The state of Ohio is rich with unique history and culture, reflected by its diverse landscapes, vibrant communities and the people who call it home. However, one area full of history that people tend to forget about is the buildings. Ohio’s buildings play a vital role in showcasing both its history as well as its modern innovations and potential for the future.

Cleveland played a major role in helping shape Ohio into what it is today and continues to be an important part of its economy, culture, transportation and manufacturing. Located in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood, The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) headquarters have played a central part in the city’s manufacturing, innovation and technology advancement, supporting both industries and students. 

Before renovations, MAGNET’s current building was a school. However, after a significant drop in enrollment in 2011, MAGNET moved into the building and expanded the space to create a more inviting environment for the community. This included building a playground, opening up balconies inside the building and constructing large glass windows along the walls of the space. 

Now, the space serves as a hub where students learn, children play and people of all ages develop new skills.

Cleveland’s MAGNET headquarters, along with five other buildings located in Toledo, Oberlin, Columbus and Mainville, are featured in “With|Standing,” a documentary mini-series by the multimedia storytelling nonprofit Midstory. The opening event screening took place on Oct. 17 at the main branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library where the exhibit will remain up until the end of the year. “With|Standing” features both the mini-series and an informative and visual exhibition which includes audio and video viewing stations, maps and architectural drawings. Viewers can visit and listen to each documentary thanks to the headphones supplied at each station. They can also scan a QR code provided for each documentary that will take them to the website to learn more information. Once finished, people can get a stamp in a personal stampbook for each building they learned about. 

The documentaries are now online at the website midstory.org/with-standing. Viewers can now access the documentaries from home and read a story that dives deeper into the history and impact of these buildings, as well as the people who helped shape them into what they are today.