Here in Cleveland, we know the term Rust Belt all too well. It refers to a certain state of disrepair clinging to a city ridden with declining industrial roots. Cleveland, a steel-producing city that is intrinsically linked to the Rust Belt, rose from the ashes of industry and revitalized the city with a stunning culture that has transformed entire neighborhoods. The rebirth that occurred in Cleveland was not unusual, as changes like this have occurred throughout the state. Many cities have seen their own structures find a new life, and some, like this one landmark institution, were once in a state of total neglect. You won’t believe how the ruins of this former school near Cleveland were transformed.

Welcome to The Vermillion Institute, a building that stood in a state of ruin for eight long decades.

Ohio Redevelopment Projects - ODSA/Flickr Even from the outside, the remains of this former school near Cleveland were very clearly derelict. Windows were missing, its gable roof discolored, and its former identity was completely obscured.

This building served as a center for higher learning for some of the earliest students in the state. Its cornerstone was set in 1845.

Ohio Redevelopment Projects - ODSA/Flickr

The Civil War, however, took its toll on school attendance as staff and students alike left to fight.

Ohio Redevelopment Projects - ODSA/Flickr In its early years, many prominent thinkers walked through these halls. At max enrollment, 600 great minds strolled the school grounds. However, as students left to serve their country, the building (and the surrounding structures that once decorated school grounds) had its fate sealed.

This building went on to house a private academy and Hayesville High School, though it was ultimately abandoned circa 1929.

Ohio Redevelopment Projects - ODSA/Flickr

The building’s hardy brick design allowed it to remain standing, but the years were not kind to it.

Ohio Redevelopment Projects - ODSA/Flickr Decrepit and heartbreaking, this structure decayed inside and out. Many of the surrounding buildings disappeared, and it lost many of its identifying elements as time passed it by.

This is how the structure looked when Steven McQuillin of Steven Mcquillin & Associates, a group with expertise in the preservation of historic structures, purchased the building in 2011.

Ohio Redevelopment Projects - ODSA/Flickr

Though he had to gut the structure, McQuillin reinforced the walls and introduced electrical wiring.

Ohio Redevelopment Projects - ODSA/Flickr Slowly but surely, the building reentered the modern age under the guidance of these preservation consultants.

McQuillin and team also introduced a brand new tower to the building, bringing the building one step closer to its former glory.

Ohio Redevelopment Projects - ODSA/Flickr

Inside and out, his team added tiny touches - including crown molding and rich cherry wood accents - to slowly breath new life into a once-decaying building.

Ohio Redevelopment Projects - ODSA/Flickr It took half a decade and hundreds of thousands of dollars, but the long-forgotten building transformed into something truly incredible.

The final result of their efforts is downright breathtaking.

Vermillion Institute/Facebook

Gorgeous and beloved once again, this stunning structure now is home to the same team of building preservation consultants that saved it.

Ohio Redevelopment Projects - ODSA/Flickr McQuillin formerly worked at Nela Park in East Cleveland, and he has also helped preserve the Terminal Tower and the Higbee Building in Cleveland. Located an hour south of the city, this stunning structure is truly a testament to the great minds that this region has produced - and will continue to produce in the future.

History hides in plain sight in Hayesville, Ohio.

Vermillion Institute/Facebook

It’s absolutely incredible to see how one building can change so dramatically. How has Cleveland changed over your lifetime? Have you noticed any spectacular renovations? Share your stories with us in the comments below!

Ohio Redevelopment Projects - ODSA/Flickr

Even from the outside, the remains of this former school near Cleveland were very clearly derelict. Windows were missing, its gable roof discolored, and its former identity was completely obscured.

In its early years, many prominent thinkers walked through these halls. At max enrollment, 600 great minds strolled the school grounds. However, as students left to serve their country, the building (and the surrounding structures that once decorated school grounds) had its fate sealed.

Decrepit and heartbreaking, this structure decayed inside and out. Many of the surrounding buildings disappeared, and it lost many of its identifying elements as time passed it by.

Slowly but surely, the building reentered the modern age under the guidance of these preservation consultants.

It took half a decade and hundreds of thousands of dollars, but the long-forgotten building transformed into something truly incredible.

Vermillion Institute/Facebook

McQuillin formerly worked at Nela Park in East Cleveland, and he has also helped preserve the Terminal Tower and the Higbee Building in Cleveland. Located an hour south of the city, this stunning structure is truly a testament to the great minds that this region has produced - and will continue to produce in the future.

For more information about the Vermillion Institute, check out its Facebook page here.

Were you amazed by this glimpse into the life of a historic building? You may be interested in learning about how the Cleveland Aquarium of yore has changed.

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