Massive School Construction Project Squandering Opportunities

A $1.5 Billion school construction project could revitalize Cleveland and redefine urban schools.

1 minute read

February 25, 2004, 6:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"These should be days of glory for the architecture of Cleveland public schools. Instead, they're becoming days of mediocrity...If ever there were an opportunity for excellence in architecture and planning -- and a chance for Cleveland to distinguish itself nationally -- this is it...It's a chance to revitalize Cleveland, to reinvent urban schools for the 21st century and to preserve historic buildings capable of meeting new educational standards.During the next decade, the district plans to build 51 schools and renovate 59...With so much money coming from the state, the school project represents a rare and massive infusion of cash into a city fighting poverty, physical decay and the loss of jobs and people. But critics say the school district is settling for second-rate design and spurning offers of help from local experts and community organizations."

Thanks to Sarah Wean

Sunday, February 22, 2004 in The Cleveland Plain Dealer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Close-up of traffic congestion from behind cars on a freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop

When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

March 17, 2025 - Todd Litman

Close-up on 45 mph speed limit sign with part of Golden Gate Bridge visible in background, San Francisco, California.

San Francisco Turns On California’s First Speed Cameras

The city is the first in the state to use automated traffic enforcement to reduce speeding and traffic deaths.

4 hours ago - KQED

Downtown Los Angeles skyline viewed from the northwest on a sunny day with scattered clouds.

Shaping LA’s Future: Public Voting Opens for LA2050 Grants

The LA2050 Grants Challenge invites Angelenos to vote on the top issues facing Los Angeles, helping direct $3 million in funding to organizations working to build a more connected and resilient region.

5 hours ago - MyNewsLA.com

White CTA bus and elevated train against sunset sky in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago Transit Agencies on Brink of Major Crisis

Without additional funding, regional transit agencies will be forced to cut services by 40 percent.

6 hours ago - Mass Transit