Building Towards our Future: How We’ve Upgraded Our Spaces in 2025
With generous support from Senator Sandra O’Brien and the Ohio Department of Development, Fairmount was able to make major upgrades to our beloved 55-year-old Novelty Castle this past year.
First, we addressed the not-so-glamorous but absolutely essential water and sewer systems. These behind-the-scenes systems received key repairs and replacements, ensuring both improved functionality and long-term reliability.
Next, we turned our attention to refreshing some of our interior spaces, with most of the work taking place over the spring and summer on the 2nd floor. In the Libby Lubinger Studio, the original wood floors were refinished to a smooth, gleaming finish. The upstairs lobby and bathroom received brand new flooring, replacing worn and uneven tiles, while the music studios got new sound-dampening carpets to enhance both comfort and acoustics. Old rubber stair guards were replaced with sleek new covers that seamlessly match the upper and lower landings. To top it off, new sound panels were installed in the music studios, further improving sound quality for every practice and performance.
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After
Another key part of this glow-up took place throughout the building. Overhead and directional LED lights were installed in the art room and on the first floor, brightening spaces while helping our artists see colors more vividly. These new lights are not only a huge upgrade in quality, but they’re also more environmentally friendly than the old fluorescent fixtures. On top of that, new fans were added to the first and second floors, keeping our spaces comfortable for everyone year-round.
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After
But we’re not done yet! In December, the first-floor bathroom will be reconfigured to remove the double doors, making it more accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. We’ll also be replacing the original sound panels on the Libby Lubinger Studio ceiling to further enhance acoustics. On top of that, volunteers from Shook Construction recently lent a helping hand by cleaning, painting, and updating fixtures throughout the building, helping us put the finishing touches on this exciting refresh.
