At Marker Construction, building for education has always meant more than just putting up walls and roofs. It’s about creating spaces where students can dream big, explore boldly, and prepare for the future. That vision came to life with the new Global Impact STEM Academy (GISA) Upper Academy, where Marker proudly served as the Design-Builder for a project that expands access, enhances innovation, and strengthens partnerships across west central Ohio.
Located on the campus of Clark State College in Springfield, the new 29,880-square-foot facility serves students in grades seven through twelve and supports GISA’s mission to provide hands-on, STEM-driven learning experiences. With a future-focused curriculum and rapidly growing enrollment, GISA needed a facility that could evolve with their students. Marker was ready to help make that vision a reality.
A Hub for Innovation and Hands-On Learning
The Upper Academy is far more than a typical school, it’s a center for applied learning and innovation. The building features a suite of high-performance lab environments and academic spaces designed to support STEM education across multiple disciplines. Biochemistry and environmental science labs, a dedicated food science room, an agriculture lab with greenhouse access, and a wing for chemistry and physical sciences are just some of the specialized spaces designed for active learning.
The facility also includes an art room with kiln, general classrooms, a collaborative central common, and a delivery dock to support GISA’s agricultural and lab operations. A secure administrative suite, guidance offices, and a student-friendly outdoor patio round out the space, providing both functionality and flexibility as the school continues to grow.
Design-Build Partnerships. Early Project Delivery.
Marker was selected as the project’s Design-Builder through a competitive qualifications-based process, tasked with leading the project from concept to completion. Working in partnership with WSA Studio for architecture and Choice One Engineering for civil design, Marker managed all aspects of the project. This included preconstruction and utility coordination, steel and framing installation, and custom interior finishes. Marker also self-performed key scopes such as carpentry, door and hardware installation, and the construction of specialty features like corkboard-lined hallways framed with custom wood trim.
Originally scheduled for completion in July 2025, the project was delivered three months early, enabling GISA to begin its first summer session in the new facility in June 2025. This early delivery was achieved through proactive scheduling, seamless coordination, and a team-wide commitment to the client’s vision.
Built on Trust and Teamwork
Throughout the project, communication and trust were essential. The Marker team maintained close contact with GISA leadership and Clark State College to ensure that every decision aligned with the school’s long-term goals. The outcome was not only a completed building, but also a relationship grounded in shared purpose, accountability, and mutual respect. This spirit of collaboration and dedication was evident throughout the team.
The Upper Academy project has been an incredibly collaborative project with GISA, Clark State College, and the Marker team from the very beginning. From the earliest stages of the design process, everyone was actively involved in the design. Josh Jennings with GISA had established a thorough and comprehensive project statement before the team was even assembled and Doug Schantz and Dan Ayars with Clark State were especially helpful. WSA, the architectural firm partnered with Marker, listened to everyone over the course of several months of interactive meetings and diligently incorporated the ideas and needs that came from those meetings into the design.
-John Paulsen, GISA Owner’s Representative
“Finishing early was the result of strong planning, consistent communication, and a team who truly cared. We knew early on how important it was for GISA to have the building ready for summer programming. Everyone involved, from our design partners, to subcontractors, to the field crews took ownership of that goal.”
— Josh Finberg, Senior Project Manager, Marker Construction
“This job was more than managing trades and schedules. It was about delivering a space that inspires learning. We stayed focused, adapted quickly, and worked hard to make sure the final product reflected the passion GISA brings to education. The group of subcontractors we assembled for this project left no doubt about what we were trying to achieve.”
— Alex Yoder, Superintendent, Marker Construction
“This project exemplifies what can be achieved when a client and builder work toward a shared mission. From the beginning, GISA made it clear that this wasn’t just about constructing a building. It was about creating opportunities for students. We are honored to be part of something with such a lasting impact. That’s what made it special.”
— Randy Marker, Project Executive, Marker Construction
A Launchpad for What’s Next
The success of Phase 1 has already set the stage for Phase 2 planning, a strong endorsement of the team’s work and a testament to the value of early collaboration, intentional design, and client-first thinking.
“This was more than a construction project,” said Randy Marker, Project Executive. “It was a collaboration rooted in trust, shared purpose, and a genuine desire to serve students. That’s what made it special.”
At Marker, we define success by the communities we serve and the futures we help shape. Congratulations to GISA on this exciting new chapter and we’re honored to have played a part in building it.