LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- The Lakewood Architectural Board of Review recently approved design plans for Grant, Lincoln, and Roosevelt elementary schools.

The approvals allow the city to move forward with demolishing existing structures and constructing new buildings at the sites. Demolition started last week on Lincoln Elementary School. Grant and then Roosevelt will be demolished next, likely starting next month.

Bryce Sylvester, city planner and secretary for the architectural review board, said the school district's plans incorporate high-quality materials, thoughtful detailing, and contextual designs that fit in nicely with the city's architectural landscape.

"All three schools are good examples of quality institutional design," Sylvester said. "Each school, Lincoln, Grant and Roosevelt, will be welcomed additions to our streetscapes and our neighborhoods."

Completion of the three elementary schools is expected for fall 2016. The board approved the plans Jan. 8.

The architectural board of review in the future will examine plans for replacing the eastern half of Lakewood High School. Completion of the high school is expected in fall 2017.

The school district is spending $100 million, half in state funding, to build the three new schools and rebuild half the high school.

Additional information about the school construction projects is available on the Lakewood city school district's website.

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