First Posted: 2/5/2015
LIMA — “Everything you see is new,” said Apollo Career Center Superintendent Judy Wells.
Well’s statement was pretty evident when the crew of legislators and school officials walked into the new addition at the vocational school.
On top of the visuals, there was even more work put into it than someone could possibly notice just by walking through the halls, including all new insulation, structures, wiring — the works, Wells said.
Forty years ago, the building was state of the art. And, this coming spring, Apollo Career Center’s building will be once again after its much needed update.
The project was done in just a few years time and came in under budget. As a result, the school was able to add more than 81,000 square feet to its existing buildings located on Shawnee Drive.
Right on schedule, Nate Neuenschwander, the President of Touchstone CPM — the company handling construction — said crews worked through the cold and snowy months to get things done.
“Everyone worked very well together,” he said. “(The additions) are a lot more special. This space isn’t for the typical classroom.”
As a result, the multiple rooms, including science labs, English classrooms, automotive and carpentry workshops, are all finally a reality for Apollo Career Center and its students.
On the list of new additions also includes new technical programs, air conditioning and heating, designs for walls or floors designed by students, large windows overlooking the school grounds, spaces for community requests and dream equipment for both students and for their teachers and mentors.
It’s space that will provide a space for “new ideas and innovative programs,” Wells said.
The new grand hall will also give the school a chance to showcase its annual giveaway, a car.
Though still empty, the school has $1 million allotted for both the high school and adult programs and rooms for furnishings and supplies.
“Everything is state of the art,” Wells said.
Phase one of the seven phase project is expected to be completed, under budget, in the spring. Students should be able to start some classes in the new portions by April 1.
“We have room to grow, and that’s awesome,” Wells said. “There’s excitement here. (Students) are ready to see what we have for them.”
