Case Western Reserve’s think[ box ] project has always been a little different. From its lower-case name to its basement “startup” space, the innovation hub has consistently defied convention as it sought to become a full-sized reality.
Little wonder, then, that when it came time for construction to start, the kickoff was anything but a traditional groundbreaking with hard hats and shovels. Instead university leaders and the project’s leading supporters each flipped a large switch Thursday night, sending a video version of a think[ box ] rocket toward the sky—complete with rumbling engines and actual plumes of smoke filling the tent on Toby’s Plaza.
Renovation work begins this fall on the first phase of the seven-story, 55,000-square-foot space that will house think[ box ], with plans for that initial portion to be completed within a year. Located in a storage structure located on the southwest edge of campus, think[ box ] will feature large workshop spaces, meeting rooms, and even offices for entrepreneurial advisers.
To date, President Barbara R. Snyder said Thursday night, think[ box ] supporters have contributed more than $25 million. Among those present during the formal celebration were:
- Alumni Larry and Sally Sears, who committed $5 million;
- Alumnus Barry Romich, who initially committed $1 million and then doubled his commitment this summer;
- Alumna Gini Barbato, representing the Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund;
- Invacare Chairman Mal Mixon and alumnus and President of Invacare Technologies J.B. Richey, who together committed $5 million to name the building
- State Sen. Tom Patton and Lorain County Community College President Roy Church, whose support and collaboration helped the university secure $1 million from the State of Ohio.
President Snyder also cited two other significant supporters unable to attend Thursday’s celebration. For example, she said, alumnus James Wyant had announced a $3 million commitment to the project last week during the dedication of the Wyant Wellness and Athletic Center. In addition, she noted, 1943 chemical engineering graduate Cloud Cray had pledged $2 million to the project.
“He recognizes the importance of think[ box ] to our students and the broader economy,” President Snyder said, “… and we could not be more grateful.”