We’re excited to share the first draft renderings of the Pfeiffer Miller South New K-8 Building Project. These early visuals offer a glimpse of what’s being imagined for the future of both schools on the former Kenmore High School site.

Please note: these renderings are conceptual and not final. They are an initial step in the design process and are likely to evolve as planning continues.

Project Overview

• The current plan includes new facilities for both Miller South (grades 4–8, fine arts focus) and Pfeiffer Elementary (grades PreK–5), built together on a shared site.
• Abatement and demolition of the former Kenmore High School building began in Spring 2025, with planned construction set for Spring 2026. The new campus is targeted to open in August 2028.
• The original project budget was $61 million, but increases in square footage along with rising construction costs have led to an estimated shortfall of up to $13 million. To stay on track, adjustments are being made to reduce square footage and scale back certain features.
• The district is continuing to review options to address the budget gap. Design plans will be refined in cooperation with the Board of Education and in collaboration with the district’s construction team.

Understanding the Vision (and the Process)

What's New in Version 3.0

We’ve made several thoughtful updates from Version 2.0 to Version 3.0 of the Pfeiffer-Miller South K-8 building design. These refinements are based on feedback and continued collaboration with educators, architects, and district staff:

Theater Improvements

A crossover has been added to the back of the theater stage, allowing students to move from one side of the stage to the other unseen during performances.

Additional support spaces have been integrated, including dedicated piano storage on stage and improved backstage access, such as stairs to the theater catwalk and light control room.

Enhanced Learning Spaces

Corridor spaces in the Pfeiffer wing have been redistributed to create a more functional and effective Extended Learning Area for students and teachers.

Optimized Mechanical Areas

Mechanical spaces have been resized and reconfigured to better serve the needs of the building and support long-term operations.

Transparency matters. Sharing these early renderings helps keep students, staff, families and community members informed as the project moves forward. While changes are expected, this is an important step toward creating a modern, high-quality learning environment for Akron’s students.

We’ll continue to update this page with revised designs, updated timelines, and next steps as the process continues.

Pfeiffer and Miller South Site Plans

Site Plan 2

Site Plan 3

Site Plan 4

Site Plan 5 

Click Here to watch the video from the September 23 community update meeting

Click Here to see pictures from previous meetings

Akron Public Schools North High School Replacement Project

A NEW NORTH HIGH SCHOOL FOR A NEW ERA

Akron Public Schools is building more than just a school- we're creating a vibrant new home for learning, growth, and community pride.

The new North High School will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to inspire students, support teachers, and serve as a gathering place for the entire community. Featuring modern classrooms, a 750-seat auditorium, athletic fields, and inviting spaces, this $85 million investment marks a bold step toward Akron's educational future.

To realize this vision, Akron Public Schools has partnered with Hasenstab Architects and Moody Nolan.

• Hasenstab Architects has been serving Akron Public Schools for more than 40 years, completing over 40 projects that reflect a deep understanding of the district's needs.
• Moody Nolan, the largest African American-owned architecture firm in the nation, is celebrated for forward-thinking design and has been recognized as an AIA Architecture Firm Award Winner and one of Fast Company's most innovative firms.

This design team blends trusted local experience with nationally recognized innovation, united in their commitment to creating a school that reflects Akron's spirit, celebrates its diversity, and prepares students for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Opening in 2029/2030, North High School will be a place where students dream bigger, achieve more, and celebrate what it means to be part of Akron.

Approximate Building Size: 190,000 SF for 1,100 students in grade 9-12 with a 750-seat auditorium.

Site: The new building and athletic fields will be built on the current site with the current building remaining in operation throughout construction.

Approximate Cost: Current budget is $85 million, which is funded locally.

PROJECTED TIMELINE: WHAT TO EXPECT

Community Meeting #1-  meeting updates and meeting presentation 

Contract negotiations with the firm have been completed, and the finalized contract will also be presented for approval at the November 3rd Board Meeting.

Paul Davis Restoration will meet with athletic coaches during the week of October 20th to review equipment replacement options.