What's Happening in Westlake, OH…

A new school for grades 6 through 12 is rising in North Olmsted, on Butternut Ridge Road. The complex, which carries a price tag of $90 million, will comprise a high school, middle school, athletic complex, and performing arts center.

The new campus is sited on the old middle school's footprint, and that of its administrative offices. The former middle school was 85 years old. School officials believe the new school will change the character of the Butternut Ridge corridor, as well as providing access to the public library. The Cuyahoga County Public Library system has a branch in North Olmsted, and both it and the new school feature architecture in the Georgian style. The middle and high schools will be housed in separate wings, and have separate entrances.

Although the new campus will be an up-to-date facility, it will honor its past. Two trees, an elm and a butternut, were on the campus of the old middle school. Eagle sculptures were created from their wood, and will be saved and be part of the new campus.

The new school complex should be completed sometime in mid-2018, as work is currently on schedule. Parents in North Olmsted, Fairview Park, and other communities are invited to keep an eye on the construction.

A new school is of importance to people throughout the entire area. Officials could work with a newsletter printing company to create a newsletter to keep residents in communities with potential students updated on progress.