St. Edward High School completes $7 million commons expansion

LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Roughly 14 months after its groundbreaking, the St. Edward High School’s $7 million expansion is now complete. The only thing missing are students, who are expected back Sept. 16 to the Lakewood campus.

“It’s awesome,” St. Eds President Jim Kubacki said. “Construction went very smoothly, and it’s a lot bigger than people think.”

Located on the south side of the school, the 15,000-square foot addition includes the Marilyn and David Palisin Commons with seating on the main floor, as well as in a mezzanine that connects directly to the second level of the existing school building.

The construction also includes a new cafeteria and main entrance. The former allows for more healthy food options; the latter adds a safety component.

The Patton Mezzanine facing the Hennessy Dining Hall in St. Edward High School’s new Marilyn and David Palisin Commons. (Photo courtesy of St. Edward High School)

“Everything about the interior of the building we wanted to be warm,” Kubacki said. “There’s a fireplace and the flooring has a wood look. When our kids are in the building — in between sports and plays and all kinds of activities — they actually live here, so now it feels like home. There’s also a lot of flexibility to the spaces.”

The president noted over the last two years the school has added 35,000 square feet, including the $5.5 million Lowe Institute of Innovation that enhances the school’s science, engineering and entrepreneurship programs.

A centerpiece to the Marilyn and David Palisin Commons is a mural by Lakewood’s George Vlosich, who previously painted a similar work in the Innovation Center.

George Vlosich painted a mural in St. Edward High School’s Marilyn and David Palisin Commons. (Photo courtesy of St. Edward High School)

The GV Art and Design artist depicted the history of both the Congregation of Holy Cross and St. Edward High School in his new 18-foot mural.

“It’s just stunning,” Kubacki said. “The mural highlights the important elements of our school. There’s our four pillars — faith, excellence, relationships and servant leadership — as well as how we’re committed to developing the hearts and minds of our students.

“George expanded our shield, so you can see the book ‘veritas’ that represents the academic exploration and truth. The dove represents the Holy Spirit. This mural just captures the spirit of our school.”

The only change to the project was the roughly $250,000 addition of new windows along the south side of the building, which faces Detroit Avenue.

“We figured we had to do it,” Kubacki said. “They look beautiful, and it kind of creates a front campus a little bit.”

Considering St. Edward High School just completed two major capital projects, what’s next in its future?

“We want to now take a step back, take a breath and reevaluate all of the upcoming needs,” Kubacki said. “The one thing we will focus on now is more planned giving because that’s where you build your endowment, which will provide student aid. That will always be aggressive for us.”

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