A New Chapter of Innovation at Mercy Academy

The new Dr. Sheri Kalbfleisch Innovation Center at Mercy Academy represents more than an addition to campus—it is a forward-looking environment designed to evolve alongside the way students learn. As part of Omni Architects’ ongoing commitment to creating spaces that support education, collaboration, and discovery, the facility has been carefully crafted to foster flexibility, creativity, and engagement across disciplines.

At the heart of the design is adaptability. Classrooms are intentionally flexible, allowing them to shift in real time to support a range of teaching styles and learning modalities. Surrounding these spaces are a variety of collaboration zones and hands-on learning environments, including digital labs, a teaching kitchen, and a business center—each encouraging students to explore connections between STEM, entrepreneurship, and real-world applications.

The building itself serves as a teaching tool. Open, welcoming interiors promote visibility and connection, while exposed systems provide insight into how the facility operates. Outdoor learning environments extend the classroom beyond the building’s walls, reinforcing the importance of wellness, sustainability, and experiential learning. Every design decision was made with intention—supporting Mercy’s mission while responding to the character and context of its campus.

A defining aspect of the project is the role students played in shaping its vision. Through their input, the design reflects not only current educational needs but also the aspirations of future generations of Mercy learners.

The Dr. Sheri Kalbfleisch Innovation Center stands as an investment in the future of STEM education—one that empowers students with the spaces, tools, and inspiration to learn, collaborate, and innovate.

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