OH WOW! Children's Center

Located at 15 Central Square in downtown Youngstown, Ohio, OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology underwent a major renovation in 2020–2021 to improve visitor access, circulation, educational programming, and the museum experience. Phillips Sekanick Architects worked in association with CambridgeSeven Architects, combining local architectural knowledge with CambridgeSeven’s children’s museum and exhibit-design experience. OH WOW! occupies the historic former McCrory Building in the heart of downtown Youngstown.

A key element of the renovation was relocating the primary entrance from West Federal Street to Central Square, creating a safer, more visible arrival for families, school groups, and visitors. The redesigned first floor reorganized circulation and exhibit areas, refreshed finishes and lighting, and improved acoustic conditions. Administrative offices were moved to the second floor, freeing approximately 2,500 square feet for expanded public and educational use.

New hands-on learning spaces included a Sensory Sensitive Room, Microelectronics Lab, and House of Shine, an exhibit focused on mental health and personal well-being. The Microelectronics Lab was developed with Youngstown State University and other partners, reinforcing OH WOW!’s mission of engaging children in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The project also incorporated sustainable reuse of existing exhibit cabinetry, furnishings, signage, and other components. The original illuminated OH WOW! exterior sign was repurposed within the redesigned gift shop.

The renovated center reopened in May 2021. The project demonstrates Phillips Sekanick Architects’ experience in educational architecture, museum renovation, adaptive reuse, public and community facilities, interior renovation, and collaborative project delivery, while supporting the continued vitality of downtown Youngstown.