CIM’s Kulas Hall Renovation Project nominated for 2026 NAIOP Award of Excellence

Months after it opened, CIM’s new Kulas Hall is still attracting significant attention.  

Corroborating the praise of students, faculty, and guests, the new space has been nominated for a 2026 Award of Excellence by the Northern Ohio chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP). The hall is nominated in the category of Construction or Renovation Project of the Year.  

“It’s a tremendous honor to have Kulas Hall at the Cleveland Institute of Music recognized in this way,” said Paul W. Hogle, CIM’s President & CEO.  

“This renovation was guided by a deep respect for its history and a shared belief in its future as a vibrant, welcoming space for our remarkable students and the community.” 

Kulas Hall is one of 10 projects in its division at NAIOP. It’s the only project in the performing arts and the one most widely accessible to the public.  

Still, according to nominator Jack Kellogg, project executive with Turner Construction, if Kulas Hall has an edge at the awards ceremony May 13, it’s in the nature of the work itself.  

He said Kulas project was unusual in it that entailed installing a high-performance acoustic space inside an existing structure, and took place in a facility where noise is particularly problematic. It required the company to exercise special care with a new product (wood terrazzo), work at odd hours, and complete as much as possible off-site.  

“This one was a little unique,” Kellogg said. “I’ve never worked on a project where acoustics drove every bit of the design to such a high standard, or where students were there, focused specifically on sound and acoustics.” 

Renovation of Kulas Hall began in May 2024 and concluded last September. The $22 million project was designed by Cleveland-based J. KURTZ Architects with national consultants Threshold Acoustics and Theatre Projects. Work was completed on time and on budget by Turner Construction.  

Kulas Hall is the historic heart of CIM and one of the most prominent and widely-used concert spaces in Northeast Ohio. It opened along with the current CIM building in 1961 and is home to the CIM Orchestra, CIM Opera Theater, and other student ensembles. It’s also in regular use by visiting artists and local groups including Apollo’s Fire and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra.  

NAIOP isn’t the only organization considering an award for Kulas Hall. Kellogg said Turner also nominated the project for a 2026 Building Excellence Award from the local chapter of the Construction Employers Association, which recognizes craftsmanship and the efforts of individual workers.  

“This was something unique and special,” Kellogg said. “We’re really proud of the work we did over there.” 

About the NAIOP 

NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the leading organization for developers, owners, and related professionals in office, industrial and mixed-use real estate. NAIOP provides unparalleled industry networking and education, and advocates for effective legislation on behalf of our members. NAIOP advances responsible, sustainable development that creates jobs and benefits the communities in which our members work and live. The Northern Ohio chapter of the NAIOP is nearly 200 members strong and offers networking opportunities, new business opportunities, educational programs and new avenues for professional development.