Glasstown Green - Aurora Center
Design problem
The 2025 High School Design Competition Committee invited proposals to expand services at the Aurora Project, Inc. campus in Toledo’s Vistula District. Aurora Project supports unhoused women and children with transitional housing, life skills training, trauma support, employment readiness, and family services—but has outgrown its space.
Students are asked to design a 4,000-square-foot “Learning Center” on the vacant lot adjacent to Aurora House. The one- to two-story building should include training rooms, medical and counseling spaces, children’s support areas, maker space, flexible program space, support offices, and a welcoming new entrance that connects to the existing facility while buffering residents, staff, and visitors.
Designs must respect the historic district context and consider neighboring campus buildings, views, and access. The storage shed may be removed. Plans should reorganize parking to accommodate 16 vehicles (minimum 5,000 square feet) and incorporate sustainable strategies and landscaping that complements the campus garden. Aurora Project looks forward to students’ visions for “New Beginnings.”
Originally started in 1950 with 23 entries from three high schools, AIA Toledo's high school student design competition has grown exponentially. We’ve proudly hosted as many as 206 entries from up to 25 area high schools. AIA Toledo is particularly proud of the HSDC, as it holds the distinction of being one of the longest-running programs of its kind in the history of The American Institute of Architects (AIA). This legacy of excellence is a testament to the dedication and hard work of both the students and the advisors who participate each year.
Student solution
Glasstown Green Aurora Center is a project focusing on modernity, originality, locality, and history. The scheme uses local and historical materials while giving the style and feel of a contemporary modern design. The street side of the building is a timber frame, in honor of the great history of barns and homes in Ohio, and built with the technology and experience. The exterior is finished with wood and lime plaster, traditional materials for the area. The east side of the building is a curved glass entry and walkway—a tribute to Toledo’s history of glass production. Finally, the building has numerous sustainability features: a green roof, grasscrete parking, large windows for natural lighting, and a fresh water gathering system on the northern side of the roof.
