Lowell Trades Building to Undergo Expansion

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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Red Devil Trades building in Lowell is expected to get a $1.5 million addition by December. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report the project will more than double the building’s current size and create more space for the high school’s dual-credit welding program.
The trade center, which was built three years ago, has since seen an increased demand from students, according to Dana Bogathy, the district’s business manager.
“It’s one of the only welding centers in the area,” Bogathy said. “We are also adding a grinding area, which we don’t currently have. We’re doing that out in the backyard area. We’ll be able to bring that in-house as well.”
The publication reports 16 welding bays will be added, doubling the building’s current capacity.
Jeff Napiwocki, project manager with CSK Architects, says 7,000 square feet will be used for an electrical program, with plans to utilize the rest of the space to expand the welding and auto programs, as well as the fabrication shop.
According to Napiwocki, two additional classrooms will be constructed for the project, and an expanded locker changing area will be built out for welding students.
The Times reports Thomas Kuhn, president of CSK, hopes to break ground before the end of the 2020-2021 academic year and wrap up the project by December.