Cleveland Metropolitan School District

Project Introduction Narrative:

Marion C. Seltzer is a PreK-8 school in the Cudell neighborhood of Cleveland's west side, serving over 400 students. Located in a historic landmark district, the school is adjacent to the popular Cudell Recreation Center and Cudell Fine Arts. The City of Cleveland also recently approved the permanent installation of the Tamir Rice Memorial Garden on ground situated between the recreation center and the new school. Collectively this block is commonly known as Cudell Commons.

In early 2022, design began for a NEW Marion C. Seltzer School which is part of CMSDs Segment 8 of the District’s school modernization program. The new school will replace the current school’s 3-story, 47,000-sf structure. It will be built just north of the School’s parking lot and south of the Clock Tower.

The new 67,000-sf school will provide students with a safe, modern, and accessible educational environment. Features of the new design include, expanded technology for academic spaces and new dedicated teaching spaces for art, music and physical education. Student dining and an updated media center will provide open space for collaboration. Site accessibility, including ADA access to the school, will be incorporated and each classroom is designed to receive daylight to improve students’ overall mental health.

The new school is designed to integrate into Cudell Commons with new playgrounds and age-appropriate equipment. A new U10 athletic field, to be constructed on the site of the current school after the new school opens, will support soccer and other outdoor organized sports spsonsored by the School and community organizations. Parking will be expanded onsite and a new secure entry simplifies student and visitor access.

About

The current Marion C. Seltzer was built in 1972. This 3-story, 47,000 sf building sits in a residential, urban environment inside a local landmark district adjacent to the Cudell Recreation Center. The school is built from structural masonry and clad in a brick veneer unique to local architecture. Academic spaces are stacked in an "L shape," with a skylight allowing daylight to reach interior spaces. Student Dining doubles as the school’s gymnasium and is one of the school’s primary gathering spaces.  

The 2-acre site accommodates a playground, easy access to the Cudell Recreation Center and other sports facilities. A green at the rear of the school is used for a variety of school activities and community events.

Marion C. Seltzer, in partnership with the community, celebrates each child’s unique abilities, culture and experiences, with an eye on developing the next generation of productive, global citizens. The diverse student body represents 17 languages and 27 countries.

Mission Statement

Marion C. Seltzer School is where scholars learn in a safe learning environment and receive daily instruction in a rigorous academic curriculum. Weekly instruction is offered in core academic subjects as well as music, art, media, physical education in order to meet the needs of the whole child.

District Contact