LOCATION
Milford Center, Ohio
COMPLETION
2027
SCOPE
Master Planning & Renovations
Garmann Miller partnered with the community and educational leaders of Fairbanks Local Schools (Milford Center, Ohio) to develop a long-term master facility plan. The purpose was to create a plan that offered programming and opportunities for students that the Fairbanks community expects and values.
Over the course of the 12-month process, enrollment assessments were conducted, current facilities were evaluated, and priorities were identified. These efforts resulted in five preliminary design options that were narrowed down to two. Pros and cons were discussed among the Facilities Task Force members and at community meetings. In the end, a hybrid option was developed that took the best parts of each option to create a combined plan.
Phase I of the master plan included a 7,000 sf, two-story addition of elementary classroom space, program design for the middle and high school and other facility projects.
Future plans for the district address the 3 Cs of Facilities in Fairbanks:
- Capacity: Enrollment, classroom availability and district growth
- Curriculum: Facilities and spaces that meet the needs of learners graduating to college, the workforce
- Capital improvements: HVAC, school security and safety, and other physical improvements
GM planners Brian Wolf; Monica Bruaw, CPSM; and CEO Eric Baltzell teamed up with Fairbanks Superintendent Adam Schirg to present “Putting Community First in Planning Your Future” at the 2023 OSBA Capital Conference.
Building on the district's long-range vision, Phase II improvements began in 2025 and focused on enhancing learning environments, campus safety and building systems. Working alongside Elford Construction, Garmann Miller designed a series of renovations that included replacement of the high school HVAC system, a reconfigured high school office to create a secure entrance, restroom renovations and window replacements throughout the middle and high school. Electrical and infrastructure upgrades were also incorporated into the work.
To support continued growth, the district relocated and renovated its board offices to create collaborative workspace for staff, while improvements to campus circulation included the development of a new access road to improve traffic flow and site access.
Additional improvements planned for 2026 include replacement of the middle school HVAC system, renovations to science, agricultural and other instructional spaces, and athletic site enhancements, including a relocated softball field, a new baseball field and a soccer practice field. Together, these investments continue to advance Fairbanks Local Schools' commitment to providing facilities that support student success and serve the evolving needs of the community.