University School
Middle School Renovation & Expansion

University School is an independent school for boys with two campuses in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. Annum completed a Master Plan for the Lower and Middle School campus located within a National Historic District in Shaker Heights, two phases of the Master Plan have been completed and Phase Three, the renovation and expansion of the Middle School, is in construction.

The design of a new three-story building references the original circa 1926 structure in terms of materiality and scale while providing a flexible and contemporary light-filled setting for teaching and learning. A new building circulation system connects 14 new classrooms with 12 renovated classrooms and labs, as well as a new commons, makerspace, and library. Each grade, 5th through 8th, has its own gathering space for shared class projects and activities while a new center for teaching provides a research and discussion forum for the School’s faculty and visitors from other schools. The reconceived site plan consolidates existing parking to provide tree-shaded outdoor classrooms and between-class break areas.