AI allows threat actors to scale up operations, launch more targeted attacks and extract larger financial returns – all with greater speed.

Using AI for defense

While AI has allowed attackers to improve their tactics, it is also enhancing the capabilities of cybersecurity professionals to defend organizations more effectively.

Key applications of AI in cybersecurity include:

Email security

AI analyzes not only message content but also sender reputation, domain spoofing and behavioral anomalies, detecting sophisticated phishing attacks traditional filters might miss.

Identity protection

AI evaluates login locations, device types and user behavior patterns to

While AI has allowed attackers to improve their tactics, it is also enhancing the capabilities of cybersecurity professionals to defend organizations more effectively.

quickly flag suspicious or compromised credentials before they can be exploited.

Endpoint security

AI monitors devices for abnormal application behaviors or processes, identifying malware or ransomware threats early to enable rapid containment.

Data security

AI identifies unusual access patterns, large downloads, deletions or other unexpected large data transfers that could indicate a breach.

By implementing AI across these areas, security teams can identify and resolve risks more quickly, thereby strengthen-

ing overall organizational defense against evolving threats.

Considerations for AEC leaders

One strategic action AEC leaders can take now is to review how they approve large and medium financial transactions. AI-powered impersonation makes it easier for attackers to request fund transfers while posing as a trusted internal contact. Strengthening workflows to include identity validation steps, multi-person approvals or secondary communication channels before releasing funds reduces the risk of fraudulent transactions and single points of failure.

Building a culture of vigilance is critical as well. Training employees to recognize suspicious messages, report unusual requests and question unexpected approval demands adds another layer to organizational resilience.

Looking ahead

AI will continue to change the cybersecurity landscape in the coming years, driving both attacker capabilities and defensive strategies forward. For AEC organizations, staying aware of these shifts and adapting processes and technologies is imperative. Partnering with a qualified managed services provider (MSP) can also provide additional guidance and support. This approach helps protect projects, reputations and financial health in an increasingly digital and interconnected environment.

Fred Franks is chief strategy officer with FIT Technologies. For more information, email info@ FITtechnologies.com, call 216.583.5000 or visit www.FITtechnologies.com.

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Hasta la Vista, Baby

Acouple of years ago, in this very column, I wrote an article on a new-fangled phenomenon known as ChatGPT. At the time, not many people had heard of it and even fewer were using it. That article discussed how it worked, along with potential uses, all while using the 1984 hit movie “The Terminator” as a backdrop. A lot has certainly changed since that issue was published and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the commercial real estate industry at an accelerating pace. From predictive analytics and virtual property tours to lease automation and intelligent financial modeling, AI is now embedded in every phase of the sector.

This month, I’m going to provide an update and it should be no surprise that I’m again going into the wayback machine, specifically to 1991, and this time dusting off the hit sequel “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” as my new backdrop. To see how the original Terminator 800 compares to the more modern Terminator 1000, read on!

While ChatGPT is generally recognized as the catalyst for the current AI explosion, a whole host of new services have burst on the scene, with a dizzying amount of applications. In an attempt to narrow the field, I’m going to focus on

four key areas in commercial real estate – general applications; property management; financial modeling; and photo and video generation.

General applications

AI is improving the way CRE professionals approach market analysis, site selection and deal sourcing. One of the most powerful uses of AI in this space is predictive analytics. Machine-learning algorithms will use historical data, such as transaction history, rental rates, demographics and market statistics, to identify market trends and forecast

ALEC J. PACELLA

What I C @ PVC

STAYING STRONG A 98,000-square-foot, singletenant industrial warehouse traded last month for $8.25 million or $84 psf. The property, located at 545 Mondial Parkway in Streetsboro, was sold by Ares Management Corp and bought by Sealy & Co. at a reported 6.95% cap rate. –AP

future property values or demand in specific regions. For example, established platforms like Reonomy, Cherre and Skyline are using massive datasets combined with machine learning to uncover property insights that otherwise would be very difficult to see. AI models can help to predict potential off-market deals, flag undervalued assets and even recommend investment opportunities based on investor and risk profiles.

Natural language processing (NLP) is also becoming more prominent, helping CRE firms extract insights from large amounts of unstructured data like leases, appraisals, emails and zoning documents. AI chatbots, powered by large language models (LLMs), are now assisting with client interactions and automating customer service tasks on brokerage websites. Just like the original Terminator, called a T-800, ChatGTP is still a capable and formidable platform. And just like the advent of the advanced Terminator, called a T-1000, the field is now a lot more crowded with competing, more polished offerings such as Microsoft’s Co-Pilot, Claude, Google’s Gemini, Meta’s Llama and xAI’s Grok.

Property management

One of the things that distinguished the T-1000 from the T-800 was its ability to do superhuman things. From running at highway speeds to having the strength of 1,000 men, the T-1000 did everything better, faster and stronger despite being smaller and more slender. Similarly, AI is having a major impact on property management, particularly through automation and optimization. Smart building technologies, which integrate AI with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, enable real-time monitoring and control of HVAC systems, lighting, energy usage

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and security. For instance, AI algorithms can analyze historical utility consumption and incorporate weather forecasts to optimize energy usage, reducing costs and carbon footprints. Companies like BrainBox AI and GridPoint are using AI to automate energy systems in commercial buildings, significantly improving operational efficiency.

Maintenance is another area benefiting from AI. Predictive maintenance models use past performance and maintenance history to model equipment performance and anticipate failures before they occur. This reduces unplanned downtime and extends the lifespan of critical items, such as elevators, boilers and HVAC units. Tenant experience platforms are also incorporating AI to enhance satisfaction.

Virtual concierges, like those offered by companies such as Lane or Equiem, use AI to manage tenant requests, provide building updates and maintain schedules.

Financial modeling & investment analysis

While the T-800 was capable of reasoning, the T-1000 could do it at a higher level. For example, it took the persona of a police officer because it understood that

was a trusted figure. Financial modeling is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Traditionally time-intensive and prone to human error, AI is streamlining and enhancing these processes. Tools powered by generative AI can rapidly pro -

reimbursements. Once identified, these terms are then integrated directly into financial models, increasing both speed and accuracy.

AI-powered underwriting platforms, such as Enodo and Rabbet, automate much of the data entry and validation work required for deal evaluation. They analyze comps, market rents and construction costs, allowing investors and lenders to make faster and more informed decisions. Generative AI is now even capable of adjusting entire financial models based on changes to assumptions, such as inflation rates or occupancy levels, and can explain the financial implications in plain language – offering an unprecedented level of transparency and interpretability.

duce pro formas, discounted cash flow (DCF) analyses and scenario modeling by ingesting raw data and user prompts. This allows the user to think at a much higher level and not get lost in the “analysis paralysis.” For example, startups like Leverton and Datch are using AI to automatically extract key financial terms from leases, such as rent escalations, termination clauses and expense

Photo and video generation

One of the coolest but also most terrifying difference was the T-1000’s ability to morph itself into all sorts of things, including a security guard, a police officer and even part of the floor. Visual presentation is crucial in CRE marketing, and AI is opening new frontiers in photo and video generation. Generative AI models like OpenAI’s DALL·E, Midjourney and Runway allow users to produce highquality images, virtual renderings and promotional videos, all without ever leaving their desk. AI can now generate photo-realistic property images from architectural drawings or sketches. This is especially useful for projects in early development stages, where physical photos are not yet available. Interior renderings, landscaping simulations and even animated fly-throughs can be created in hours, not weeks and changed in minutes, not hours. AI-based video tools such as Synthesia or Pictory allow owners and agents to create narrated property walkthroughs using virtual avatars or voiceovers. These videos can be personalized for different audiences, localized for different markets and updated dynamically as project details change. Moreover, image enhancement tools powered by AI can improve existing photos by adjusting lighting, removing clutter or even staging interiors

– giving agents and developers a powerful edge in digital marketing campaigns.

Although the T-1000 was smarter, faster, stronger and more cunning than the T-800, both ended up meeting their demise at the hands of the humans. Similarly, while there has been a lot of speculation and some trepidation about the future of AI, not only is it here to stay but it will continue to be more integrated into our professional as well as personal lives.

I was at a conference recently and one of the speakers summed it up best. He said that AI probably isn’t going to take your job but the person that knows how to use it just might.

Alec Pacella, CCIM, president at NAI Pleasant Valley, can be reached by phone at 216-4550925 or by email at apacella@naipvc.com. You can connect with him at www.linkedin.com/in/ alecpacellaccim or subscribe to his youtube channel; What I C at PVC.

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LEGAL PERSPECTIVES

Navigating property laws & regulations

Legal Considerations with AI-Driven Design

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a powerful tool in construction – from design to estimating to scheduling and beyond. But with its benefits come legal risks.

As AI becomes more common in design workflows and digital modeling tools, many legal considerations are often overlooked. The legal landscape is evolving quickly to keep pace with its growing use across the industry. Companies must adapt as well, ensuring that their contracts and company policies adequately address questions of ownership, liability and data protection.

With these challenges in mind, it’s critical to understand the key legal issues around AI-driven design – including ownership rights, liability concerns and data protection – and how to address them proactively.

Who owns it, anyways?

The use of AI on the design side of construction raises several significant intellectual property (IP) questions.

Without clearly defined terms in welldrafted contracts at the outset, this can lead to lengthy – and costly – litigation.

But who owns the rights to AI-generated designs? This question often involves competing interests among the design firm, the construction firm, AI developers and project owners. Under current U.S. law, AI-generated works are not eligible for copyright protection, as AI itself cannot hold a copyright. However, many advanced AI tools are proprietary, and their use is governed by agreements that often include restrictive licenses that limit reuse and distribution.

What if there is significant human input following the original AI-generated design? If an AI-generated work is the result of significant human input and creativity, the human contributor(s) may be considered the copyright holder. However,

SUSAN M. WHITE, ESQ.

if the AI’s contribution is substantial and the human input is minimal, determining copyright ownership becomes more complex and uncertain.

Contracts – both upstream and downstream – should explicitly define ownership and permissible usage rights for AI-generated outputs to prevent disputes over IP rights, reuse and ownership.

Who’s responsible for it?

If AI is used to generate designs (e.g., generative design or BIM modeling), and those designs later result in a construction defect, the question of liability is uncertain. There’s also the question of who’s responsible for ensuring regula-

If AI is used to generate design... and those designs later result in a construction defect, the question of liability is uncertain. There’s also the question of who’s responsible for ensuring regulatory and building code compliance when using AI-assisted design tools.

tory and building code compliance when using AI-assisted design tools.

Traditionally, liability for design errors lies with the licensed design professional –typically the architect or engineer of record – but when AI is responsible for producing key design elements or system layouts, assigning fault is no longer straightforward. Courts are unlikely to hold AI vendors responsible under current law. Most jurisdictions, including under Ohio law, still require licensed professionals to review and seal design documents, regardless of the tools used. If the design was approved without proper review, the licensed professional may remain liable, even if AI generated the error.

Contracts must reflect this reality and allocate risk accordingly to avoid getting dragged into protracted disputes.

• Legal agreements should clearly define responsibilities and establish

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dispute-resolution mechanisms for defects.

• Contracts should ensure that design professionals remain the responsible party for stamping and submitting code-compliant plans.

• Additional contract considerations include provisions reiterating that if contractors or consultants choose to use AI tools that they are doing so at their own risk and must validate any design suggestions before implementation; and indemnity provisions that allocate risk back to that party for errors arising from unverified AI use.

Risks beyond ownership

There are also risks that go beyond ownership. If a third-party owned AI platform is trained using a company’s proprietary data (e.g. estimating models, pricing formulas, generative designs, construction methods), the resulting outputs could inadvertently expose that company’s sensitive information to competitors. This could also result in the loss of trade secret protection.

Depending on the terms of the agreement, the company could have little to

no recourse. Many AI software providers include broad license terms – such as “we may use your data to improve our services” – that may allow the provider to use your proprietary data to train models that ultimately benefit other users or competitors.

AI has the potential to reshape the construction industry, but its legal framework has yet to fully keep pace. Until laws and regulations evolve, companies must rely on well-drafted contracts, clear risk allocation and disciplined oversight to manage liability, IP rights and confidentiality concerns.

To mitigate these risks, companies should negotiate software licensing agreements that explicitly prohibit vendors from using proprietary data to train models for other customers. These agreements should also require strict data segregation between clients.

Another important point about confidentiality: publicly available AI platforms (i.e., ChatGPT) are just that – public.

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Experts in:

n Turnkey solutions, design/build & value engineering

n Service, installation & maintenance of all makes/models of HVAC equipment & boilers

n New, renovation, remodeling & restoration

n Public & private

Providing reliable, personal service to owners of retail centers, apartments, retirement housing & more

Data uploaded or inserted into the platform is not private or protected, and may be viewed, stored or learned from by the provider or others.

Firms can further protect themselves by limiting the input of sensitive data into AI models, requiring human oversight of AI-generated outputs, and incorporating clear IP ownership and confidentiality provisions into all contracts.

AI usage beyond design

Similar liability and confidentiality questions arise with the use of AI-driven systems for other project tasks, such as cost estimation, schedule optimization and risk assessment. While these tools offer significant advantages, they also introduce similar legal issues. If an AI platform provides inaccurate data or makes a faulty recommendation that leads to a project delay or safety incident, assigning responsibility and liability can be complicated.

As with design tools, contracts must:

• Clearly define how AI outputs will be reviewed and approved,

• Specify who is responsible for acting on those outputs, and

• Establish boundaries for acceptable use

At the end of the day, AI should assist – not replace – professional judgment.

Final thoughts

AI has the potential to reshape the construction industry, but its legal framework has yet to fully keep pace. Until laws and regulations evolve, companies must rely on well-drafted contracts, clear risk allocation and disciplined oversight to manage liability, IP rights and confidentiality concerns.

This overview covers only a fraction of the legal considerations that should be addressed as AI tools become deeply integrated into construction projects.

Susan M. White, Esq. is a partner at Frantz Ward LLP. Her practice focuses on both transactional and litigation matters within the construction industry.

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS REPORT

Updated info on important projects in the region, provided courtesy of ConstructionWire (www.constructionwire.com)

Project: #3790757

32870 PIN OAK PARKWAY CORPORATE OFFICE

PROJECT TYPE/SIZE: Office (8,535 sq-ft)

CONSTRUCTION TYPE: New

ESTIMATED VALUE: $1-$5 million

SECTOR: Private

LOCATION: 32870 Pin Oak Pkwy. Avon Lake, OH 44012

DETAILS: Plans call for the construction of a 8,535-square-foot corporate office building. Estimated Schedule (as of 6/25/2025)

STAGE: Planning

CONSTRUCTION END: N/A

BID DUE DATE: N/A

PROJECT MANAGER: Contractors Design Engineering

Contact: Hannah Carter, Project Manager hannah@contractorsdesigneng.com

1623 Old State Rd. N. Norwalk, OH 44587

P: 419-663-0885, x605

DEVELOPER, TENANT: HealthSource Chiropractic

Contact: Chris Tomshack, Founder/CEO ctomshack@healthsourcechiro.com

6901 American Way, Ste. 7 Avon, OH 44011

P: 440-937-8087

DEVELOPER, TENANT: Apex Longevity LLC 1160 Dublin Rd., Ste. 400 Columbus, OH 43215

Project: #3796296

CLEVELAND CLINIC AVON HOSPITAL EXPANSION

PROJECT TYPE/SIZE: Medical

CONSTRUCTION TYPE: Addition/Expansion

ESTIMATED VALUE: $340 million

SECTOR: Private

LOCATION: 33300 Cleveland Clinic Blvd. Avon, OH 44011

DETAILS: Plans call for the expansion of an existing hospital facility with the addition of an inpatient bed tower that will house patient beds, new operating rooms, a larger emergency department, and lab and imaging space. Plans also call for an addition to the family health center to house 90 additional exam rooms and expanded cancer services, including radiation oncology.

Estimated Schedule (as of 7/9/2025)

STAGE: Starts in 4-12 months

CONSTRUCTION START: 4/2026

CONSTRUCTION END: Q4/2028

BID DUE DATE: N/A

OWNER: The Cleveland Clinic 33100 Cleveland Clinic Blvd. Avon, OH 44011

Richard E. Jacobs Health Center P: 440-695-4000

Project: #3438235

WARNER & SWASEY MULTIFAMILY REDEVELOPMENT

PROJECT TYPE/SIZE: Multifamily (140 units), Retail/ Office (< 10,000 sq-ft), Social (< 10,000 sq-ft)

CONSTRUCTION TYPE: Renovation, Backfill

ESTIMATED VALUE: $5-$25 million

SECTOR: Private, Public

LOCATION: 5701 Carnegie Ave. Cleveland, OH 44103

DETAILS: Plans call for the repurpose/conversion of an existing building into a mixeduse development built in phases. The first phase will include 56 units of senior housing and ground-floor commercial space and amenity space for residents. Phase two is for 56 units of family housing on the fourth and fifth floors. The third phase is a proposed 28 units of market-rate housing. There will be 128 parking spaces.

Estimated Schedule (as of 6/18/2025)

STAGE: Planning

CONSTRUCTION END: N/A

BID DUE DATE: N/A

ARCHITECT: Moody-Nolan, Inc.

300 Spruce St., Ste. 300 Columbus, OH 43215

P: 614-461-4664

DEVELOPER, PROPERTY MANAGER: Pennrose

Contact: Jonah Fay, Developer

jfay@pennrose.com 1301 N. 31st St. Philadelphia, PA 19121

P: 267-386-8600

LAKEFRONT HOTEL

Project: #3144595

PROJECT TYPE/SIZE: Hotels (50-100 rooms), Retail/ Restaurants (< 10,000 sq-ft)

CONSTRUCTION TYPE: New

ESTIMATED VALUE: $25 million

SECTOR: Private

LOCATION: Along the lakefront on the site of Lakefront Park

Conneaut, OH 44030

DETAILS: Plans call for the construction of a new boutique hotel along Lake Erie. The

hotel may induce a restaurant and additional amenities.

Estimated Schedule (as of 6/25/2025)

STAGE: Planning

CONSTRUCTION END: N/A

BID DUE DATE: N/A

OWNER: City Of Conneaut

Contact: James Hockaday, City Manager

294 Main St. Conneaut, OH 44030

P: 440-593-7401

NEW HIGH SCHOOL

Project: #3175503

PROJECT TYPE/SIZE: Athletic Facilities (< 10,000 sq-ft), Schools (K-12) (50,000-99,999 sq-ft)

CONSTRUCTION TYPE: New

ESTIMATED VALUE: $81 million

SECTOR: Public

LOCATION: 34600 Bainbridge Rd. North Ridgeville, OH 44039

DETAILS: Plans call for the construction of a new high school.

Estimated Schedule (as of 6/24/2025)

STAGE: Starts in 1-3 months

CONSTRUCTION START: 8/2025

CONSTRUCTION END: Q3/2028

BID DUE DATE: N/A

OWNER: North Ridgeville City Schools

Contact: Seth Perry, Maintenance Supervisor sethperry@nrcs.net

34620 Bainbridge Rd. North Ridgeville, OH 44039

P: 440-327-4444

ARCHITECT: ThenDesign (TDA Architecture)

4230 River St. Willoughby, OH 44094

P: 440-269-2266

GC: Hammond Construction

1550 Corporate Woods Pkwy. Uniontown, OH 44685

P: 330-455-7039

HILLSONG - TOWNHOMES

Columbus, OH 43235

P: 614-636-4836

BUILDER: NVR, Inc.

6770 W. Snowville Rd. 100 Brecksville, OH 44141

Ohio Office

P: 440-584-4200

Project: #3788772

SHOREHAUS LOFTS - RENOVATIONS

PROJECT TYPE/SIZE: Multifamily (58 units), Athletic Facilities (< 10,000 sq-ft), Social

ESTIMATED VALUE: $2 million

SECTOR: Private

LOCATION: 425 W. Lakeside Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113

DETAILS: Plans call for the renovations of the existing 58-unit Shorehaus Lofts which will include modernizing units and adding amenities, such as a fitness center, a business center and a coffee bar. Rent for the finished units will start at $1,300 for one-bedroom apartments and range up to $1,600 for two-bedroom units.

Project: #3762578

PROJECT TYPE/SIZE: Multifamily (45 units)

CONSTRUCTION TYPE: New

ESTIMATED VALUE: $3 million

SECTOR: Private

LOCATION: East of Stonebrooke Ln. and Montville Dr. Medina, OH 44256

DETAILS: Plans call for the construction of 45 townhome units.

Estimated Schedule (as of 6/17/2025)

STAGE: Starts in 1-3 months

CONSTRUCTION START: 9/2025

CONSTRUCTION END: Q4/2026

BID DUE DATE: N/A

DEVELOPER: Valore Builders

23550 Center Ridge Rd. Westlake, OH 44145-3655

P: 440-331-1900

ENGINEER: Suhail Group

100 E. Campus View Blvd., Ste. 250

FACADE RESTORATION

BALCONY RESTORATION

BUILDING CLEANING

CAULKING & SEALANTS

COATING SYSTEMS

GARAGE RESTORATION

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

MASONRY RESTORATION

STONE RESTORATION

WATERPROOFING

www.aiconstruction.com

CONSTRUCTION END: Q1/2027

BID DUE DATE: N/A

OWNER: Grey Fox Capital

6161 Oak Tree Blvd., 250 Independence, OH 44131

ARCHITECT: Dimit Architects

14725 Detroit Ave., 210 Lakewood, OH 44107

Ohio Office P: 216-221-9021

THE HEIGHTS

Project: #3798120

PROJECT TYPE/SIZE: Multifamily (160 units)

CONSTRUCTION TYPE: New

ESTIMATED VALUE: $16 million

SECTOR: Private

LOCATION: 40 N. Martha Ave. Akron, OH 44305

DETAILS: Plans call for the construction of 160 affordable multifamily units. There will be one-, two- and three-bedroom options.

Estimated Schedule (as of 7/11/2025)

STAGE: Planning

CONSTRUCTION END: N/A

BID DUE DATE: N/A

ARCHITECT: Dimit Architects

14725 Detroit Ave., 210 Lakewood, OH 44107

Cleveland Chemical Pest Control

•

Ohio Office P: 216-221-9021

GC: Pride One Construction

2211 Medina Rd., 100 Medina, OH 44256 P: 330-239-6100

OWNER: IRG Realty Advisors

4020 Kinross Lakes Pkwy. Richfield, OH 44286 P: 330-659-4060

Project: #3795167

SILVER BIRCH ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

PROJECT TYPE/SIZE: Multifamily (120 units), Medical

CONSTRUCTION TYPE: New ESTIMATED VALUE: $17 million

SECTOR: Private

LOCATION: 432 E. Bath Rd. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223

DETAILS: Plans call for the demolition of existing structures on 7.4 acres and the construction of a three-story, threewing, 120-unit assisted living facility.

Estimated Schedule (as of 7/7/2025)

STAGE: Starts in 4-12 months

CONSTRUCTION START: 12/2025

CONSTRUCTION END: Q4/2027

BID DUE DATE: N/A

DEVELOPER: Vermilion Development

Contact: Darrin Jolas, Managing Director darrin.jolas@vermiliondevelopment.com 121 W. Wacker Dr., Ste. 400 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 312-239-3536

Project: #3799080

SANDSTONE CROSSING HEALTH AND REHABILITATION

PROJECT TYPE/SIZE: Multifamily (98 units), Medical

CONSTRUCTION TYPE: New

ESTIMATED VALUE: $17.2 million

SECTOR: Private

LOCATION: East of Sandstone Pkwy. Elyria, OH 44035

DETAILS: Plans call for the construction of a 98-bed nursing home facility.

Estimated Schedule (as of 7/17/2025)

STAGE: Planning

CONSTRUCTION END: N/A

BID DUE DATE: N/A

Construction project reports are provided with permission through ConstructionWire, courtesy of BuildCentral (www.buildcentral.com). BuildCentral specializes in planned construction project leads and location analytics for CRE, hotel, multi-family/single-family, medical, mining & energy, and retail construction spaces. Properties Magazine makes no warranty of any kind for this information, express or implied, and is not responsible for any omissions or inaccuracies. To notify Properties of any reporting errors, we encourage you to email cpr@propertiesmag.com.

Mike Hicks President