Through continued partnership and technical support, Kleinfelder helped the City of Lima secure $50,000 in grant funding to advance the Cheryl Allen Community Center revitalization.
The City of Lima, Ohio, has been selected as one of 25 recipients in T-Mobile’s latest round of Hometown Grants, securing $50,000 to support improvements to the Cheryl Allen Community Center (historically known as the Mizpah Community Center). Kleinfelder, led by Paulette Mills, supported the City through the grant application process, demonstrating how our teams help clients move projects forward beyond design and into funding and delivery.
Supporting the Project from Design to Funding
This funding marks an important step forward in the ongoing revitalization of the community center, a long-standing resource for Lima’s Southside neighborhood. The project aims to restore the facility as a hub for education, job training, and family support, building on its legacy as a cornerstone of the community.
Kleinfelder has been closely involved in the project since July 2025, when the City approved the team to provide comprehensive architectural and engineering services for the renovation and potential expansion of the facility. Amanda Kight, AIA, is leading the design effort, working closely with the City and community partners to advance the vision for the center.
“It has been a pleasure working with the City of Lima and project stakeholders to design new life into this community asset,” said Amanda. “We took care in the design decisions to make the project’s budget stretch as much as possible to address programming goals, while also creating an inviting space that will support multiple generations of residents in the neighborhood.”
The team has supported design development, cost evaluations, and coordination with key stakeholders, including the Philippian Missionary Baptist Church, which will operate many of the center’s programs.
Victoria “Tori” Martinez also played a key role in securing this latest funding, leading development of the successful grant application that helped the City obtain the T-Mobile Hometown Grant.
“Our team has worked closely with the City and community partners to shape a solution that meets local needs,” said Paulette. “Securing this funding helps keep that momentum going.”
Advancing Community Impact
The renovation scope includes upgraded mechanical and electrical systems, expanded multipurpose and classroom spaces, improved accessibility, and enhancements to support community programming. A potential addition will further expand training and learning opportunities for residents.
Kleinfelder’s involvement in both the design and funding phases highlights the value of supporting our clients across the full project lifecycle. By helping secure critical funding, the team is enabling the City to advance the project toward construction, which is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027.