Client
Saint John School
Location
Ashtabula, OH
Type
Worship, Education
Size
7,000 SF
Saint John School
Multi-phase expansion project with room to grow.
Saint John School, serving students in grades PreK–12, is a private Catholic institution located in Ashtabula, Ohio. Onyx Creative has partnered with the school for its multi-phase expansion efforts, supporting its continued growth and commitment to enhancing the student experience. Funded entirely through donations, each phase has been carefully planned to maximize space, improve efficiency, and remain mindful of budget constraints. The partnership is further strengthened by a personal connection, as Mike Crislip, President of Onyx Creative, is a Saint John alumnus.
The most recent addition includes a flexible high school cafeteria designed to convert into an event space, a commercial kitchen with a large walk-in cooler and prep area, new science laboratories, and upgraded administrative offices. The building was constructed using Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), a system in which lightweight interlocking forms are assembled and filled with concrete, similar in concept to building blocks. This approach streamlines construction, reduces installation time compared to traditional masonry methods, and provides exceptional energy efficiency. The inherent insulating properties of concrete contribute to long-term operational savings, while also delivering enhanced durability and resilience.
Collaboration in construction.
See how the latest Saint John School expansion project optimizes modern building solutions to create a durable and efficient learning environment for students. Architects Todd Nagy and Chris Mierke share valuable insights into their design process and choice to use Nudura’s Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) to bring the cafeteria and advanced learning spaces to life.
“Onyx Creative has been a wonderful partner to work with. As a non-profit organization, it is crucial for us to partner with groups that understand our situation and needs. They have exceeded our expectations. They are ‘artisans’ at the design process, open to our suggestions, flexible in their critiques, work with zoning regulations, and are always professional in their approach and execution.”
Sister Maureen Burke, SND
President
Saint John School
