Jan. 17--Leaders at Wilson Christian Academy braved the cold Friday and broke ground on the school's new multipurpose building.
Construction on Phase 1 of the building should start within the next two weeks. The goal is to complete construction of Phase 1 by September.
One of the shovels used to turn the dirt during the ceremony was used in 1970 during the first groundbreaking at the school. The shovel is kept by Billy Stone, a current and original board member.
The building, which will house the school's fine arts classes, a kitchen, a stage and an open meeting space for assemblies, is expected to cost about $1.6 million. Board member Tim Varnell said Friday between $650,000 and $700,000 has been raised thus far.
This is the first construction on the campus since the school expanded its day care facilities back in 1990-1991.
The building will be erected close to the rear of the existing gymnasium and an existing classroom building but at an angle so the front lobby will be visible from Airport Boulevard. The project will also include additional parking. Phase 1 will involve 14,989 square feet of building. Phase 2 will involve an additional 12,554 square feet of building. A date of its completion has not been set yet.
C.A. Lewis, Inc. of Greenville is the general contractor on the project. Tony Lewis, the company's president, and Ross Woodall, who will oversee the project for the construction company, were present for the groundbreaking.
Dwight Vanderboegh, the school's current director, attributed being able to start construction in January to the fact the final bid came in lower than expected and because the school received multiple, significant financial gifts in December.
Gracie Evans, cooperate fundraising coordinator for the school, thanked the crowd of students and school supporters for attending the ceremony. Evans is a graduate of Wilson Christian. She addressed some of the comments she's heard from skeptics who wonder if the school should be taking on such a large project given the current economy.
Evans said the Lord knew the economy when the school started its fundraising, and the Lord knows the economy now. She thanked a myriad of people who have given their time and money for the project. Evans recognized the school's elementary students, who raised $10,000 for the project. Evans also encouraged those present to continue to purchase bricks that will be used in the construction of the sidewalk and courtyard area outside of the new building. Bricks can be purchased in honor or memory of someone for $100 each.
Evans said there is a lot of work to do, but she's thankful the Lord has got them to where they are now.
Varnell said everyone involved in the school has played a part in this project. He reminded the students they will get to use the building in the future.
Copyright (c) 2009, The Wilson Daily Times, N.C. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
