The past, present and future converged at the Main Library in downtown Toledo on Oct. 17, 2025. Fans of local history and architecture discovered and explored how buildings across the state of Ohio have been preserved and repurposed over time thanks to Toledo-based media thinkhub, Midstory, at the grand opening and public screening of their newest exhibition and mini-documentary series, “With|Standing.”
The project examined the transformation, adaptation and reimagination of Ohio’s buildings through the lens of six unique architectural sites across the state.
Opening remarks were given by Jason Kucsma, executive director of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Todd Kleismit, executive director of the America 250-Ohio Commission which was a sponsor of the project and Samuel Chang, president of Midstory.
During the project introduction, Ruth Chang, the creative director at Midstory, gave the audience the backstory of the project.
“‘With|Standing’ is a story about architecture, but also about the people and the place, and we explore the relationship of how people, place, building sites withstood time. And also all of the factors that came with time – industrial changes, immigration changes, the politics that have happened,” Chang said.
The sites showcased in “With|Standing” ranged from locations in major urban areas in Columbus, Cleveland, and Toledo to more rural sites in Oberlin and Maineville. Many of the sites were left abandoned or underused until recent developments allowed for these spaces to be revitalized and used for a new purpose.
“The name [of the project] really comes from this idea that in order to stand, there are all these forces against you,” Chang said. “[A]nd yet something stands.”
While the histories and designs of all six buildings are unique, a major theme that connects all of them together is community. Today, the buildings have been repurposed as community centers, living spaces, schools, manufacturing facilities, business spaces and more.
“Buildings that withstand are not just buildings that have architectural merit … they withstand also because the community just loves them. It might not have anything to do with the ego or the intent of the architect,” Chang said.
When renovating the buildings, it was critical to ensure that the past, present and future were all kept in mind – breathing new life into the spaces while keeping the original architecture and features of the original buildings. By allowing these buildings to stand and be recontextualized for a new era in this way, it allows people to consider the future, live in the present and be aware of the past all at the same time.
The sites shown in “With|Standing” are only a few examples of this unique revitalization trend occurring across Ohio and the entire country. The hope is that by showcasing these sites, they can act as a blueprint for future renovations of other similar spaces.
The “With|Standing” exhibit can be found in the gallery space at the Main Library, and will remain open to the public through the end of 2025. The project can also be viewed digitally on Midstory’s website.
