In an early April Community Construction Update meeting, ThenDesign Architecture presented the preliminary schematic design for the new Brunswick High School. The 302,000 SF school will contain academic space designed for 21st-century education, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and a competition gymnasium that holds 2,000 spectators.

“Tonight, we are really excited to share with you the journey we have been on and the process we have been through to create a building that this community can be proud of,” commented Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer.

The schematic design results from hundreds of hours working with BCSD staff, architects, engineers, and construction professionals. The interior layout is tailored to the district’s operations and how it can suit the needs of Brunswick City School students.

The building has three points of entry: the North, West, and South. Bus traffic will be routed to the west lot, with those students entering there, while visitors and parents can drop off students to the south, while the north lot will be used for students who drive. This lot will also be used as the event entry for the athletic and performance facilities.

The front of the building, which faces Center Road, is a two-story academic wing and is anchored by student services at its center. The compact nature of the structure allows students to travel more easily between classes and shared spaces. They will be taking advantage of this new modern educational environment, which is tailored to the needs of the district and the challenges they will face after high school.

ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Ryan Schmit noted the project’s importance, “It takes vision to build a school. It takes the commitment of hundreds of hours from many people, including the Board of Education, administration, teachers, students, parents, city officials, and community members, to achieve such a worthy cause.”

Being a Hilltop alumnus, Beachwood Mayor Justin Berns had a personal connection to the occasion. “A new school signifies a fresh start,” he noted, “A renewed commitment to education, a place to discover new and exciting ways to learn, and a place where you will build friendships that last a lifetime.”

The Beachwood community supported the new schools initiative in May 2023 by approving a 3.95-mill bond issue. Ongoing community involvement is key to the project’s design and construction phases. The schools are being designed by ThenDesign Architecture, with Hammond Construction operating as the Construction Manager At Risk.

Senior Seminar teacher Mark Belkofer focused on the benefits of student involvement, “The most important thing we can do is put this in their hands,” he said. “Their collective ideas could help shape what they believe a 21st-century educational space should be.”

The Senior Seminar class has three co-teachers, including Michelle Raglow and Colin Smith. Colin said his focus was to allow students to express their ideas, “My job is to make sure their voices are heard, not to make changes to their designs. They did a great job talking to teachers to find out what they wanted for the new high school.”

“These talented students came up with their concepts based on their experiences and research,” said Senior Seminar teacher Michelle Raglow. “Now, they have an authentic audience in TDA and the administration. What an incredible experience it was for them to be able to present and really be listened to.”