Seniors Create Plans That Revitalize City Identity

Before the first shovel hits the dirt, senior industrial and innovative design students at Cedarville University are already shaping the future of Broadview Heights, Ohio. As part of a senior-level architecture course, the students drafted a master plan and digital renderings for a more vibrant, connected city — centered around a “library of the future.”     

Real-World Architecture Experience Through the ICC 

This hands-on collaboration with the city of Broadview Heights and the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission is consistent with the projects and partnerships of the International Center for Creativity (ICC). Partnered with Cedarville, the ICC offers the leading design educational program among Christian universities and emphasizes giving students industry experience. These projects provide communities with visionary concepts — often at no cost — and give students a competitive edge as they enter the workforce. 

Building Skills in Urban Planning and Design 

“The goal is to give the students a lifelike project to work on,” said Timothy Hunsicker, course instructor for the ICC and architecture design professional. “We are simulating what they might experience in the work world. Students work in teams, and they learn to work with other people. I want them to gain an appreciation for what goes into master planning and architectural design in the economic, social and built world.” 

Designing a “Library of the Future” 

The eight-week course, Architectural and Exterior Space Design and Interior Architecture, began on Oct. 20 with a site visit to Broadview Heights and a meeting with city officials and the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission. Students toured the city center and potential locations for the proposed library — equipping them to design plans and spaces that support community identity, accessibility and long-term growth.  

Preparing Future Innovators in Architecture and Design 

The course concluded on Dec. 11, when the students presented their proposals to the mayor and members of the local planning committee. Hunsicker, who grew up in Broadview Heights, sees the project as a win for both the community and his students. 

“My hope is, even if the students do not go into architecture or architectural design, that they have a greater appreciation for the built environment and how that impacts the lives that we live,” said Hunsicker. “Good design impacts us positively. Bad design impacts us negatively. I hope that students will have a better appreciation of the built environment after completing this project.” 

About Cedarville University 

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.