While construction of the new Colerain Elementary School is still a few months away, the project is progressing on schedule.
In late 2024, the state awarded the architecture contract to SHP, and Graybach, LLC was named the construction manager. Both companies bring strong ties to the district and community, which we’re proud to highlight.
SHP
SHP has partnered with Northwest Local School District for over 50 years, completing more than 250 projects, including the design of Pleasant Run, Struble, and Taylor Elementary Schools, which opened in 2018.
Many SHP team members have personal connections to the district. Here are just a few highlights:
Todd Thackery, Senior Management Lead, has collaborated with the district for over 40 years.
Mike Parkinson, Project Management Lead, has led more than 25 district projects over 15 years.
Carrie Malatesta, Interior Design Lead, has collaborated with the district for 25 years.
Jerry Dirr, Director of Construction Services, spent 30 years with the district as a teacher, coach, and Director of Business Services before joining SHP.
SHP looks forward to continuing its legacy of collaboration and innovation, creating a modern learning environment that will serve the community for generations.
Graybach, LLC
Graybach’s ties to Northwest Schools run deep. The company itself was founded just a mile from Colerain Elementary, Middle, and High Schools by Tyson Grace and Pete Subach.
Many team members bring personal connections to the project. About 15% of their employees currently live in the district, and another 20% have lived here during formative parts of their lives.
Team Highlights:
Tyson Grace, Graybach’s co-founder, attended Colerain Elementary and Middle Schools, continuing a family legacy dating back to the 1920s. His father, Len Grace, brother Eric Kattus and nephew Jarrett Grace, are Colerain High School Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.
Chris Wiesman, Lead Project Manager, and Joe Weingartner, Site Superintendent, both live in White Oak.
Trey Stautberg, Assistant Project Manager, grew up in the district, where his family still resides.
Izabella Bellomo, a team member, has strong local ties, with her grandmother living near Houston Elementary, where Izabella learned to ride her bike.
Graybach brings years of experience to school construction, with successful projects for Sycamore, Boone County and Indian Hill Schools. Their blend of personal commitment and professional expertise ensures the Colerain Elementary project will be completed with the highest standards.
Project Overview
The new school will be built on the current site of the Houston Early Learning Center. To facilitate construction:
Preschool Relocation: The preschool will move to the renovated central office site, meeting licensing requirements.
Central Office Transition: The central office will relocate to a smaller rental space, with some staff working in hybrid models or other district buildings.
Funding: One-time renovation costs are covered by restricted funds, and utility savings from the preschool move will help offset rental expenses.
Funding
This is the district’s first state-co-funded project. Additional funding will come from the master facilities plan fund and credits earned from previous projects - no bond issue is needed.
Timeline
January 2025: Central office relocates to rental spaces and district buildings, reducing its footprint by 14,000 square feet.
Summer 2025: Preschool moves to the renovated central office site.
Summer 2025: Demolition begins at the Houston site.
Summer 2027: Construction of the new Colerain Elementary is completed.
Fall 2027: Colerain Elementary opens to students.
For more details, visit:
Master Facility Plan: nwlsd.org/page/master-facility-plan
Construction Update (Dec. 2, 2024): nwlsd.org/article/1899243