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February
23, 2004
MiBiz Network
By Tim Gwzodz
MUSKEGON - Construction is underway on the Muskegon
Area Career Tech Center (CTC). The $8 million facility
is being built at the corner of Harvey Street and Stebbins
Road on the campus of Muskegon Community College.
When it opens in January 2005 the CTC will house 16
programs ranging from auto body, machine tool, welding
and architectural engineering to financial management,
marketing and restaurant management. Two programs -
commercial arts and graphic arts - will be conducted
at the Stevenson Higher Education Center on the MCC
campus. Two others - construction trades and cosmetology
- will be offered at off-site locations.
Muskegon Area Intermediate School District Superintendent
of Schools Dr. Michael Bozym told MiBiz the programs
at the center are specifically focused on satisfying
the needs of the Muskegon business community.
"These programs are designed to delivery the best
technical education available today and in the future.
The whole center is designed to turn around on a dime
as new technologies emerge," said Bozym, emphasizing
that many of the programs are being offered in Muskegon
County for the first time. "Every one of these
programs were designed and organized by the appropriate
business sector and the labor force that surrounds that
sector."
Muskegon school district voters approved funding for
the CTC in September 2002 with the passage of a one-mill
levy to build the center on the MCC campus.
The new facility will be able to accommodate up to 1,000
high school juniors and seniors from public, charter,
and non-public schools in the Muskegon area. Counselors
within each individual district are coordinating enrollment.
Bozym praised Muskegon voters and business leaders who
helped bring the project to fruition.
"This community can stand tall and boast that it
came together on a common vision to help itself,"
he said. This county stood up and said ‘We’re
going to take care of our kids.’"
Muskegon-based Hooker/DeJong Architects and Engineers
designed the 58,000-square-foot center; Muskegon Construction
Co. is the general contractor on the project.
The CTC’s physical structure is being constructed
with an eye on the environment. Photovoltaic panels
on a greenhouse roof will gather solar energy to provide
electricity. The heating and cooling system will use
the natural heat of the earth and sensors on the southern-facing
windows will adjust the interior lighting based on the
amount of sunlight entering the building. The storm
water collection system will direct used water back
into the ground instead of sending it to sewers.
COPYRIGHT 2004. MIBIZ NETWORK.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This article appeared in the February 23, 2004 issue
of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West
and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free
to qualified individuals who do business in West and
Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz
Network, visit www.mibiz.com.
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