Call to Action:

1. Learn how to incorporate creative partnerships in your projects – this project partnered with: Battelle, The Ohio State University, Ohio STEM Learning Network, Ohio Early College Association and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.
2. Understand how you can use adaptive reuse to breathe new life into an old facility.
3. Learn about the STEM – Mastery-based system at Metro and how that could apply to your school or project.

Abstract: Take a historic look at the country’s first Junior High School and its evolution to today and looking to the future, told through lens of Metro Schools...The Metro School’s vision is to provide a small and intellectually vibrant learning community designed to serve students who want a personalized learning experience that prepares them for a connected world where math, science, and technology are vitally important. All Metro students engage in a personally relevant and academically rigorous curriculum within a safe and trusting environment. To bring this facility to its second life, a unique partnership was formed with Battelle, the world’s largest non-profit research and development organization, The Ohio State University, Ohio STEM Learning Network, Ohio Early College Association and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. Indianola Junior High School organized in September 1909 at Sixteenth and Indianola Avenues, first of its kind in these United States was reorganized in this building September 1929. The transformation of the country’s first junior high school, built by renowned architect Howard Dwight Smith into a vibrant STEM/community center represents a significant milestone in preserving historical architecture while adapting to contemporary needs. This project, initiated to save the deteriorating structure, has successfully repurposed the building into a multifunctional space that serves educational, cultural, and social purposes. The renovation process involved meticulous restoration of the original architectural elements, ensuring the preservation of its historical integrity. The new school, also serving as a community center, now hosts a variety of activities, including adult education classes, art exhibitions, and local events, fostering a sense of community and continuity. This initiative not only preserves a piece of educational history but also breathes new life into the community, demonstrating the potential of adaptive reuse in heritage conservation. Through another community partnership, the Nationwide Children’s Clinic school-based health center is in the main office of the middle and high school campus and is open to all Metro Schools’ students and community members.

Learning Objectives:

1. Cultural and Educational Enrichment: Appreciate the value of integrating cultural, educational, and social activities within a single space to enhance community well-being and lifelong learning opportunities. Learn how the Metro curriculum, mission and vision informed the design of the renovated historic building.
2. Diverse Community and Partnerships: Recognize the role of adaptive reuse in fostering community engagement and continuity through the creation of multifunctional spaces that serve diverse community needs. Learn how a unique group of community partners supported this effort.
3. Historical Preservation Awareness: Understand the importance of preserving historical buildings and the methods used to maintain architectural integrity during renovation projects while meeting the needs of tomorrow’s learners.
4. Sustainable Development: Explore the principles of sustainable development and how repurposing existing structures can contribute to environmental conservation and resource efficiency.