Lisa Larissey llarissey@propertiesmag.com 440.429.6153
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Doug Bardwell, Scott Esterly, Dan Holland, Christopher Johnston, Alec Pacella
MEDIA CONSULTANTS
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Cover photo: MidTown Collaboration Center, by Doug Bardwell
FEATURES
by Howard
Properties
9 Cleveland CRE Summit Draws Industry Voices Panels highlight trends, development and regional opportunities at 11th annual event 10 CLEvolution Takes Flight at Cleveland Hopkins
$1.6 billion first phase to add parking, transit center, RTA station and terminal
12 State Grants Back Energy Upgrades
Ohio Department of Development awards more than $8 million toward efficiency projects
15 Midtown’s Momentum Grows
Collaboration Center connects community through health, arts & entrepreneurship resources
30 Growth and Healing, Inside and Out
Good Nature Therapy Services brings innovative pediatric care to Aurora
47 Combining Community Safety in Copley
$18.5 million facility unites police and fire departments under one roof
54 Special Section: Inside Design
54 The Art Beneath the Shine: Achieving polished concrete success starts long before the first pass of the machine
56 Project Profile: Walter & Haverfield HQ
58 Fabric First: Why soft surfaces in the office deserve a spot in your maintenance schedule
61 Project Profile: Westlake Porter Public Library
62 Project Profile: Kent State University Student Center
63 How Trinity Block Transformed a Town: Integrating adaptive reuse, redevelopment and green building in Lakewood
66 Project Profile: KeyBank Heritage Museum at Key Tower 68 NAIOP News: Capital Project Development for Nonprofits
70 ACAR Corner: Kitchen Trends 2025 – What’s In, What’s Out
72 Vantage Point: It’s Time for Ohio to Regulate Interior Design
DEPARTMENTS
Photo
Doughty
PROPERTIES PEOPLE
1 Erin McGuiness (McGuiness Unlimited, Inc.)
2 Royal Eddie (Cleveland Airport System)
3 Dennis D. Kramer (Cleveland Hopkins International Airport) 4 Rosita Turner (Cleveland Hopkins International Airport)
Cleveland Hopkins Airport Industry Day
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport recently hosted an Industry Day event at Cleveland Hilton Cleveland to share details of its upcoming $1.6 billion facility upgrade. Consultants, contractors and suppliers gathered to hear the latest details on the project, which is scheduled to be completed by 2032. (See full story, pg. 8.)
NAIOP Charities 32nd Annual Golf Tournament
The 32nd Annual NAIOP Charities Golf Tournament was held recently at Fowler’s Mill Golf Club in Chesterland with 120 participants sharing in fundraising for numerous local charities and institutions. Donations will be presented at the NAIOP Annual Meeting in December.
1 Chris Miller (Delaware North), Craig Miller (Duffy+Duffy Cost Segregation) and Dean Ducati (Merrill Lynch/Bank of America)
2 Alex Smith, Cole Sorenson and Alex Russo (Cushman & Wakefield | CRESCO Real Estate)
3 Christina Novotny (Baker & Hostetler), Tammy Greber (RSM US LLP), Harley Dengel (RSM US LLP) and Kristina Fronczek (RSM US LLP)
4 Candace Van Dyke (Engineered Systems) and Robert Vince (CertaPro Painters of Brecksville)
5 Maureen Leech (NAIOP Northern Ohio), Marisa Wood (HSB Architects + Engineers) and Grant Hale (ARC Riot)
6 Shawn Zbasnik (Cleveland Construction, Inc.) and Don Obermeier (CESO)
Higley Construction 100th Anniversary Celebration
Higley Construction recently marked its 100th Anniversary with a celebration at Tenk West Bank in Cleveland. Employees, clients, partners and friends gathered to reflect on a century of building excellence and to celebrate the company’s new brand, unveiled earlier this year. Guests enjoyed music, food and drinks, and a curated timeline of historic memorabilia.
1 Gareth Vaughan (Higley Construction)
2 Robert Korsvik and Tyler Kern (Higley Construction)
3 Kevin Herb, Sr. (Higley Construction), Wes Hansen (Higley Construction, retired) and David Pastir (Higley Construction)
4 Back row: Jimmy Cicero, Rocco Castiglione, Valerie McKenzie, Michelle Traster and Grace Rundelli; front row: Rebecca Wollenhaupt and Shreya Garad (Higley Construction)
5 Gareth Vaughan (Higley Construction)
Photos by Natalie Dawn
Photos by Doug Bardwell
1 11th Annual Cleveland CRE Summit
2 Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne
3 Ryan Bartizal (The Max Collaborative), Samantha Belin (GCI Residential, LLC), Rob Garrison (KeyBank Real Estate Capital), Nick Soeder (Adams Lynch Associates), Rob Starrett (Berkadia) and Aaron Pechota (The NRP Group)
4 Spencer Pisczak (Premier Development Partners, LLC), Kevin Malinowski (Colliers), Scott Skinner (North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation), Christine Nelson (Team NEO), Tom McNair (City of Cleveland) and Ian Jones (AVID Architects)
5 Matt Wilson (Anchor Retail), Craig Miller (Duffy+Duffy Cost Segregation), Tim Breckner (Colliers), Paul DiGiacobbe (ARCO National Construction), Steve Ross (CBRE) and Matt Grashoff (Hahn Loeser Parks)
Cleveland CRE Summit Draws Industry Voices
Panels highlight trends, development and regional opportunities at 11th annual event
By Properties Staff | Photos by Mark Watt
M ore than 110 professionals from across the commercial real estate industry convened at Windows on the River in Cleveland for the 11th Annual Midwest Real Estate News Commercial Real Estate Summit, co-sponsored by Northeast Ohio Properties.
Associates; and Rob Starrett, managing director at Berkadia.
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne opened the event with keynote remarks, setting the tone for a morning of panel discussions addressing key trends and challenges shaping the commercial real estate market.
The summit’s first panel focused on the multifamily sector. Moderated by Samantha Belin, vice president of residential at GCI Residential LLC, the discussion featured Ryan Bartizal, senior managing partner at The Max Collaborative; Rob Garrison, senior vice president and senior mortgage banker with KeyBank Real Estate Capital; Aaron Pechota, executive vice president at The NRP Group; Nick Soeder, president and principal broker of multifamily investments at Adams Lynch
A second session delivered a market sector update focused on the Greater Cleveland and Akron area. Moderated by Matt Grashoff, partner at Hahn Loeser & Parks, the panel included Tim Breckner, senior vice president at Colliers; Paul DiGiacobbe, head of business development with ARCO National Construction – Cleveland; Craig Miller, president and managing partner at Duffy+Duffy Cost Segregation; Steve Ross, first vice president, advisory & transaction services with CBRE; and Matt Wilson, associate broker with Anchor Retail.
The event concluded with a panel examining major development proj-
ects throughout Northeast Ohio. Kevin Malinowski, executive managing director at Colliers, moderated the session, which included Ian Jones, RA, partner at AVID Architects; Tom McNair, director of economic development for the City of Cleveland; Christine Nelson, vice president of project management and site strategies at Team NEO; Spencer Pisczak, president of Premier Development Partners LLC; and Scott Skinner, president and executive director of the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation. Panelists highlighted current and upcoming initiatives, including waterfront development, mixed-use projects and efforts to attract new investment to the region.
CLEvolution Takes Flight at Cleveland Hopkins
$1.6 billion first phase to add parking, transit center, RTA station and terminal
By Doug Bardwell | Rendering provided by Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. When it opened, it was one of the first municipally owned airports in the nation. In the ‘60s, it was the first to offer a direct transit link to the heart of a North American city, and it became the first to feature a two-floor terminal design, separating departures and arrivals. Now, it is Ohio’s busiest airport, serving 10 million passengers annually.
More than 125 departures to 47 nonstop destinations are flown by 11 passenger airlines. In addition, four major cargo-only airlines operate from Hopkins.
To kick off an eight-year, $1.6 billion first phase of upgrades to Cleveland Hopkins Airport, an industry event was held at the Cleveland Hilton on June 3 for consultants, contractors, businesses and suppliers. Called CLEvolution, it combines CLE (the abbreviation for Cleveland Hopkins) and “evolution.”
Megan O’Connell, assistant director of marketing, communications and customer experience at Hopkins, was quick to point out how to pronounce the word, which is “Kleh-vuh-LOO-shun.” CLEvolution will represent the energy, innovation and forward momentum, expressing the look and feel of the project going forward.
Also known as the Terminal Modernization Development Program (TMDP), the meeting provided an opportunity for interested parties to see and hear about the plans already in place for this Phase One “landside upgrade.”
That will include a new surface parking lot, a new RTA Station, a new ground transportation center, new roadways, a new parking garage and a new terminal (referred to as the headhouse) for arrivals and departures.
Phase One is scheduled to be completed by 2032 at the latest, but hopes are for a quicker completion.
Phase Two’s $1.4 billion improvements to the “airside upgrade” will cover concourses, baggage handling, air traffic control and all non-public areas inside and outside, but specifics for this phase will not be determined until after the award of all Phase One
contracts. Work on this phase could extend until 2042.
Implementing the master plan
The airport’s most recent master plan was completed in 2021, and by fall 2023, the airport’s executive team selected the Paslay Group to provide the framework needed to drive the LEED Gold project forward.
The Paslay Group, comprised of former airport executives and city officials, was retained as the owner’s representative. According to their website, the group will “improve the owner’s project bandwidth and assist in strategic planning, implementation and execution of a successful multi-year program.”
According to Paslay Group Executive Program Manager Terry Cassidy, “The first thing I learned about this project was that we were 10 years behind before we even started.”
One of the faults they found with the original master plan was that it would have caused major disruptions for the traveling public, so they re-engineered the phasing to ensure that passengers would not be inconvenienced.
Phasing the work
The current phasing plan initially includes building an additional 1,600car Gold surface lot immediately east of Terminal D, as a lack of parking was the top concern identified by many focus groups. Qualification proposals are due by July 15, 2025. The notice to proceed (NTP) is expected on October 1, with construction set to begin on April 1, 2026, and completion no later than December 31, 2026. A 465-page bid package is available now on OpenGov.com.
As that work progresses, Paslay will focus on selecting project man-
EMBARKING ON UPGRADES Scheduled for completion by 2032, the $1.6 billion first phase of upgrades to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport will include a new surface parking lot, a new RTA Station, a new ground transportation center, new roadways, a new parking garage and a new terminal (referred to as the headhouse) for arrivals and departures.
ager and construction manager services. Procurement activities are set to commence on June 23, 2025, and will conclude by September 30, 2025. The initial contracts will span a two-year period, with multiple options for threeyear extensions.
After the Gold Lot is completed, attention will shift to constructing a new underground RTA station, an “open-air” Ground Transportation Center, new roadways and a new, 6,000car, up to eight-story parking garage above. This will be established in the current Orange lot area, just east of the existing parking garage.
The design of the new headhouse will begin in 2026, featuring new arrival and departure gates, TSA stations and connectors to concourses A, B and C. A new sterile international arrivals corridor to Concourse A will be the final component completed. The old headhouse will then be demolished.
So far, Cleveland Hopkins’ airline partners have committed to covering the first $476 million of the estimated $1.6 billion cost and will actively participate in future decision-making, according to Bryant L. Francis, director of Port Control at Hopkins. It’s expected that the entire cost can be managed without local investment.
Getting involved
The Industry Day event attracted nearly 650 attendees who came to learn about both large and small opportunities for involvement. For anyone interested in viewing various bid opportunities, you need to sign up with OpenGov.com. Then, visit the City of Cleveland website, navigate to the Procurement page, and click “+Subscribe” for “Port Control” information. (Don’t look for “Airport,” as it doesn’t exist.) All bid opportunities will appear on OpenGov.com.
A strict Community Impact Statement mandates the use of 30% Clevelandbased underrepresented companies and 20% resident workforce (including 4% low-income resident workers) to complete the project. (That was further defined as “Cleveland,” not “Greater Cleveland.”) Prime contractors are also expected to establish Mentor Protégé Programs to further encourage underrepresented populations.
State Grants Back Energy Upgrades
Ohio Department of Development awards more than $8 million toward efficiency projects
By Properties Staff
The Ohio Department of Development recently announced nearly $8.5 million in energy efficiency grants as part of the third round of its Advanced Energy Fund program, with five recipients located in Northeast Ohio. The funds will support a range of retrofit and upgrade projects designed to reduce energy consumption and associated costs in schools, commercial buildings and agricultural facilities.
The latest round brings the program’s total investment to $25.5 million across three funding cycles. The grants target energy-saving measures, such as LED lighting upgrades, building automation systems, new windows, chillers and HVAC improvements. To quality, projects must demonstrate at least a 15% reduction in utility energy use.
“When organizations can spend less on their energy bills, they can invest more in what really matters – serving their communities,” says Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “These grants are making it possible for more schools, nonprofits and local businesses to commit to their missions and make an even greater impact on the lives of Ohioans.”
DESIGNED TO PERFORM The Ohio Department of Development’s Advanced Energy Fund grants target energy-saving measures, such as LED lighting upgrades, building automation systems, new windows, chillers and HVAC improvements.
Five Northeast Ohio projects were selected in this latest round.
In Cuyahoga County, ARPC/Caddis Heritage Hall, LLC will receive $711,500 to replace windows, install an energy management system and LED lighting, yielding an estimated annual utility savings of 55%.
Fresh ‘n Crisp Farms, in Summit County, will receive $592,033 for LED lighting, HVAC upgrades and completing no-to-low cost energy efficiency measures. Energy usage is expected to drop by 15.1%.
Grand Valley Local School District, in Ashtabula County, will receive $588,305 for LED lighting upgrades, a building automation system and a chiller. The district anticipates
McMahon Masonry Restoration
annual utility savings of 37.8%. Also in Ashtabula County, Jefferson Area Local School District was awarded $659,314 for similar lighting and automation upgrades, with expected savings of 18.2%
Additionally, in Columbiana, the East Palestine City School District will receive $1,363,533 to upgrade building automation systems, and complete LED lighting retrofits at the elementary school, middle school, high school and board of education buildings. The district projects 72% energy savings – the highest percentage among all thirdround recipients.
Four other projects throughout the state are receiving a combined total of $4,583,027, including the YUSA Corporation (Fayette County), Holzer Health System (Jackson County), the Victoria Theatre Association (Montgomery County) and Paulding Exempted Village Schools (Paulding County). For more information, visit Ohio DOD at development.ohio.gov.
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Midtown’s Momentum Grows Collaboration Center connects community through health, arts & entrepreneurship resources
By Doug Bardwell | Photos by Doug Bardwell & David Joseph
Far from being just another office building along Euclid Avenue, the 98,000-square-foot MidTown Collaboration Center (6579 Euclid Ave., Cleveland) serves as a catalyst for community revitalization. The three-story building, featuring a red terra cotta façade, sits directly across East 66th from the Cleveland Foundation Headquarters, which opened in 2023.
“We didn’t move to Midtown just to build our building,” says Lilian Kuri, CEO of the Cleveland Foundation. “It was a much larger vision to move here and do two things. One was to connect downtown and University Circle. We’re a city with two downtowns. By leveraging the bus, rapid transit and the health tech corridor, we can eventually feel like one connected city. And secondly, was to really change the conversation about the east side neighborhoods, which haven’t received as much investment.”
It was all part of their vision
“Our board decided to move here from downtown when we were able to assemble enough land and show a bigger vision here,” explains Kuri. “Where we are
today, next to Dunham Tavern Museum and their park space – we believe this intersection in this district is the ‘therethere’ that’s been missing.”
Before building the foundation’s headquarters here, it accumulated almost 11 acres, between Euclid and Chester, from the Dunham Tavern to Dave’s Supermarket. The current planning would allow as many as eight buildings, totaling potentially one million square feet.
Kuri explains that they had also envisioned an Innovation District that would attract jobs and opportunities, noting that Cleveland Foundation’s Chief Growth Officer and CFO Rosanne Potter proposed a unique approach.
“Rosanne Potter suggested that we build the building ourselves, partnering
with the right institutions, and to do it in a way that no one has done it in America, taking an innovation building that’s internal and turn it outward,” Kuri says.
“Every tenant here serves the community in any number of unique ways,” explains Potter. “Some help entrepreneurs get jobs. Others provide capital for those wanting to start a business. One provides actual healthcare in this building. There’s education around community health. There also are a beautiful restaurant and brewery to serve the neighborhood with great food and drinks. There are arts for the community and education for students. Every tenant is not only making themselves available, but what they do is directly involved in
Photo by Doug Bardwell
by
serving the community from a health and/or wealth-building aspect.”
In addition, at one time or another, all the non-profit tenants in the building have been recipients of grants from the Cleveland Foundation.
Based on the foundation’s commitment, it has been laser-focused on ensuring that neighborhood residents are aware of the innovation, research and access to capital available to all.
“Jumpstart is really our entrepreneur engine here; it’s our incubator,” states Potter. “They invest capital in very earlystage and startup opportunities. They’re
YOUR ADVANTAGE As Owner’s Representative we ensure your interests come first, every time
very focused on the region and how they can change the demographics of business ownership within Northeast Ohio. And they’ve done a terrific job in that respect. They also provide a lot of business acumen to their entrepreneurs and see them through all stages of growth, not just providing seed capital, but really teaching them, mentoring them, doing pilots on bankability with them to get them through the whole process.”
“And now, Jumpstart serves as our anchor tenant in the MidTown Collaboration Center,” explains Victor Barbalato, Cleveland Foundation’s vice
president of real estate. “They actually manage the building, along with Michael Hood from our office, providing a year-long program of events available to community members.”
Development challenges
Prior to building either the Cleveland Foundation building or the MidTown Collaboration Center, MPC Plating occupied a good portion of this acreage, and the property was rated as one of the dirtiest sites in the country.
There was extensive environmental cleanup needed on these 10-plus acres,
CATALYST FOR COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION The MidTown Collaboration Center, developed by the Cleveland Foundation, is part of a broader mission to revitalize Cleveland’s East Side and bridge downtown with University Circle via transit and innovation corridors.
WOMAN FOUNDED AND OWNED
MANAGEMENT
Photo
Doug Bardwell
EXTERIOR IMPACT The building features an expressive red terra cotta façade using Boston Valley’s TerraClad Rain Screen Panels, symbolizing jazz improvisation and local heritage through non-repeating tile orientations.
which kept the properties dormant for years. No developer could afford to take it on until philanthropic dollars stepped in to de-risk the land. According to Potter, this project is unique nationally. Their foundation was the first to fund a district of this size with catalytic capital. By playing this unique role, the foundation believes that other market-rate developers will now become interested in the area.
Also, duplicating their innovative effort on the headquarters building, the foundation made use of their $3.4 billion endowment. For construction costs above what the New Market Tax Credits would cover, they borrowed from themselves. Instead of going to a commercial lender, they made a mission-related investment in themselves. And now, for the next 30 years, they will make principal and interest payments back to the foundation.
Assembling the project team
As on its headquarters project, Cleveland Foundation relied on Regency Construction Services to act as owner’s representative and issue the RFP for both design and construction services. Three firms competed for each and Vocon was awarded the design work. Turner Construction was selected as construction manager at risk for the project.
“We helped facilitate the construction process between the design team, construction manager at risk and other third
Honored to partner with the Cleveland Foundation on the MidTown Collaboration Center.
A Contractor with a passion for people and community. Defining the Skyline since 1968
TOLEDO | CLEVELAND | COLUMBUS
Photo by Doug Bardwell
party entities to ensure that the Cleveland Foundation was receiving the best value and service for the project possible,” says Nate Ahren, marketing coordinator with Regency Construction Services.
Kuri explains that this project’s success was rooted in thoughtful design – architecture that’s warm, welcoming and community-centered. “Residents said they wanted a space that felt like home, and through deep engagement, the design team delivered exactly that,” she says. “Vocon translated our vision into a place that truly feels like it belongs to the neighborhood.”
“We were very excited to be offered the opportunity to work with Cleveland Foundation again, because we had completed their headquarters together,” says Laura Rees, principal and regional quality officer with Vocon. “We knew that this would be a great team, having worked with Rosanne and Lillian so deeply. Vic Barbalato had a relatively unique role working with us at Vocon at the beginning of the project, and then going to work for the Cleveland Foundation later.”
If we build it – who will come?
Potter recalls talking to different tenants about coming into the building, late
in 2019 and on into 2020. She explains that not only did the tenants have to comprehend the type of district they were trying to build, but each prospective tenant needed board approvals after determining the size space they would need.
Rees and the Vocon team mobilized in late 2021. They were still planning some of the site specifics before moving
“The foundation really likes to design four-sided buildings. Every side is important. That shows how we’re constantly thinking about how we relate to every part of the context that we’re in.”
Victor Barbalato Cleveland Foundation
forward in 2022, when the serious work of design drawings began.
“We began coordinating the tenant designs at the beginning of the core and shell project; as the core and shell design evolved, so did the tenant designs,” says Erica Hillow, Vocon’s senior project manager for all tenant buildouts. The job of fitting this three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle fell to her as when the core
and shell design was reconfigured, tenants had to adjust their plans.
Once plans were far enough along to prove to every tenant’s satisfaction that they could all be accommodated, then Potter set about getting financing and a lease for each of them.
“Vic, and Mandisa in particular, along with the design team spent significant time engaging with the community, which deeply informed the project,” explains Rees. “The creation of both active indoor and outdoor zones was intentional and critical. The design also thoughtfully connects to the Greenway and plans for its future expansion.”
Vocon purposefully designed the first floor to provide every tenant with direct outdoor access, making the building feel open and inviting.
Public-facing spaces like the brewery are positioned along the Greenway, a planned network of landscaped paths running behind and between buildings from East 63rd to East 69th streets.
Barbalato sees the Greenway “as the most important part of the district going forward.”
“It was important to us to not turn the building’s back to the neighborhood,” says Mandisa Gosa, Vocon’s senior proj-
COLORFUL CONNECTION A striking yellow-and-white monumental staircase in the lobby serves as both a functional centerpiece and a gathering space, designed to foster community interaction and visual connectivity between floors.
Photo by David Joseph
We are proud to be part of the team at MidTown Collaboration Center
Precision Engineering worked with Turner Construction Company and Vocon to provide Sitework including Demolition, Grading & Earthwork, and Underground Site Utilities
Professional Engineers & Construction Contractors
ect designer, “but to open itself up to the community, and welcome them in with open arms.”
Even the ACM panels above the door on East 66th Street mimic the curves of someone’s outstretched arms.
“The foundation really likes to design four-sided buildings,” stresses Barbalato. “Every side is important. That shows how we’re constantly thinking about how we relate to every part of the context that we’re in. And inside, we use local artists all throughout the building to really tie the community back in.”
An exquisite, evocative mural was added to the north face of the build-
ing, facing the Greenway. The mural, entitled “More Than Everything,” was created by Hough resident Lamar Abner and Pam Spremulli.
Merritt Chase was another key ingredient in the success of this project, performing landscape design and even creating renderings of each month of the year, showcasing which plants would be in bloom.
Designing for aesthetics while maintaining a budget
“This was a super complex project with projects going on in parallel, which made it not just building out the core
The
and shell, but the coordination with all the tenants to get what they wanted out of the space,” recalls Cleveland Foundation’s Michael Hood, senior manager of placemaking and community development. “It made this something unique, not the type of project that you encounter every day.”
“Turner’s team of Brett Klinger, preconstruction manager; Corey Wingerter, lead project estimator; Laura Baker, MEP project estimator; and Tricia Gardner, project manager worked collaboratively during the core and shell estimating phase as well as early tenant improvement budgeting, making for a seamless
OPEN TO ALL The Innovation Hall offers a versatile common area with conversational seating, kitchenette and private Zoom-capable meeting rooms for use by tenants and community members alike.
Photo by David Joseph
informed on the very best in
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transition to the tenant team,” recalls Amber Massaro, Turner’s Special Projects Division (SPD) manager. “By July of 2023, our group was beginning to do estimates for the tenant buildouts.”
The initial estimates exceeded the budget, giving Massaro the opportunity to engage directly with tenants to explore creative solutions. She came prepared with thoughtful suggestions, helping guide each team through necessary adjustments.
“Everyone understood that some compromises were needed to keep the project on track,” she says. “It became a collaborative effort to balance vision with value.”
The building’s multiple functions and interconnected spaces required extensive collaboration between the team, the city and the fire department to coordinate fire alarm systems, egress routes and safety protocols. Some design adjustments were needed along the way as different elements were finalized, but everything came together successfully in the end.
“Coordination with city officials was absolutely critical,” says Gardner. “With 14 different building permits required, it was essential to involve them early to keep the process moving smoothly.”
Picking an exterior
Probably the biggest decision made early on was selecting terra cotta for
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TENANT + MORE Jumpstart acts as both a major tenant and building manager, helping local startups with capital and mentorship, and running year-round community programming in the building.
Photo by Doug Bardwell
almost the entire exterior. They chose terra cotta for the building envelope to create an elegant exterior that reflects the natural aspects of the design. The innovative panel system uses a single asymmetric tile that gets flipped in different orientations, with no three panels ever repeating vertically or horizontally. As Barbalato explains it, “this creates a rhythmic façade that speaks to the community’s jazz music history through improvisation while maintaining a clear, simple structure.”
Rees adds that “terra cotta relates to the materiality in the world around it and the historical nature of the district, and the widespread use of masonry products in the surrounding buildings.”
The product specified for the project was the TerraClad Rain Screen Panel System from Boston Valley Terra Cotta. The panels are clipped to a supporting rail system, ensuring even spaces above and below each panel.
With an open-gap façade system, they had to carefully consider what was visible behind the façade material, not just the front surface. The entire building features continuous insulation with a black felt facer and black fiberglass supports, ensuring that
only black is visible through the gaps. This attention to every layer of the façade prevents the common problem of unsightly colors showing through open gap systems that many other buildings suffer from.
“We used a composite system with the vapor barrier already applied to the
“This was a super complex project with projects going on in parallel, which made it not just building out the core and shell, but the coordination with all the tenants to get what they wanted out of the space.”
Michael Hood Cleveland Foundation
panels,” says Tricia Gardner, project manager on the core and shell for Turner.
Breaking new (old) ground
Before construction could begin, Turner first demolished the former Stearn Building that previously occupied the site.
“What was nice was that we found a number of bronze plaques commemorating their former employees who were veterans,” recalls Gardner. “We were
able to salvage those and remount them in the new building to preserve that history for the local community.”
While preparing the site, crews were surprised to discover the basement of another former building just south of the Stearn building – possibly an old RTA facility.
“It was a huge building,” relates Gardiner, “going from 66th all the way to 65th.”
Crews spent months installing rammed earth piers to support the foundation. Barbalato recalls other large machines that were there for months, just pounding the ground to compact it.
The building’s skeleton was to be structural steel, but the determination was made early on to go with a SidePlate connection design, giving much more flexibility when it came to exterior design and window placement.
“The use of SidePlate was something that helped save the schedule because it was so fast to install,” adds Rees. “Without it, x-bracing would have been required, and the pattern of openings on the exterior of the building would have been impossible.”
“We were able to use drywall shafts for our elevators because we didn’t need
GATHERING SPACE A flexible, 100-person multipurpose room – suitable for board meetings and large gatherings – is anchored by vibrant murals from artist Bruno Casiano on its north and south walls.
Photo by Doug Bardwell
a CMU shaft,” continues Barbalato, “so it really afforded us a lot of cost savings.”
A steel deck with TPO roofing capped off the flat roof design. Five large rooftop units provide HVAC for the entire building.
Looking around, it is noticeable that there are no pole-mounted electric lines on East 66th Street, which made for another major challenge.
Internally, the electricity is split out for the food and beverage tenants, and then sub-metered for all office tenants.
As space was tight for the food and beverage tenants, that entire space was modeled in 3D before construction started to ensure that everything would fit.
Taking the grand tour
Entering the building from East 66th Street, there’s a large lobby area with a reception desk and featuring a monumental yellow and white grand staircase to the second floor. Around the staircase are multiple seating configurations to foster conversation as people cross through the area.
A pair of 45-degree window walls protrude out onto the sidewalk, enabling visitors to look up and down the length of East 66th Street. Referred to as the “front porch,” the west side of East 66th
Street has a 20-foot-wide sidewalk, with tables and Adirondack chairs along with a double row of trees.
Going up or down the grand staircase, one can’t miss the triptych “Opus 3.20.27,” created by local artist Gina Washington. The three panels represent one prom dress worn by three generations, with luminous butterflies exploring legacy and transformation across time.
A large wayfinding signage system on two walls of the lobby identifies all the tenants and subtenants.
Passing by the sign, people enter the spacious Innovation Hall area. Here, tenants and community groups have access to the common area, featuring
conversation group seating, as well as a host of private meeting and Zoom rooms available through a reservation app. There’s even a good-sized kitchenette available to all.
Larger rooms, including a 100-person multipurpose room that is subdividable, enable even larger meetings for stakeholders and board meetings. Two giant murals by Bruno Casiano grace the north and south feature walls.
Mandisa Gosa collaborated with the Cleveland Foundation and stakeholders to furnish and equip the Innovation Hall area, ensuring that each had the type of space needed for their typical meetings, and thus eliminating the need
TALENT ON DISPLAY Local artists’ work can be found throughout the building. Displayed on the grand staircase, Gina Washington’s “Opus 3.20.27” uses three panels to explore family legacy through a single prom dress passed down across generations.
Photo by Doug Bardwell
DINING + ENTERTAINMENT A vibrant social hub at ground level incorporates Pearl’s Kitchen and Black Frog Brewery (top), supported by a back-of-house area with six fermenters (middle). Nearby is The Sixty6 Lounge, which accommodates live music performances (bottom).
to build conference rooms in each of their tenant areas.
Exploring tenant spaces
Tenant spaces are situated across all three floors, starting with several at ground level:
University Hospitals Diabetes Center
Directly across from the bus stop on the Health Line, the center hosts Diabetes Wellness Retreats and a variety of community health events, promoting education, support and well-being. With a commitment to improving health outcomes, the UH Diabetes Center at MidTown provides a trusted environment for individuals seeking specialized care and wellness programs.
Hyland Software – Suite 100
Where Hyland used to bus students from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to its Westlake campus to learn software development and explore computer careers, the same students will now be able to take classes in this convenient, large classroom.
Assembly for the Arts – Suite 110
Assembly for the Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on advocacy, cultural policy, racial equity, research, marketing and services that support Cleveland’s arts and culture industries with a mission to “expand the pie” and increase equity. The organization is governed by a diverse volunteer board where almost 70% are women and nearly 60% are BIPOC. Assembly operates in partnership with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and Assembly for Action to comprehensively serve the creative sector.
They also sublease to the Cleveland Arts Prize and the Cleveland Art Education Consortium.
Taproom Dining Room
“This space was designed and programmed through community engagement,” explains Hood. “The community said they wanted a place
Photos by Doug Bardwell
PRODUCTION PERK A recording studio allows musicians to receive a free audio and video copy of their performances at The Sixty6 Music Lounge, making pro-grade music production accessible to local artists performing there.
to get a beer, get a bite to eat and see live music. The music venue has been supported by a generous contribution from a donor to provide free music to the community on a regular basis.”
In the northeast corner of the build ing, the exterior walls are clipped at approximately a 45-degree angle, leav ing the exterior portion as a covered patio outside the roll-up glass garage doors. Further seating for overflow events is available on a grassy berm, part of the planned Greenway north of the building.
The Sixty6 Music Lounge and Studio
This area sets the stage for small bands and solo artists to entertain those enjoying a meal and a beer. A “self-service” recording studio allows individual neighborhood talent to come in and record themselves performing. As a benefit to groups who perform in the evenings, upon completion, each is presented with a video of their performance, which they can add to their YouTube collection. Being such an intimate venue, it also allows the audience to chat with the performers as they set up or tear down after their set.
Pearl’s Kitchen
At Pearl’s Kitchen, Chef/Owner Tiwanna Scott-Williams serves
Photo by Doug Bardwell
RISING UP While retail components are largely situated at ground level, upper floors accommodate diverse tenants, such as Cleveland Institute of Art (top), ECDI (middle) and Jumpstart (bottom).
variety of “inspired comfort food” as well as catering events. You may have enjoyed her selections at the Quicken Loan Arena or the Western Reserve Historical Society.
Black Frog Brewery
Black Frog isn’t just a bar; it’s a fullblown brewery where owner Chris Harris serves his own crafted beers along with a wine selection. Behind the bar, six tall fermenters can crank out 330 gallons each.
Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA)
Also located on the first floor is the amazing $13 million Interactive Media Lab (IML) virtual production stage using extended reality (XR) technology, where real people and objects can be filmed against a 36-foot LED back wall and a 26-foot inlaid LED floor with seamless, realistic results, far more sophisticated than old-fashioned green screens.
On the second floor are more tenant spaces, which includes further accommodations for Cleveland Institute of Art:
Cleveland Institute of Art – Suite 210
In addition to the IML downstairs, students will benefit from 3D prototyping labs, recording studios, editing rooms and equipment checkouts for all types of interactive media projects.
The Interactive Media Gallery has a window wall overlooking the grand staircase that can be electronically switched from clear to frosted to display rear-projected images.
With a 99-year lease, CIA considers this a valuable addition to its curriculum, brought to fruition by many of its former alumni.
Jumpstart – Suite 200
Originally a division of the Cleveland Foundation, Jumpstart moved into 17,000 square feet of the second floor. With a distinguished history of grant-making in
Photo by Doug Bardwell
Photo by Doug Bardwell
Photo by David Joseph
READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT The Cleveland Institute of Art’s $13 million Interactive Media Lab (IML) features state-of-the-art, extended reality (XR) technology with a 36-foot LED backdrop and LED floor – transforming virtual production beyond traditional green screens.
the Cleveland area, they played a pivotal role in identifying and securing tenants for MidTown Collaboration Center, and now serve as administrators of the building as well. Before the building even began construction, more than 90% of the space was leased. Only 8,300 square feet remain to be leased, and there are prospects already in line. Jumpstart also has two subtenants, including LISC and the O.H.I.O. Fund.
Lastly are tenant spaces along the building’s third floor:
Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) – Suite 300
health, and cancer center community outreach, among others.
ECDI & Women’s Business Center – Suite 310 Focused on empowering women entrepreneurs to create sustainable busi-
“We see our role as the shepherd of making sure that these properties are developed in a strategic way that will meet the needs of the community, so it can grow, thrive and flourish for all Clevelanders.”
Rosanne Potter Cleveland Foundation
developed in a strategic way that will meet the needs of the community, so it can grow, thrive and flourish for all Clevelanders,” concludes Potter. “We did use New Markets Tax Credits on this job, and we’re proud to say that for this building alone, over 43 new jobs have been created in the building, in addition to about 180 that transferred over to it.
Our next project will probably be a 600-car garage with a solar canopy and an event space with some retail on the first floor, just west of our new parking lot. At that point, we expect that market-rate development can come in to help with the rest of it.”
by
Classes were split over about seven different locations, and Case Western Reserve University purposely put all of them together here, so that they could be in the heart of the community with enough space for students to be educated in the areas that they would affect. Specialties include a Public Health master’s program and coursework focusing on population and community health, research for healthy neighborhoods, environmental
nesses, ECDI and Women’s Business Center provide training, coaching and access to capital. They provide support to small businesses who wish to start up, to stay up and to finally scale up. With five Ohio locations, ECDI is the nation’s number-one microlender.
Meeting + exceeding expectations
“We see our role as the shepherd of making sure that these properties are
“You can feel the difference already,” adds Kuri, “as we strive to create a public realm with Dunham’s park and the Greenway. We also want to build the energy of East 66th Street, which goes north all the way to the Historic League Park.”
Building on that thought, Barbalato provides some empirical evidence: “Leaving our garage yesterday, and pulling onto East 66th, I saw the terrace and it was packed with people swaying to music. It was amazing. It’s everything we hoped for – coming to fruition.”
Photo
David Joseph
Growth and Healing, Inside and Out
Good Nature Therapy Services brings innovative pediatric care to Aurora
By Dan Holland | Photos by Howard Doughty and Mark Watt
BThe business, located at 239 E. Garfield Rd., is the brainchild of owner Rebecca Waud, a pediatric occupational therapist, who wanted to bring a nature-focused pediatric therapy clinic to the area to treat clientele from birth through age 21.
The 2,800-square-foot clinic building, which sits on a 1.74acre lot on the site of a former farmstead, provides a variety of therapy and staff rooms along with more than one acre of landscaped, fenced-in gardens at the rear. Activities such as hiking, climbing, splashing in water and other sensory-rich experiences are designed to promote emotional and physical growth in clients.
Beginnings
Waud, who has worked as an occupational therapist since 2008, had previously leased an outdoor wooded space for a number of years from a preschool located in Solon to conduct outdoor therapy sessions.
“I would come in with my materials, a backpack, pop-up tent, camping toilet and a camping hammock, but I was having to refer out a lot of clients who used mobility devices, like a wheel-
chair or a walker, because they couldn’t access the woods,” Waud explains. “So, I felt guilty in having to refer some of them out, because I thought if they can’t come to me, then where can they go for
nature experiences? And so, that’s what started me on this path.”
Waud began meeting with the design team of The Arcus Group, Inc., of Rocky River, in spring of 2022. North Olmstedbased Fortney & Weygandt, Inc., who served as general contractor on the project, broke ground in mid-May 2024, reaching substantial completion in late November, while the outdoor portion of the project completed this spring.
Meeting local zoning codes
As the property is situated within the city’s historic district, the project required a number of variances. Waud was assisted by Northfield-based Mike Vitt, of Town Center Construction, who acted as a third-party owner’s representative to work with the city.
Photo by Howard Doughty
OUTSIDE IN Outdoor therapy spaces include a cascading water feature (top), planting boxes and gardens (bottom), balance beams, a sand play area and more, designed to promote emotional and physical growth in the clinic’s young clients.
“First, it was finding a piece of land, and then getting it through committees,” Waud explains. “It had to be a commercial property in a city that was willing to work with a fairly unique concept. Local zoning codes required business activities to occur fully inside the building, which wasn’t going to work for us. So, Aurora said they would have to work it through committee. It involved going to meetings and explaining things verbally, and it wasn’t until we had visuals that people got the vision.
“Once we had an overhead plan for the garden, the mock-up from our interior designers, and the drawings of the building, then it moved through committee pretty quickly.”
Exteriors
“Aesthetically, the building was guided by the city’s strict design guidelines as well as the existing architectural vernacular of the surrounding community,” explains Rick Benos, principal for The Arcus Group. “The result is an exterior that harmonizes with its context while providing a distinctive identity for Good Nature Therapy Services.”
The exterior of the one-story, woodframe building features sage-moss colored siding, Marvin Low-E glass windows and fiberglass roof shingles. A covered terrace with a concrete pad and tongue-and-groove cedar ceiling leads to the rear outside area. Rain chains on the corners of the terrace direct runoff from the roof into the garden.
“I originally wanted it to be more of a cabin look with exposed wood, but being in the historic district, we thought it better to go toward the more traditional white columns and a clean look,” Waud says.
Aristotle Design Group designed the one-acre garden space behind the building. Standout features include the gathering terrace, accessible asphalt paths, an accessible picnic area, cascading water feature, earthen play mounds, a sand play area, quiet garden, play lawn, sensory garden, raised planting boxes, a mud kitchen and balance beams.
All elements in the outdoor space were designed to fall within the sensory categories of touch, sound and sight –but no taste – says Waud.
“The outdoor spaces were a critical component of the project, as the site was transformed from a barren lot into a natural oasis that supports outdoor therapy and recreation,” explains Benos.
“A key design element was the creation of a safe and generous outdoor therapy area, made possible by strategic site planning and zoning variances that allowed the building to be positioned forward on the site. This design move created an expansive, secure rear yard buffered from the roadway – an essential feature for the therapy programs.”
A detention pond is located at the rear of the outdoor space. An operable gate through the wooden fence opens to a wooded area behind the property to a set of stairs. The city has plans to convert a former rail line that runs behind
the property to a paved bike path as part of a “rails-to-trails” program, according to Waud.
Interior layout
Entering the clinic building from the 16-space parking lot along Garfield Road, a covered front porch leads into the main vestibule, where visitors will encounter a reception area and an expansive waiting room area with built-in padded wooden bench seating and a variety of moveable furniture. Three interior wood-frame “trees” adorn the waiting area, in addition to sound dampening “clouds” on the ceiling made of painted foam acoustic sound panels. The clouds are repeated on numerous room ceilings throughout.
“We installed the clouds to use some natural elements,” says Waud. “We were having a lot of trouble with sounds, and as many of our clients are auditory-sensitive, that has been key in controlling the sound. We had origi-
Photos by Mark Watt
NATURAL TOUCH Custom-made cabinets and waiting room benches are constructed of clear and knotty alder, while woodlook flooring continues a warm, natural ambience throughout.
nally just designed the trees, and then we added on the clouds. We wanted to keep it very nature-based.”
Custom-made cabinets found in three different rooms, along with the waiting room benches, are all constructed of clear and knotty alder. An additional wood trim feature at the reception desk is made of hickory.
Crown molding conceals LED lighting around the edges of the waiting area ceiling, which creates a light cove effect.
“We went back and forth on the quality of the light – we didn’t want cool light; we wanted warm light that mimicked sunlight, and they got it just right,” notes Waud. “[The design team] understood the heart behind the project.”
To the left of the waiting room sit two treatment rooms, with one featuring
“Functionally, the building needed to accommodate a range of therapy spaces, from active zones that stimulate movement and sensory engagement, to calming areas for rest and emotional regulation.”
Rick Benos
The Arcus Group
a swing and climbing wall. A laundry room, mud room with wicking carpet and a restroom with an exterior door rounds out the west wing of the building. An exterior door in the mud room leads out to a small covered porch.
Contained in the east wing of the building are two office spaces, restrooms, a testing/consultation room, a maintenance/storage/utility room with an exterior door and an employee lounge that contains a kitchenette, work stations and lockers.
Interior design considerations
“They wanted a building that was both nurturing and inspiring – a place where children could thrive through therapy, and where staff could work
Photos by
Mark Watt
efficiently and comfortably,” explains Benos. “Functionally, the building needed to accommodate a range of therapy spaces, from active zones that stimulate movement and sensory engagement, to calming areas for rest and emotional regulation. Equally important were well-designed support areas for staff, designed to enhance workflow and provide a positive working environment.”
Richardson Design, of Cleveland, developed the clinic’s interior design palette. “I told them I wanted a spring color palette, and they nailed it from day one,” Waud says. “During my first meeting with Richardson, they laid everything out in front of me, and it was all exactly what I had in mind.”
Interior finishes were chosen for durability and cleanability.
“The design team focused on using simple, natural materials such as wood, tile and linoleum to convey the therapy center’s nature-oriented approach, while ensuring that all surfaces are durable and easily cleanable,” says Benos.
Another design element included placing an emphasis on bringing the outdoors inside.
“Research is saying that exposure to natural materials, natural light and plants all help therapeutically, so that’s why we focused on natural materials inside to create a more seamless experience to the outdoors,” says Waud. “And, if children don’t want to go outside, they’re still getting the benefit of nature indoors.”
All custom millwork was completed by Fortney & Weygandt’s carpenters.
Challenges
Turning an open field – once the site of a demolished farmhouse – into a vibrant outdoor space was far from straightforward, Benos explains.
“The most transformative challenge was turning a previously barren site into a natural oasis that supports the therapeutic needs of both the children and staff,” he says.
A creative solution for fill dirt needs was instituted during the project.
“We needed a lot of fill dirt for everything – for the building and the mounds,” explains Chris Hagen, director of field
operations at Fortney & Weygandt. “We were able to borrow from the detention pond basin underneath it, and then we built that up with more top soil, as we had a lot of top soil left from when we stripped the site.”
A winning team
All parties involved pulled together to create a unique new business in the community. “In the end, this project is a true example of thoughtful collaboration between client, architect, designer and builder – all working toward the common goal of creating a facility that enriches the lives of the children and families it serves,” says Benos.
“It’s always nice to have a project where you’re all sitting around the table sharing ideas in a positive, nonconfrontational way,” says Matt Frank, director of business development for Fortney &
Weygandt. “We were all trying to get a successful outcome, and I believe all the conversations in this project were geared around that.”
“This is a passion project of mine that is very near and dear to my heart, and so, it’s much different than working with an owner that is building a franchise,” says Waud. “So, it’s an emotionally tied project, as it is for kids who we care about, and the team was very understanding of that.”
“The community has been so nice and welcoming, and the school district has been very supportive,” she adds. “They have a new accessible playground they just did a ribbon-cutting on last fall. So, everything seems to be moving toward accessibility and getting kids outside, and Aurora has been very supportive of that. The chamber of commerce, the mayor and parks department have all been great to deal with and very supportive.”
Photo by Howard Doughty
Navigating property laws & regulations
End Projects Strong by Planning for the Finish Work
Successful construction projects involve a tremendous amount of planning and coordination. Frequently, however, early and unrealistic assumptions find their way into contract documents.
Even when stakeholders commit to rigorous pre-construction planning, lack of progress tracking, updating and accountability can derail a project.
Below are eight best practices that construction veterans follow to aid not only with individual risk mitigation but also overall project success.
1. Project planning and scheduling is a pre-construction exercise
Effective project scheduling must begin well before a shovel hits the ground. Too often, scheduling is treated as an administrative task initiated after contract execution. This reactive approach increases the risk of misalignment between pre-development expectations and project execution. Project owners, owners’ representatives or design professionals engaged for early project planning should create a preliminary schedule during the pre-bid/ pre-construction phase. Historical data is a good starting point, but local industry
trends and project-specific hurdles should be referenced to create realistic productivity assumptions. Even better results will follow if the preliminary schedule is prepared in collaboration with the construction team, including both prime contractors and key trades. While the chosen delivery method for any project will depend upon various factors, involving a construction-management professional in the earliest phases of planning is essential.
2. Include project-specific schedule milestones, limitations & requirements in subcontractor bid documents
The more information prime contractors provide in subcontract bid documentation, the better. Projectspecific scheduling information – such as
TOM CARDONE
work-hour limitations, access constraints, phased turnovers, occupancy deadlines, weather-sensitive periods and otherwise – must be communicated clearly. A welldeveloped preliminary schedule enables subcontractors to provide feedback on planning assumptions and accurately price associated risk. Including detailed preliminary schedules in bid documents also strengthens the enforceability of subsequent schedule requirements.
3. Establish a baseline project schedule & a process for schedule updates
At the start of construction, establish a detailed baseline schedule that reflects the parties’ agreed plan for executing the work. This schedule should be costand resource-loaded where possible and should be contractually recognized as the project’s scheduling benchmark. Equally important is the process for updating the schedule. Regular updates (e.g., monthly or bi-weekly) allow project teams to monitor progress, identify emerging delays and plan mitigation.
4. Understand task-sequence, manpower & schedule-duration requirements or assumptions at the time of contracting
A well-developed construction schedule is only as reliable as the assumptions underlying it. Parties should collaborate to validate task sequencing, workforce availability and time-duration estimates before establishment of the baseline project schedule to which all project participants will be bound. Frequently, subcontractors are hesitant to share internal assumptions at bid time. But doing so benefits subcontractors by helping establish a realistic baseline schedule and supporting future dispute resolution, should claims arise out of delays, schedule compression or otherwise.
5. Conduct or participate in subcontractor meetings throughout the project
Ongoing subcontractor meetings are essential for maintaining schedule adherence. These meetings benefit all tiers of the construction team. Prime contractors are able to get ahead of and collaboratively resolve sequencing conflicts, resource shortages and potential delays in real time. Coordination meetings enable
subcontractors – particularly those working toward the end of the schedule and providing finish work – to track work progress, adjust and plan for start dates, and provide advanced notice of potential conflicts or claims, again allowing an opportunity to avoid delays and disputes. If meeting minutes are circulated or made available, ensure noted concerns are properly documented. If minutes are not kept, concerned project participants should be sure to keep their own meeting minutes and share them
in real time, if not provide more formal notice.
6. Trust – but verify work progress & subcontractor commencement dates
Inaccurate progress reporting can distort schedule updates and mask underlying risks. If a subcontractor misses a start date or falls behind on production rates, early detection allows for corrective measures – and timely notice to preserve legal rights. Verbal assurances from subcontractors or field supervisors about progress should not substitute
for actual verification. Rely on visual inspections, daily reports and third-party scheduling analysis when necessary to confirm whether work is proceeding as planned. Reference preliminary manpower assumptions when assessing a trade’s realistic ability to meet planned completion dates. Subcontractors set for late-schedule start dates should perform on-site inspections to assess whether planned start dates are realistic and to discuss whether resources may be allocated to other projects to mitigate “idle time” claims.
Even with the best planning, deviations from the schedule are inevitable. What matters is how those deviations are documented and communicated. Communicating with validated supporting information far enough in advance (in progress meetings; via meeting min-
Project scheduling is not merely a technical or administrative process; it is the foundational framework for delivering construction projects on time and within budget.
utes; through schedule extension requests; etc.) may avoid the need to assert “claims” entirely. Ultimately, however, some claims notices are unavoidable. Timely, detailed records and notice of delay events are vital to preserve claims and defenses. Failure to strictly comply can result in waiver of rights.
8. Manage claims to avoid negatively impacting project progress
When schedule claims arise – whether for delay, disruption or acceleration –they should be managed in parallel with the ongoing work. Too often, claims handling becomes adversarial and slows project momentum. Consider including alternative dispute resolution tools into contract documents, such as onsite dispute resolution boards, standing neutrals or early mediation. The entire O/A/C team should also understand the financial impact of delay, particularly on subcontractors. Contractual provisions
entitling impacted subcontractors to a portion of supported costs pending final resolution of claims may seem untenable at first, but the cost of temporarily supporting subcontractors pending final dispute resolution likely pales in comparison to the cost of having to replace any part of the construction team. These and other mechanisms can help resolve time-impact claims efficiently, without derailing the project.
Project scheduling is not merely a technical or administrative process;
it is the foundational framework for delivering construction projects on time and within budget. By embedding best practices into contracts and project management, the likelihood of delay-related disputes is substantially reduced.
Tom Cardone is a member of Frantz Ward’s Construction Practice Group, representing a broad range of construction professionals through all phases of the construction process, from preconstruction and contracting through project closeout. For more info, visit www.frantzward.com
FINANCIAL STRATEGIES
Smart use of fiscal planning & action
Risky Business
I’m sure everyone has heard the old adage, “with great risk comes greater reward.” In case you missed last month’s column (and shame on you if you did!), we had a nice discussion on the concept of diversification as a way to manage potential risk. This month, we are digging a little bit deeper to better understand and categorizing causes of risk, particularly for a real estate investor.
The importance of traditional sources and categories of risk will vary with the location and circumstances of a particular investment in real estate.
For example, if foreign buyers are the dominant investors of local real estate, then the exchange rate risk may be important, while in most local markets, such risk may be trivial. Land use regulations, tax laws and interest rates may be more or less important for a particular property at various points in time. For a residential mortgage investor, prepayment risk may be important, but it is less likely to be an issue for direct real estate.
The astute analyst must be able to sift through and sort out the trivial issues and focus on those that matter most.
The following categories of risk are those that most often apply to real estate.
Business
The business of real estate is renting space to users. The demand for space depends on myriad international, national, regional and local economic conditions. Uncertainty about how economic conditions will change, such as oil prices, interest rates or inflation rates, will alter the perceived risk of real estate.
Liquidity
Liquidity is the ease with which an asset can be converted to cash without any price discount or loss of principal. Real estate is considered to have low liquidity (high-liquidity risk) because of the time it takes to sell a property at its
ALEC J. PACELLA
current value. Many properties require the buyer to do a lot of due diligence on the property, and they are not likely to agree to a quick sale without a significant negotiation regarding the price.
Marketability
Marketability is the ease with which an asset can be converted to cash independent of price. If the market is active for an asset, it may be easy to sell, but there is no guarantee that the seller will get the price they want. With no active market for a property, such properties will not be liquid, but an active market may be available with low liquidity because sellers must sell at a discount to sell quickly.
Leverage
Leverage is the use of borrowed funds to finance some of the purchase price of an investment. The ratio of borrowed funds to total purchase price is known as the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. Higher LTV ratios mean greater amounts of leverage. Real estate transactions can be more highly leveraged than other types of investments, but increasing leverage also increases risk because the lender has the first claim on the cash flow and on the value of the property if the investor defaults on the loan. A small change in the NOI can result in a relatively large change in the amount of cash flow to the investor after making the mortgage payment. For example, if a property has $100,000 in NOI and a mortgage payment of $80,000, the cash flow is $20,000. If the NOI drops 10% to $90,000, the cash flow drops by 50% to $10,000. One of the reasons investors use leverage is to increase their expected return on equity, but this also increases their risk.
Capital market
As said, real estate must compete with other assets for capital. The willingness of investors to invest in real estate depends on the availability of debt capital and the cost of that capital, as well as the return on other investments. A shortage of debt capital and high interest rates can reduce the demand for real estate and lower prices significantly. This is one of the risks of investing in commercial real estate.
Management
Management is the cost of monitoring an investment. Investment
What I C @ PVC
COFFEE TIME A net leased Dunkin sold last month for $2.1 million or $905 per square foot. Completed earlier this year, the property traded at just over a 6% cap rate. –AP
management can be categorized into two levels: asset management and property management. Asset management involves monitoring the investment’s financial performance and making changes as needed. Property management is exclusive to real estate investments. It involves the overall day-to-day operation of the property and the physical maintenance of the buildings. Management risk stems from how good the property and asset managers are at making the right decisions
The biggest risk often is one that was unknown as a risk at the time a property was purchased.
regarding the operation of the property, such as negotiating leases, maintaining the property, marketing the property, doing renovations when necessary, etc.
Tax impact
Federal income tax laws affect an investment’s income, profits and losses. This includes ordinary income tax during the time a property is held and capital gain taxes when the property is sold. Risk results from unexpected tax law changes, such as an increase in the capital gains tax rate or a change in the allowed depreciable life of the asset.
Environmental
Real estate values can be impacted by environmental conditions, including contaminants that may have been caused by a prior owner or an adjacent property owner. This can significantly reduce the value and the costs of dealing with the problem.
Political + legal risks
A regulatory body can influence operations costs, permits, property size, location on a site, zoning, property taxes, economic incentives, design, the supply of competitive property, or access to critical resources like water and sewer. These
may be local, regional, state, national or international in nature. Exchange rate risks could be considered a political risk or an economic risk depending on how much influence politics have on decisions affecting exchange rates.
As an example of one of these many political risks, consider the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act, effective in 1992) provisions requiring an owner to accommodate disabled persons where public access is required. If not anticipated, such a cost will lower returns but add little in revenue. This is why all legislation must be monitored because it is within a political environment that reasonable costs for such accommodations are defined. Other recent regulations include radon monitoring, asbestos removal and other environmental concerns, yet most critical land use controls tend to be approvals and variances that fall under the auspices of zoning and building codes, special improvement districts, and TIF (tax increment financing) possibilities. Research into these controls is as important as market research for demand trends.
Other risks
Many other risks could be identified, such as unobserved physical defects in the property, natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes, and acts of terrorism. The biggest risk often is one that was unknown as a risk at the time a property was purchased. Risks that can be identified can be planned for to some extent, perhaps with insurance or by diversification and considered in the price of the investment. However, unknown risks are not priced and can be particularly devastating to investors.
Real estate can indeed be risky business. By having an accurate and thorough understanding of the specific risks associated with a particular investment, an investor is much less likely to get caught with their pants down. And if they do, they can always turn on some Bob Seger, put on their Ray-Ban sunglasses and dance the night away!
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.
BILLBOARD
News about people, products, places & plans
Kent State’s Crawford Hall Achieves LEED Silver Certification
Kent State University recently announced that Crawford Hall, the newest and largest building on its main campus, has earned LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The four-story, 150,000-square-foot facility opened in August 2024 and houses the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. The building incorporates sustainable design features including high-efficiency HVAC and lighting systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures and enhanced indoor air quality systems. Additional elements include the use of recycled and locally sourced construction materials, bird-safe exterior glass and access to public transit and bike infrastructure.
Crawford Hall is the 16th LEED-certified building in the Kent State system. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system is a globally recognized benchmark for sustainable construction.
The facility was designed by architecture firms Perkins&Will and The Collaborative and constructed by Gilbane to serve as both a campus gateway and a modern academic hub (see full story in Properties, October 2024 issue, available at www.propertiesmag.com). Its construction was funded in part by the largest single gift in the university’s history from Ambassador Edward F. Crawford.
Reynolds Asset Management Acquires Area Properties
Recently, Reynolds Asset Management announced it has acquired Park Lamont and The Lumos, two multifamily properties located in University Circle.
The $30.6 million acquisition aligns with the New Jersey-based firm’s strategy of investing in high-density,
economically stable urban markets. The transaction was arranged by Berkadia and involved coordination among multiple parties due to the complexity of the deal. Reynolds Asset Management, headquartered in Paramus, New Jersey, owns and manages a national portfolio of multifamily, mixed-use, office and industrial properties. The
company is actively expanding in Ohio, with additional developments in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Texas and Florida.
Vocon Promotes Two in Cleveland Office
National architecture and design firm Vocon recently announced it has promoted Michael Christoff and
Christine Norberg to studio directors in its Cleveland office, part of a broader leadership expansion that includes two promotions in New York. The move supports Vocon’s long-term growth strategy and enhances leadership capacity across its core markets.
Christoff has been with Vocon since 2011 and has led a range of complex projects, including multifamily, mixed-use and corporate developments. He is active in Cleveland’s civic and design communities and currently serves on the board of AIA Cleveland.
Norberg, who joined the firm more than 20 years ago, has over three decades of experience in workplace design. She leads Vocon’s
Photo courtesy of Perkins&Will
Kent State University’s Crawford Hall
Michael Christoff
News about people, products, places & plans
Cleveland Workplace Studio, overseeing teams that deliver projects for
with services including architecture, interior design and workplace strategy. The firm operates offices in Cleveland and New York City.
Hahn Loeser Adds Associate in Cleveland Office
Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP recently announced that it has added Shmuel S. Kleinman as an associate in its Cleveland office. He joins the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice, focusing on employment-related and class action litigation.
including matters under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the
University College of Law, where he served as chief managing editor of the Cleveland State Law Review and was a Dean’s Leadership Fellow. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Telshe Rabbinical College in Wickliffe.
SBM Welcomes Two Engineers
Akron-based consulting engineering firm Scheeser Buckley Mayfield (SBM) recently announced it has added electrical engineer Jonathan Carozza and
Shmuel S. Kleinman
Christine Norberg
BILLBOARD
News about people, products, places & plans
Jonathan Carozza graduated in May of 2025 from The University of Akron with a degree in electrical
and a building and equipment lines manufacturer.
Ryan Mollohan also graduated with a degree
there part time while finishing his degree.
CPL Expands with Addition of Clark & Post Architects
CPL, a national architecture and engineering firm, has expanded its footprint in Ohio through the addition of Clark & Post Architects Inc., a Lorain-based firm with more than a century of service in Northeast Ohio. The firms have a long history of collaboration, and the partnership formalizes an established working relationship.
Founded in 1904, Clark & Post has completed projects in K-12 and higher education, behavioral health, historic preservation and adaptive reuse. Recent
work has included Lorain County Community College’s SMART Commercialization Center, upgrades to the Medina County Career Center and restoration of the historic Lorain County Courthouse and Lorain Carnegie Center.
Clients will now have access to CPL’s broader range of services, including civil, structural and MEP engineering, interior design, planning and landscape architecture.CPL, founded in 1975, has 26 offices across eight states and more than 480 employees.
Ryan Mollohan
Jonathan Carozza
Combining Community Safety in Copley
$18.5 million facility unites police and fire departments under one roof
Story by Scott Esterly | Photos by Scott Esterly & Mark Wayner
In the heart of Copley Township, a new era in community safety and service has begun. The recently completed Copley Safety Center, located at 1260 Sunset Dr., represents a significant investment in the township’s future. At a cost of $18.5 million, the 39,500-square-foot facility brings the township’s police and fire departments under one roof for the first time. The result is the streamlining of operations and boosting of interdepartmental coordination.
Home to approximately 18,000 residents spread across nearly 21 square miles, Copley has long prioritized the safety and well-being of its community. The new Safety Center supports the efforts of 26 full-time and six part-time police officers, alongside 24 full-time and 21 part-time firefighters. The state-of-the-art facility is more than just a modern headquarters; it is a symbol of Copley’s growth and commitment to public service.
The completion of the Safety Center also contains a major infrastructure improvement. Sunset Drive has been extended to connect Copley Road with Cleveland-Massillon Road, improving traffic flow and emergency access. As the township continues to grow, the area surrounding the Copley Safety Center is also ripe for future development.
The site
There were several hurdles that prevented the project from happening for decades, but the current Board of
Township Trustees and administration overcame those hurdles and got it done.
“I will tell you that our safety forces here, they are very, very good – and our community embraces that,” says Copley Township Trustee Bruce Koellner. “They love our police department. They love our fire department. They love our medics, so all our levies pass. They pass with overwhelming majority every time.”
Koellner, who previously served as a Copley firefighter for 35 years, played a key role in shaping the project, working closely with design teams to ensure the final building would meet the evolving needs of both first responders and the Copley community.
Much needed
For decades, Copley Township operated without a true police or fire station, which is surprising for a community that has grown steadily over the years. The township’s first police station was tucked into the basement of the old town hall, itself
a repurposed schoolhouse. That cramped space offered limited resources and space.
In the mid-1990s, the township made a move toward improvement by purchasing the building along Sunset Drive. It was a machine shop that was retrofitted to serve as the police department’s home. While it was a step forward, the setup still fell short of modern standards.
The fire department faced similar limitations. Originally operating out of the same town hall basement, the department saw some relief in 1972 when a fire station was added onto the building. But that station was designed for a volunteer force, not a full-time, 24-hour operation. It lacked basic accommodations like bedrooms and living quarters needed to support around-the-clock firefighters.
One example of a modern need for both police and fire departments is physical fitness.
“When physical fitness became a big thing, probably 20 years ago, it was like,
Photo by Mark Wayner
‘Oh, yeah, I don’t have time to go to the gym,’” says Koellner. “Well, guess what? This job, you go from sitting there, watching TV, cooking your dinner, or up, dead in the middle of sleep, to within five seconds running a marathon. And it is absolutely devastating to your body. So, if I come in here and this place is an absolute mess, but they’re in the gym, God bless them.”
The new Copley Safety Center finally remedies those long-standing shortcomings by giving first responders the space, resources and infrastructure they’ve long deserved.
Project scope takes shape
“When I became a trustee, I started pushing for [updating the fire department],” Koellner says. “ There are
medical reasons to have the facility we have now.”
Modern fire stations are now designed with designated hot and cold zones in response to post-9/11 studies revealing heightened cancer risks among firefighters. Contaminated gear is brought into the hot zone, with decontamination taking place before firefighters enter the clean, cold zone where they live and work. This zoned approach helps limit exposure to harmful toxins brought back from the scene, protecting firefighter health after the call ends.
by Scott Esterly
“We’ve done a number of studies over the years for Copley,” says Dave King, president at Horne & King Architects. “There was a community center here on this property originally. We tore that down to make a road. We did studies for where a new police building could be. And those studies just sat for a long time. At one time, we were out studying where the town hall is and considered adding police to it.”
For this project, Horne & King began with a needs assessment.
“So, the key thing is, how many officers, how many firefighters do you have and what services do you do? What kind of holding requirements? We’re asking all those questions,” King explains. “And then we document it and then everybody can review it.”
It soon became apparent that sharing resources could make a lot of sense for Copley’s first responders. “Part of my sales pitch was that we share resources – like one reception area, one classroom, one workout room – rather than build-
Photo
JOINING FORCES Shared spaces include a common lobby with dual check-in windows (top), a flexible classroom (middle) with an adjacent warming kitchen (bottom), plus a joint fitness center designed to promote wellness among both police and fire teams.
ing two separate buildings, and that’s why we’re here today,” says Koellner.
Project timeline
In mid-2023, Infinity Construction joined the project as the construction manager at risk. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jim Fantozzi shares that Infinity Construction has a large portfolio of public safety construction, but that this was its first time working with Copley. Early efforts included clearing the site, removing remaining sheds from the previously demolished community center, and completing extensive infrastructure improvements. This included widening Copley Road and installing new mainline utilities.
After four months of preconstruction, the project officially broke ground in January 2024. An unusually mild winter played a key role in keeping the project on track. Crews were able to make substantial progress during a time of year when construction typically slows, taking full advantage of the weather conditions to move the project forward.
Furthermore, there were not a lot of surprises during demo or foundation work. Towards the back of the property on the north side, some waste remediation was required, which is typical.
All exterior work was completed by November 2024, and crews worked on the interior all through this past winter. The only lead-time issue worth noting was the electrical gear. A temporary generator was used throughout construction and the construction schedule was adjusted to accommodate the electrical gear delay.
“Substantial completion occurred in April 2025, allowing both the police and fire departments to begin moving into the new facility about one month ahead of the original completion date,” Fantozzi says.
Built to last
Every material, wall and system in the new Copley Safety Center
by
Photos
Mark Wayner
by Scott Esterly
was selected with safety, durability and efficiency in mind. The building was designed to meet the standards now required of public safety facilities, including the integration of a shelter space capable of withstanding major weather events, such as tornadoes and severe storms.
The south side of the facility and the apparatus bays are masonry construction. Inside, structural stud walls run north to west through the building, supporting corridors that house the fitness center and classroom. Coldformed steel trusses tie the structure together, supporting a three-quarterinch roof sheathing topped with an asphalt sheet roof.
The exterior features modern metal siding, broken up with sections of thin brick to the front of the building. A chiller unit at the rear of the building supports a system of interior modular air handlers located behind the fitness center, while gravity-ventilated exhaust systems maintain airflow and efficiency.
Interior materials were chosen with both comfort and practicality in mind. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is utilized in the lobby, fire department corridors, dorm rooms and kitchen areas. Carpet is used in the administrative offices and most police department spaces. The
fitness room is finished with rubber flooring, while exposed concrete is used in holding cells and other police department areas.
Furniture throughout the facility was selected for its flexibility. High-performance IT and security systems were also a top priority. In an added safety feature, staff or civilians can lock
“Part of my sales pitch was that we share resources – like one reception area, one classroom, one workout room – rather than building two separate buildings, and that’s why we’re here today.”
Bruce Koellner Copley Township
the main entrance from inside during an emergency. The building also includes a donated unused medications disposal box and Safe Haven Baby Drop Off box, underscoring the center’s mission to serve and protect in every possible way.
Entrance, lobby + classroom
Inside the entrance of the Copley Safety Center is a lobby with two dedicated check-in windows on either side
– Fire Department to the south and Police Department to the north. Straight ahead is a shared classroom, which includes easily moveable tables and seating.
Fire
The south side of the new Safety Center is home to the Copley Fire Department. This area includes a range of administrative and support spaces, such as offices for the fire chief, assistant chief, inspector and fire prevention staff. There is also a conference room, a shared resource area and an empty room reserved for future use.
Living quarters reflect the department’s 24-hour shift schedule. There are six dorm rooms, private restrooms, locker rooms, a general laundry room and additional lockers for future growth. The kitchen is large, with designated fridges and pantries for each shift, and a communal living area includes couches and TVs. An outdoor patio provides additional space for downtime and even has a smoker for barbecuing.
The Fire Department utilizes a Bryx alerting system. When a call comes in, the system instantly pushes alerts, maps, directions and unit updates to monitors strategically placed throughout the department.
READY TO SERVE The apparatus garage includes 12 pull-through bays with large overhead doors, equipped with advanced features like a magnetic vehicle exhaust system that automatically removes diesel fumes, independent air exhaust and compressed air lines to maintain air quality and support firefighting vehicles and equipment.
Photo
“When a call comes in, lights in the station turn on in specific colors to indicate the type of call, whether it’s for a medic, engine, fire or another unit,” explains Tyler Blazek, project engineer and superintendent with Infinity Construction. “At the same time, speakers announce which units are responding, like ‘fire’s going, engine’s going, Med 1’s going.’ The information also appears on monitors throughout the station, showing the address, a photo of the location and other details.
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“These monitors are placed in strategic spots, like outside dorm rooms, so when firefighters head out, they can quickly glance at the screen and know exactly where they’re going and what to expect.”
The apparatus bay includes 12 pull-through bays with 14-foot-square overhead doors. Heating is provided by gas-fed tube and radiant systems. Overhead, compressed air lines feed
“Substantial completion occurred in April 2025, allowing both the police and fire departments to begin moving into the new facility about one month ahead of the original completion date.”
Jim Fantozzi
Infinity Construction
down from a compressor on the south side of the bay, providing six drop lines for vehicles requiring air for brakes or tools. An independent air exhaust system ensures continuous airflow throughout the space, improving air quality in high humidity or whenever necessary.
Importantly, a vehicle exhaust system was put in place that directly connects exhaust hoses to the tailpipes of vehicles. The system is connected magnetically.
“They have a vehicle exhaust system called MagneGrip,” Blazek explains. “It’s an automatic system. As soon as they hit the ignition on an apparatus, it sends a signal to the exhaust fan that’s connected to it and just starts sucking those diesel fumes out. It’s an advanced technology. There are no fumes in here hurting anything or anybody.”
The apparatus bay is noticeably wellorganized. “Infinity takes great pride in
making sure that the apparatus bays are very neat and clean. It’s all organized. We want you to know what stuff is, where it is, and we don’t want it to look out of place,” says Blazek.
The department’s decontamination room is separated with its own HVAC and negative air pressure system. Air is vented out of the building and only fresh air is pumped in. The room includes a pre-wash sink, commercialgrade gear extractor, Ram Air gear dryer and a shower area. All these elements are critical for removing carcinogens and contaminants after a call.
A designated turnout gear room is also equipped with a negative air system. Above it, a manhole cover leads to a second-level training room, which is accessible from the engine bays. The space can accommodate hose drills, door simulations and railing scenarios, and incorporates multiple window openings for realistic training.
Police
The new Copley Police Department is designed for modern law enforcement needs. At the heart of the station is the main patrol area, which offers direct views of all on-site security cameras, giving officers constant situational awareness. Four sergeant offices line the corridor, along with support spaces like a break room, locker rooms and a dedicated “drop zone” for charging and storing equipment, such as body cameras, radios and drones.
Security and accountability are prioritized throughout. A weapons storage room and pistol lockers are located just outside the holding area for safe handling, while an evidence lab includes secure lockers that ensure chain of custody is maintained.
The administrative side somewhat mirrors the fire department’s layout, housing offices for the police chief, lieutenants and an administrative assistant. Additionally, there is dedicated space for detectives, a records room and a conference room. Interview rooms provide a controlled environment for investigations.
The police department also features secure sallyports and evidence bays with large garage doors that allow officers to drive vehicles directly into the building.
This streamlines the process of handling detainees and securing evidence. Once inside, officers have access to a processing area and a series of holding cells.
Development on the horizon
Building the new Safety Center wasn’t just about modernizing police and fire operations; it also serves as a catalyst for economic development. By extending Sunset Drive to connect Copley Road and Cleveland-Massillon Road, the township not only improved access and traffic flow but also created new opportunities for development.
“Beyond safety and security, the decision to extend the road at both ends and create property available for sale was a key strategic move,” says King. “It was an important part of the overall plan, and it all came together well.”
Township leaders hope the project will help reimagine the surrounding area.
“We want to use this as an anchor to develop Copley Circle into something more lively,” Koellner says. “Mixed-use would be the perfect thing – something with outside eating and apartments above. That’s my thoughts.”
Teamwork was crucial to completing the Copley Safety Center on-time and on-budget.
“I’ve done construction management in my life,” says Koellner. “Infinity was great to work with and so were Horne & King. There were some issues that popped up and we debated them. We never got into an argument about anything. I would highly recommend both of them.”
“There was never any tension,” Blazek adds.
DINE + UNWIND The Fire Department features a spacious kitchen (top) with designated fridges and pantries for each shift, complemented by an adjacent outdoor patio (bottom) that includes a smoker, providing a comfortable space for downtime and team gatherings.
Photo by Mark Wayner
Photo by Scott Esterly
The Art Beneath the Shine
Achieving polished concrete success starts long before the first pass of the machine
By Daniel Eureka Precision Environmental Co.
It is no accident that polished concrete has quietly become one of the most sought-after finishes across commercial and industrial design. What began as a utilitarian solution in warehouses and retrofit spaces has evolved into a refined, architectural surface with a growing presence in education, retail, healthcare and public spaces.
Behind that transformation is a convergence of smarter equipment, evolving jobsite knowledge and trained tradesmen who understand that a polished floor isn’t just a final step; it’s a reflection of every layer beneath it. What many don’t realize is that it isn’t just polishing. It’s a step that could follow environmental remediation or removal of an old flooring system. Consider the background of any potential polishing contractors that have a history of grinding off adhesives, removing coatings and preparing compromised slabs. Contractors with a background only in maintenance and upkeep of traditional floors may not have learned how concrete behaves under pressure, moisture and time.
Modern polishing systems are more than just grinders. They’re engineered machines with remote operation, adjustable speed, intelligent weight distribution and integrated dust control. These advances have made polishing cleaner, safer and more precise, allowing for work in occupied environments with less disruption.
Equipment alone, however, doesn’t guarantee results. It still comes down to the tradesman behind the handles. Experienced craftsmen know how to evaluate a slab’s profile, understand its mix design or patch history, and adjust tooling and chemical applications accordingly. From oil spills and chemical exposure on production floors to high-gloss lobbies with fresh pours, no two jobs polish the same. Uniformity requires experience, not just passes. That’s where education becomes just as important as installation. Companies that have a history and
culture of sharing lessons learned, help everyone from architects to building engineers make smarter decisions. For example, not every floor is a candidate for a high-gloss finish – especially in areas with patchwork pours, heavy foot traffic or where trenching has occurred. A quality contractor should often advise on finish level, joint detailing and slab mix designs before polishing even begins.
When the job is done right, polished concrete is one of the most cost-effective and low-maintenance flooring systems available. There are no coatings to peel, no wax application cycles to schedule, and no need for harsh chemicals – just regular cleaning with engineered solutions and the occasional high-speed burnish to maintain the shine. The
beauty is in its simplicity, but only if it’s handed off correctly.
Polished concrete may appear simple on the surface, but it takes a disciplined approach to deliver something durable, consistent and beautiful. Make sure that your selected contractor has experience, culture and reputation backed by the knowledge that every great floor starts long before the first polish pass. For architects and owners who understand the value of craftsmanship, it’s a finish worth specifying, and a process worth doing right.
Daniel Eureka is vice president – estimating with Precision Environmental Co. He can be reached by phone at 216-642-6040. For more information, visit www.precision-env.com.
POLISHED WITH PURPOSE When the job is done right, polished concrete is one of the most cost-effective and low-maintenance flooring systems available. P
Photo courtesy of Precision Environmental Co.
Project Profile: Walter & Haverfield HQ
(1500 W. 3rd St., Suite 300, Cleveland)
By Properties Staff
Cleveland-based law firm Walter Haverfield had occupied the same offices, spread over two floors in an older vintage downtown high-rise, for over 20 years. When the building was being repositioned in the market, they seized the opportunity to relocate and reimagine their workspace.
After looking at several properties in the downtown core and with the help of HSB Architects + Engineers, they decided that the Post Office Plaza building (1500 W. 3rd St., Cleveland) presented the best setting to realize their vision. Not only did the building provide very high floor-to-floor heights but the 35,000 square feet of available space also enabled the firm to fit on one floor.
Walter Haverfield relied on the design team at HSB to address several critical issues when designing their new offices. One, it needed to be modern. Having occupied the same space for years, the office culture had grown tired; the new offices needed to better reflect the firm’s leadership and mindset. Two, it had to include amenities to encourage employees to return to the office. It needed to be a workplace that provided a more inviting experience and create a collaborative atmosphere – things sorely lacking in their existing offices.
Key to addressing both objectives is the reception area and public space experienced upon entering the suite. The centralized conference center and adjacent employee café take advantage of the large floor-tofloor volume the building provided to create a grand, public space where both clients and employees can meet, eat and relax. The conference center includes featured amenities such as a baby grand piano, a custom bar and a fish tank. This space serves daily client conferences, all-hands employee meetings and the occasional client event.
Within the workspace, rightsizing the offices helps to eliminate work-from-home concerns and provides long-term flexibility for the firm. Workstation alcoves were cut out of perimeter offices to bring in natural light and create a comfortable work atmosphere for all employees. HSB worked with a local art curator to determine placement of existing artwork and the acquisition of new pieces to fill out the space.
The end result transformed Walter Haverfield’s image, addressed the concerns going into the project and fortified their employee attraction and retention. P
Photos by Scott Esterly
Fabric First
Why soft surfaces in the office deserve a spot in your maintenance schedule
By Kyle Maurer Fiber-Seal of Northern Ohio
At best, fabric upholstery in the office is cleaned after a period of years, long after there is a visible need. At worst, it is neglected. Neither option is good and there are consequences beyond just appearance.
Here are some points to consider regarding soft surface preventative maintenance and the steps needed to properly care for your fabric upholstery.
Start by prioritizing
A starting point in developing a preventative maintenance program for office upholstery is to prioritize your soft surfaces. Frequency is the first level of prioritization. An office task chair is used daily, for instance. Then take the frequency metric one step further by identifying multi-use pieces. A boardroom chair might not be used as often as the single-use task chair, but many different people use it daily. Your first priority should be the multi-user pieces.
Lastly, high-touch areas should also be identified within the fabrics themselves. This means that arm rests on the boardroom chairs should be the highest priority.
Once you have assessed the frequency, use and touch patterns of your upholstery, the next step is to incorporate the right types of cleaning. A preventative maintenance program makes use of a variety of cleaning methods performed at scheduled intervals. Vacuuming, damp dusting, spot cleaning and low-moisture, hot water extraction are all different types of cleaning. Each step is outlined in more detail below.
1. Incorporate proper vacuuming
Be honest. Do you know how often your fabric upholstery is vacuumed? Vacuuming is often underperformed. It is important to vacuum upholstery regularly to remove dust and contaminants that build up. This is both
CLEAN APPROACH A preventative maintenance program makes use of a variety of cleaning methods, like vacuuming or low-moisture, hot water extraction, performed at scheduled intervals.
unsightly and unhealthy. The importance of vacuuming is simple, but overlooked.
2. Periodic damp dusting
From the overlooked to the unfamiliar, the next cleaning method is rarely
suitable cleaning product is applied to a towel and the fabric surface is lightly dusted. This removes particulate soiling and oils that are often left behind after vacuuming. This technique is especially helpful for those high touch priorities like arm rests.
Once you have assessed the frequency, use and touch patterns of your upholstery, the next step is to incorporate the right types of cleaning. A preventative maintenance program makes use of a variety of cleaning methods performed at scheduled intervals.
performed. Damp dusting is a surface cleaning that is effective and gentle. It should be performed at least quarterly. After vacuuming, a small amount of
3. Spot cleaning when needed
This obvious measure should be performed whenever the need arises. There is a difference between a spot and a stain. A stain is a foreign substance added to the fabric that should not be there. A spot is color added. This is an outcome that should be avoided, yet not necessarily at all costs. Spot cleaning measures can often make a bad situation worse. Sometimes the wrong types of cleaners are used, which can permanently alter the fabric.
Photo courtesy of Fiber-Seal of Northern Ohio
Other times, too much moisture is used, which can cause browning or water ring marks. This is why a good preventative maintenance program includes on-call professional help as needed.
4. Annual restorative cleaning
All manufacturers will specify “professional cleaning” to be performed at
least once or twice a year. Restorative cleaning methods can differ based on fabric type, but a common measure is low-moisture, hot water extraction. Think of restorative cleaning like an oil-change for your vehicle. It is best performed at scheduled intervals to achieve peak performance and results. Using a professional firm that special-
izes in fabric upholstery is essential because of the variety of cleaning codes assigned to fabric upholstery. These codes will stipulate the type of waterbased or solvent-based cleaning that should be used.
Cleaning, disinfecting + sanitizing
It is worth noting before concluding that words like cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing are often used interchangeably, but they are very different.
Cleaning is the process of removing soiling which contains contaminants from soft surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but removing germs lowers the risk of infection and improves overall health. Disinfecting kills any
All manufacturers will specify “professional cleaning” to be performed at least once or twice a year.... Think of restorative cleaning like an oil-change for your vehicle. It is best performed at scheduled intervals to achieve peak performance and results.
bacteria or viruses present on nonporous surfaces. Sanitizing reduces the level of bacteria or viruses present on porous surfaces. You cannot do the latter two without cleaning first. Thus, cleaning is a tried-and-true method to improve health.
Fabrics are generally considered to be lower cleaning priorities when compared to other office surfaces like restrooms and door handles. It is true that fabric upholstery does not have to be cleaned as often as other office surfaces. That should not be translated into neglect, however. Fabrics still need proper care for appearance, function, health and longevity benefits.
Project Profile: Westlake Porter Public Library
(27333 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake)
By Properties Staff
With a construction cost of $1.29 million, Westlake Porter Public Library recently completed a singlephase renovation that artfully blended operational sensitivity, modern infrastructure upgrades and thoughtful architectural design, all while remaining fully open to the public. Millstone Management Group led the charge in reimagining the library’s interior alongside longtime collaborators Bialosky Cleveland and the library’s dedicated leadership team. The result? A striking refresh that not only enhances user experience but also honors the library’s legacy.
Executing a full renovation without interrupting day-to-day library operations was no small feat.
“Our top priority was minimizing disruption for patrons and staff,” says Katie Kafarakis, project executive at Millstone. “That meant clear communication, strategic phasing and round-the-clock coordination with the Westlake Library team.”
The project’s scope included a complete overhaul of MEP systems; renovation of the circulation desk and conference rooms; construction of a cutting-edge teen area to meet evolving community needs; installation of new partition walls, custom millwork and enhanced glazing systems; and creation of dedicated displays commemorating the library’s storied past. From updated lighting to HVAC modernization, every improvement was aimed at enhancing comfort, functionality and aesthetics across the facility.
Working with architect Aaron Hill and interior designer Jill Berris of Bialosky Cleveland, the team ensured the new layout reflected both form and function. The state-of-the-art teen space, in particular, showcases bold colors, flexible seating and tech-ready features, inviting younger patrons to discover, connect and create. The integration of custom historical displays also reinforces the library’s cultural value while anchoring the renovation in community pride.
From early coordination meetings to final inspections, collaboration was key. Millstone’s team – including Tyler Hoberg (project manager), Nick Mason (superintendent) and Jennifer Harden (coordinator) – worked closely with Andrew Mangels (library director) and CJ Lynce (assistant director) to manage logistics and keep stakeholders informed at every step. The project also benefited from the oversight of Roger Riachi, of RFC Contracting, who served as the owner’s representative. P
Project Profile: Kent State University Student Center
(1075 Risman Dr., Kent)
By Stephanie Paynter
In February 2025, Kent State University unveiled a transformative renovation of its Student Center, creating a 5,400-square-foot home for the Center for Student Involvement and Student Center Administration. The project, led by IKM Architecture (IKM), addressed longstanding challenges with wayfinding, accessibility and departmental separation. The new unified layout and visual identity improve navigation and collaboration among the five dispersed offices, creating a more efficient and user-friendly space for students, faculty and staff.
Previously, the information desk was tucked behind a curved corridor, out of view for visitors and difficult to access for individuals with mobility needs. IKM’s redesign tackled this by relocating the desk to a prominent, ADA-accessible location near the main entrance. Framed by floor transitions, color-coded zones and a ceiling detail inspired by the university’s lightning bolt symbol, the new reception anchors the space and orients first-time visitors.
Branded graphics, large-scale signage and bold school colors reinforce Kent State’s identity and help users intuitively navigate the space. Designed with multigenerational visitors in mind, the suite features updated offices, huddle rooms and conference areas equipped with interactive displays and video conferencing capabilities. Informal lounges with charging stations and a quiet zone for focused study offer varied experiences to meet students’ needs.
While the suite has limited direct access to exterior daylight, glazing at the entrance pulls borrowed light from the student center lobby, and selective windows along the perimeter offer supplemental natural light. Tunable LED lighting and reflective surfaces were used to enhance brightness and reduce glare. Environmentally responsible materials, such as low-VOC paints and FSC-certified wood products, support long-term durability and wellness.
Construction occurred in one of the busiest buildings on campus, a challenging task requiring strategic logistics planning. The team used back corridors and phased work to minimize disruption and avoided major infrastructure upgrades by carefully coordinating layout and systems work.
The unified, branded student services hub enhances accessibility, user experience and school pride while fostering connection and comfort. P
Photos by Mike Longo
(IKM Architecture)
How Trinity Block Transformed a Town
Integrating adaptive reuse, redevelopment and green building in Lakewood
By Tracy Teuscher, MS, APR, OCVN | Photos courtesy of Scalish Construction
Once the site of Lakewood’s Trinity Lutheran Church, the city block that encompasses Detroit Avenue between Hall and Westlake Avenues – known as Trinity Block – now features a cluster of retail businesses and dining locations alongside outdoor seating, green spaces, a rain garden and a bocce ball court.
Trinity Block presented a rare opportunity for Scalish Construction to integrate adaptive reuse, redevelopment and green building technologies to restore a city block to preserve the history of Lakewood, give the community a sense of pride, enhance quality of life and build more ecofriendly structures.
Adaptive reuse
Scalish Construction’s collaboration with the city government, Historic Preservation Group, PlaceMark Collaborative, Dimit Architects and numerous contractors made the Trinity Block project possible. The effort took a year to complete.
“Working with Lakewood-based Dimit Architects was a pleasure,” says Frank Scalish, president of Scalish Construction.
“We have known and worked with them since we started our business 18 years ago, and our architectural vision has always been aligned, so they were top of mind
“We like to think that Trinity Block will serve as a regional and national example of how adaptive reuse and redevelopment can honor history and make communities more accessible, sustainable and resilient.”
Frank Scalish Scalish Construction
for Trinity Block. Similarly, our work with Heather Rudge of HP Group on the Veronika Building set the stage for a strong collaboration on Trinity Block
and helped us leverage historic tax credit programs. We had the dream team.
“But this epic project required creativity, agility and perseverance to overcome our biggest challenge – the pandemic. In addition to pushing our timeline for completion, we had to generate investor capital and make substantial changes to the original vision for the schoolhouse, pivoting from our original plan for apartment residences in favor of office spaces.”
Ultimately, the revised plan was beneficial. It alleviated potential technical construction and parking issues and it delivered an outcome that was more favorable to the State Historic Preservation Office and Lakewood’s Architectural Review Board. Retail spaces along one side of Trinity
NEW VIEWS Retail spaces include Cleveland Bagel Café and Lakewood Bottle Shop (top), while Scalish Construction’s offices reside within a former schoolhouse around the corner (middle, bottom).
Block were designed with a focus on small businesses that now line the street, including Lakewood Bottle Shop, Jersey Mikes Subs and Cleveland Bagel Café. In the schoolhouse offices alongside Scalish Construction, Cultivate Yoga, Makeup by Meredith and Megan Cox Bridal have put down roots, and Body Fit Training now resides in the former church building.
Aesthetically, the fully restored storefronts and rich, dark green exteriors make the retail spaces stand out. The iconic structure of the former church, the architecture of the ceiling and the restored stained glass windows illustrate the intersection of preserved historic architecture and modern elements for Body Fit Training. Outside, the stonecarved Luther rose above the main entrance has been retained, which symbolizes joy, comfort and peace, and holds meaning for the community.
Making buildings better
“We are committed to enhancing the long-term resilience of built environments through techniques, materials and systems that enhance human health and wellbeing and make buildings greener,” Scalish says.
The redevelopment plan was inspired by the Fitwel path to create more ecofriendly structures, from construction materials and all-electric service to indoor air quality.
“This was essential to us, because this approach focuses on long-term human health and wellness within built environments, which is a more holistic way to build sustainably,” Scalish notes.
Air filtration, natural light and shading were thoughtfully integrated, as were eco-friendly products, like low-VOC paints and FloorScore-certified flooring.
Outdoors, the design includes seating areas, native plant gardens, a rain garden, EV charging stations, bike racks and a bocce ball court. This created a
CAREY DEMOLITION
Elevating access
welcoming outdoor space for residents to soak up the community vibe, visit the shops, participate in bocce ball tournaments and enjoy relaxing conversations.
Making quality of life for local residents a centerpiece of the project was the driving force behind the design. From the ADA-accessible walkways and entrances to the installation of bike racks, the locations are accessible on foot, by bike and by those with differing abilities.
“We like to think that Trinity Block will serve as a regional and national example of how adaptive reuse and redevelopment can honor history and make communities more accessible, sustainable and resilient,” Scalish says.
In late June, residents from around the Greater Cleveland area enjoyed Trinity Block’s public grand opening event, including a makers market, a live DJ, food and beverages from local favorites, a round of bocce ball and all the shops.
“We hope this will be the first of many celebrations at Trinity Block, and we invite folks to come to Lakewood and stay awhile,” Scalish says.
TAKING SHAPE The Trinity Block project encompasses a repurposed church building, in addition to a cluster of surrounding retail businesses, dining locations and outdoor amenities. P
Tracy Teuscher, MS, APR, OCVN is president and CEO of The Buzz Maker.
Project Profile: KeyBank Heritage Museum at Key Tower
(127 Public Square, Cleveland)
By Properties Staff
Infinity Construction has had a business banking relationship with KeyBank for the past 28 years. Deepening its affiliation with the bank, the company recently helped mark a historic milestone in KeyBank’s legacy with the completion of the new KeyBank Heritage Museum, now open on the first floor of the landmark Key Tower in downtown Cleveland.
Designed by HSB Architects + Engineers to celebrate the bank’s 200-year history, the Heritage Museum blends vibrant visuals with immersive storytelling. Visitors are welcomed by a bold red entry flanked by polished columns and framed by ornately patterned walls, creating a dramatic threshold that reflects both tradition and modernity.
Infinity Construction, which has delivered 27 previous projects for KeyBank, completed the museum buildout in under two months. Work included installing new flooring, painting, ceiling tiles, millwork and detailed framing. The firm’s in-house team also self-performed demolition and both rough and finish carpentry, ensuring tight quality control and craftsmanship throughout.
Inside, the museum features a series of sleek, curved timeline walls and display pods that guide visitors through decades of KeyBank’s evolution – from its 1825 origins through its expansion across 15 states. Red-accented graphics and illuminated wall panels trace major milestones, while custom-fabricated ceiling-to-floor display structures showcase historical artifacts and interactive media. Notably, a glowing digital display celebrates KeyBank’s entry into its third century with the theme “200 Years and Counting.”
To preserve the adjacent historic Society for Savings space, Infinity Construction used non-invasive techniques, attaching all temporary protections without mechanical means. The team also worked within an occupied environment, employing HEPA filtration for dust control and scheduling disruptive tasks outside regular hours to minimize impact.
“KeyBank has played a significant role in the development of our city,” says Jon Ferrell, director of business development with Infinity Construction.
The KeyBank Heritage Museum is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering a dynamic and visually engaging experience that honors the past while looking ahead to the future of one of Ohio’s most influential banking institutions. P
Photos by Mark Wayner
Commercial real estate happenings
Capital Project Development for Nonprofits
Across the country, non-profit organizations are rethinking how they secure, shape and scale their physical environments. Capital campaigns are no longer confined to large institutions. They are surfacing across a diverse range of missions: education, healthcare, community and workforce development, and the arts.
For interior architects and designers, this shift represents a meaningful opportunity. It is not just about refreshing finishes or updating layouts. It is about helping mission-driven organizations plan strategically, spend wisely and build spaces that evolve with purpose.
Non-profits often emphasize humancentered design, adaptive reuse and cost-effective innovation – areas where interior designers truly excel.
Non-profit capital projects are unique in many ways. Unlike traditional commercial clients, non-profits navigate multiple stakeholders (e.g., boards, funders, staff and community voices), unpredictable funding cycles (e.g., grants, donor pledges and in-kind support) and mission-centric priorities, which often push aesthetics behind usability, accessibility and inclusivity. As such, designers need to speak the
language of flexibility, phasing and impact – not just square footage.
Interior architecture plays a strategic role in shaping the user experience, and in non-profit environments specifically, design creates a visible expression of mission. Yet these spaces are too often considered an afterthought or addressed reactively. By contrast, when interior professionals are engaged early, test fits and conceptual layouts support site selection and fundraising. Further, material choices reflect community identity and sensory needs, and phased buildouts allow funding to align with programming, not the other way around.
Case highlight: Ownership as a catalyst for flexible growth
After a comprehensive property search, a non-profit client serving developmentally delayed young people
DAVE ROBAR
elected to purchase rather than lease – a decision driven by long-term financial modeling. This choice unlocked key design and development advantages, enabling not just equity, but agency –the ability to adapt, grow and refine the space over time.
An extended due diligence process allowed the team to assess building adaptability, compliance and student needs and a phased implementation strategy supported evolving programming and budget cycles.
Interior architecture played a central planning role, with early layouts and sensory-responsive concepts helping secure stakeholder buy-in and funding, all while keeping an eye on selectively reusing valuable existing infrastructure.
Graphic branding installations and contributions from local business partners will make the space feel connected to real-world industries. By designing for confidence and belonging, a youth-friendly, accessible and empowering layout will encourage exploration without intimidation. Further, the orga-
Interior architecture plays a strategic role in shaping the user experience, and in nonprofit environments specifically, design creates a visible expression of mission. Yet these spaces are too often considered an afterthought or addressed reactively.
The team opted for a thoughtful, targeted interior renovation that will enhance dignity, functionality and flexibility within the property’s existing footprint. Property ownership enabled not just equity, but agency that promotes growth-minded agility that allows improvement of the space over time. Whether within an owned or leased environment and limited capital scope, interior design can function as a powerful lever for mission delivery. It’s not about square footage; it’s about creating spaces that work harder, feel better and communicate care.
Case highlight: Designing for exposure, access + opportunity
A nationally recognized non-profit client focuses on helping young people gain the knowledge and skills to own their economic success. By designing for exposure, access and opportunity, the designers have created a dynamic, interactive space that will expose students to a wide range of career paths. The resulting space also adapts to career fairs, workshops, student showcases and more.
Utilizing flexibility as a core principle, moveable partitions, multi-use furnishings and embedded tech infrastructure, the space will be allowed to shift seamlessly from presentation mode to mentoring sessions.
nization will use before-and-after design visualizations and phased renovation plans to engage funders, where specific asks can prove compelling and fundable. Interior architects and designers can do more than create places to house programs. They inspire, connect and activate. By designing for exposure and access, a space will become a living platform for career discovery and economic agency.
Whether owning or leasing, fully renovating or carefully phasing, these clients achieved meaningful spatial transformation by putting mission at the center of their capital strategy. In all cases, the design professional is not a neutral entity. They are active participants in delivering outcomes, driving engagement and extending the reach of the organization’s mission.
Designing for impact
In non-profit work, “done” usually doesn’t mean “finished.” The most impactful projects are those that allow room to adapt – projects where the space supports mission, not just on day one, but over time.
For interior designers and architects, this means shifting from service provider to strategic partner. Helping non-profits build is not about doing more with less. Rather, doing more with intention, and creating spaces that work harder, feel better and communicate care, are creating flexible yet meaningful spaces.
Dave Robar, AIA, is director and senior associate at Vocon. For more info on NAIOP Northern Ohio, visit www.naiopnorthernohio.com.
ACAR CORNER
Issues in the real estate industry
Kitchen Trends 2025 – What’s In, What’s Out
Submitted by Drew Gaebelein
Keller Williams Living
Residential kitchens in 2025 are becoming about self-expression, combined with playful sophistication. As such, the colors and materials homeowners choose are becoming important – and they’re moving beyond just white, according to the 2025 Kitchen Trends Report, produced by the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
Design elements of the 1950s and 1970s are showing up in kitchens today. The report notes: 52% of design professionals say bright hues and earthy tones of the 1970s are making a comeback. Further, 47% predict a resurgence in the muted, modern minimalism that was present in the 1950s, especially in cabinetry, hardware and colors.
Warm oranges, rich browns and even avocado greens are getting paired with clean lines and vintage-inspired fixtures. Designers say these throwback touches can add warmth and charm into modern kitchens – a mix of past and present.
Colorful kitchens
Many homeowners are moving on from the all-white kitchen, as 2025 designs embrace bolder, more expressive styles. Color is leading the charge. In the same survey, 71% of design respondents say their clients prefer colorful kitchens that reflect personality. Whether subtly or boldly, color is entering the kitchen, with pops of color being brought in through backsplashes, kitchen islands, wallpapers and even accent walls.
One of the favored colors: green. According to 76% of design and remodeling professionals, green will be the most popular color to incorporate in the kitchen this year. Blue (63%) and brown (56%) rounded out the top three, according to the NKBA report.
COLOR BALANCE A recent survey of interior designers noted a shift in preference toward nature-inspired color palettes – whether that’s a soft sage, deep navy or moody forest green.
Designers note that these shades reflect a shift away from oncedominant grays and whites toward nature-inspired palettes – whether that’s a soft sage, deep navy or moody forest green.
Mix-and-match everything
Contrast and creativity appear to be the new kitchen rules. For example, 67% of designers said they favored backsplashes that blend materials, textures or tile patterns for a unique statement. Additionally, 84% noted that lighting fixtures are becoming a standout kitchen feature. Kitchen fixtures today often mix materials like
brass, glass, wood and metal, or include woven textures.
What’s out
The report calls out several fading styles. All-white and all-gray kitchens are giving way to more earthtone kitchen hues. Overly minimalistic, impersonal designs are being swapped out for lived-in, layered spaces. Uniform finishes and matcheverything designs are being pushed out for textured materials and bold colors.
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 ACAR.
Mike Hicks President
Experts weigh in on industry issues
It’s Time for Ohio to Regulate Interior Design
The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) works to enhance quality of life through excellence in interior design and supports design professionals, educators, students, firms and their clients in continually increasing the value and understanding of the work of interior designers.
One of IIDA’s goals is to advance and support public protection through reasonable regulation of NCIDQ Certified interior designers who work in codeimpacted environments throughout the United States.
Unfortunately, the State of Ohio currently does not recognize interior design as a profession, despite its impact on health, safety and welfare. However, there is growing momentum that has swept across North America in recent years to pass interior design legislation. Thirty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and all Canadian provinces have some level of legislation in place related to the regulation of the
interior design profession (www.cidq.org/ regulated-jurisdictions). The local IIDA Ohio Kentucky Chapter is hoping to add Ohio to that list!
Professional licensing and regulations protect the health and safety of the public from fraudulent, unqualified and unethical practitioners. So what does reasonable regulation mean for the interior design profession? The most common framework for states regulating interior design is a Title Act with Permitting Privileges. The Title Act will allow (not compel) anyone who has the prerequisite education, experience and examination to present themselves as a “Registered Interior Designer” and to
KRISTIN STUBBS
hold a current and valid interior designer certificate of registration and seal from the state regulatory agency. To become registered, an interior designer must pass a series of exams administered by the Council of Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), known as the NCIDQ exams. This process typically requires a combination of at least 60 semester hours of post-secondary interior design coursework and a minimum of 3,520 work hours, depending on the educational background. These professionals must pass three specific exams: the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX), the Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX), and the Practicum Exam (PRAC), all of which test a practitioner’s core knowledge and ability to protect the public in their practice. Registration is mandatory in some jurisdictions to practice, while in others, it is optional but grants a protected title and potentially additional rights, such as permitting privileges.
Passing a Title Act with Permitting Privileges would allow interior designers to independently stamp and seal nonstructural and non-seismic construction drawings to submit for permit. Contrary to popular belief, this legislation does not restrict interior designers who are not registered. It is meant to provide additional public protection, elevate the profession, enhance public perception and expand business opportunities for registered interior designers. Additional benefits to passing reasonable regulation for interior design include:
• Eliminating the need for interior designers to pay for other design professionals to redraw, stamp and sign their construction drawings and documents for permit
• Enabling interior design firms to serve as a primary firm on a project, instead of working under a registered architect or engineer
• State and federal projects require registered design professionals to bid on their
projects and passing this legislation will allow interior designers to do so
• Encouraging economic development by allowing a greater number of businesses to compete for commercial design work
Although interior design legislation is not “new,” there is a relatively new
documents for permit. This bill was the most comprehensive in the profession’s history and it has helped pave the way for other states to pass legislation on interior design. Since 2021, other states that have passed new or expanded their previous legislation include: Wisconsin, Illinois, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Iowa; most recently, Title Act Legislation in Massachusetts passed the Senate. Neighboring states, Indiana and Kentucky, have Title Acts without Permitting Privileges. (Jurisdictions with Title Acts do not require registration, and come with a protected title for registered interior designers.)
momentum on the topic that is growing across the country. Beginning in 2021, North Carolina, a state that previously did not recognize interior design as a profession, passed Bill 188 which established a voluntary state registry for qualified interior designers and gave them the ability to stamp and seal construction
All of these bills were developed in consultation with architecture communities in those states, which traditionally oppose interior design regulation but in these cases, worked with interior designers to help craft policy that better protects the public.
Kristin Stubbs, NCIDQ, IIDA (iidaohkyadvocacy@gmail.com) is vice president of advocacy for IIDA OH KY Chapter. Learn more by visiting the IIDA Ohio Kentucky Chapter website (www. iidaohky.org) or calling 740.708.6672.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS REPORT
Updated info on important projects in the region, provided courtesy of ConstructionWire (www.constructionwire.com)
Project: #3786623
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NURSING RESEARCH RENOVATION
PROJECT TYPE/SIZE: Office/Universities/Colleges/ Green Buildings (48,109 sq-ft), Medical
CONSTRUCTION TYPE: Renovation
ESTIMATED VALUE: $20.5 million
SECTOR: Private
LOCATION: 2120 Cornell Rd. Cleveland, OH 44106
DETAILS: Plans call for the renovation of an existing 48,109-square-foot space on three out of five floors of the Nursing Research Building to include the Psychological Sciences and Nursing Departments in addition to the creation of the Moll Institute. Floor levels within the project scope include the above-podium level first, second and third floors. The basement and ground floors are below the podium level of the building and are out of the project scope, except as required for limited utility or infrastructure improvements associated with work on the floors above. The project is a LEED project and must meet a minimum of LEED Silver Certification.
Estimated Schedule (as of 6/11/2025)
STAGE: Starts in 1-3 months
CONSTRUCTION START: 7/2025
CONSTRUCTION END: Q3/2026
BID DUE DATE: N/A
ARCHITECT: IKM Inc.
Contact: Adam Yaracs, Project Manager ayaracs@ikminc.com
1001 Huron Rd. East, Ste. 102 Cleveland, OH 44115
P: 216-678-9456
OWNER: Case Western Reserve University 10900 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44106
LOCATION: Center St. and Detroit Ave., both sides of Merwin Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113
DETAILS: Plans call for the conversion of an existing structure to build a hotel as part of a larger mixed-use development. Estimated Schedule (as of 6/10/2025)
STAGE: Planning
CONSTRUCTION END: N/A
BID DUE DATE: N/A
OWNER: Cleveland Metroparks
Contact: Kelly Coffman, Principal Planner kbc@clevelandmetroparks.com 4101 Fulton Parkway Cleveland, OH 44144 P: 216-635-3200
CONSULTANT: Cleveland Gateway District
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Contact: Tom Yablonsky, Exec. Director tyablonsky@clevelandgatewaydistrict.com 1010 Euclid Ave., Third Floor Cleveland, OH 44115 P: 216-771-1994
DETAILS: Plans call for the construction of a new elementary school. Demolition of the existing 2-story building will be included.
Estimated Schedule (as of 6/11/2025)
STAGE: Construction
CONSTRUCTION START: 2/2024
CONSTRUCTION END: Q4/2025
BID DUE DATE: N/A
ARCHITECT: ThenDesign (TDA Architecture)
Contact: Claire Bank, Project Architect 4230 River St. Willoughby, OH 44094 P: 440-269-2266
F: 440-269-2277
GC: GCS Construction
26650 Renaissance Pkwy., Suite 1A
Cleveland, OH 44128
P: 440-600-1060
F: 440-443-0195
MAGNOLIA MEADOWS PHASE 1
Project: #3398397
PROJECT TYPE/SIZE: Athletic Facilities (< 10,000 sq-ft), Social (< 10,000 sq-ft), Residential - Single Family
CONSTRUCTION TYPE: New
ESTIMATED VALUE: $11 million
SECTOR: Private
LOCATION: 5480 Detroit Rd. Sheffield Village, OH 44035
DETAILS: Plans call for the construction of a 63-home community for residents 55 and older. Amenities include a clubhouse with a pool, fitness center, bocce courts, pickleball courts. Prices start from the $400,000s.
Estimated Schedule (as of 5/23/2025)
STAGE: Construction
CONSTRUCTION START: 3/2024
CONSTRUCTION END: Q4/2025
BID DUE DATE: N/A
ENGINEER: Polaris Engineering & Surveying
34600 Chardon Rd., Ste. D Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
CONSTRUCTION TYPE: New ESTIMATED VALUE: $34 million
SECTOR: Public
LOCATION: 7910 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, OH 44102
DETAILS: Plans call for the demolition of an existing building and construction of a new library building with four floors of affordable senior apartments with 51 dwelling units. Amenities will include a community room, laundry facilities, on-site parking and a wellness center. Residents will have access to the library through an elevator or stairs during operating hours.
Estimated Schedule (as of 6/13/2025)
STAGE: Starts in 1-3 months
CONSTRUCTION START: 8/2025
CONSTRUCTION END: Q3/2026
ARCHITECT, GC: Marous Brothers Construction
Contact: Rick Adante, Director Of Construction
radante@marousbrothers.com
36933 Vine St. Willoughby, OH 44094
P: 440-951-3904
DEVELOPER: Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization
Contact: Jeff Ramsey, Broker and Owner jramsey@dscdo.org
6516 Detroit Ave., Ste. 1 Cleveland, OH 44102
P: 216-961-4242
F: 216-961-8830
OWNER, TENANT: Cleveland Public Library
Contact: Jeremiah Swetel, COO
Jeremiah.Swetel@cpl.org 325 Superior Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114
Main Library P: 216-623-2800
ARCHITECT, INTERIOR DESIGNER: Bialosky
Cleveland
Contact: Aaron Hill, Principal ahill@bialosky.com 6555 Carnegie Ave. Cleveland, OH 44103 Cleveland Office P: 216-752-8750 F: 216-752-9437
ARCHITECT: Robert P. Madison International Inc.
1215 Superior Ave. E., Ste. 110 Cleveland, OH 44114
DETAILS: Plans call for an expansion to an existing project to create a new 13-story building that would feature 110 apartments and approximately 4,000 square feet of retail space. The new structure would be about 200,000 SF, with the three lowest levels being parking and 10 floors of apartments above them.
Estimated Schedule (as of 6/25/2025)
STAGE: Groundbreaking
CONSTRUCTION START: 7/2025
CONSTRUCTION END: Q4/2026
BID DUE DATE: N/A
DEVELOPER: J-Roc Development
Contact: Jesse Grant, Owner jesse.grant@cbre.com
1303 W. 58th St. Cleveland, OH 21660
ARCHITECT: Evident Architecture Office
Contact: William Neburka, Principal 411 Southeast 58th Place Portland, OR 97215
P: 503-708-3227
GC: John G. Johnson Construction Company 1284 Riverbed Street Cleveland, OH 44113
Contact: Joseph M. Verostko, President joe@jmverostkoengineering.com
2781 Salt Springs Rd. Youngstown, OH 44509
P: 330-799-1339
GC: J Herbert Construction 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. P.O. Box 1153
Salem, OH 44460
P: 330-332-9259
F: 330-332-1615
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 respon-
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