APRIL 21, 2022

Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Breaks Ground on Restoration & Expansion Project

(WYOMING, MI) April 21, 2022 – Community members, administrators, and project partners of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools gathered Wednesday evening to celebrate the start of construction on a two-year restoration and expansion project at Lee Middle / High School. In addition to the shoveling ceremony, the event included a band performance and community cook-out.

BACKGROUND

The three-story building is over 100 years old. In June 2019, a structural failure caused a portion of the school’s roof to collapse. Immediate safety measures were put into place, as the district and community worked to determine the best plan for rebuilding. Those discussions spurred a comprehensive master planning process. In November 2020, the community voted in support of a $17.9 million bond program to fund a major transformation to the building.

“This project is a testament to our community’s unity and support,” said Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Michael Burde. “Together, we are restoring and improving the school, to ensure it serves our students well for decades to come.”

PROJECT SCOPE

Building Additions

  • New 6,200 sf media center and adjacent flex space, with direct access for community and students
  • New 4,300 sf band room to meet expanding needs
  • Four new classrooms and an academic breakout area for project-based learning
  • New cafeteria / multi-purpose space

Academic Space Renovations

  • Classroom renovations and modern furnishings to create 21st century learning spaces
  • Transformation of existing media center into a flexible learning environment
  • Updated instructional technology

Health & Wellness

  • Addition of modern mechanical systems and air conditioning, to create healthier air quality
  • Conversion of current band room into Community Wellness and Resource Clinic
  • Updating fire alarm and fire suppression systems
  • Improved secure entry for controlled access to the building
  • Increased accessibility, including a second story skywalk
  • Adding roof insulation and replacing old mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment

The $17.9 million bond program is being managed by Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co., and designed by TowerPinkster.

In Other News

01 GRR Museum v2 00 01 00 17 Still010

Engineering Day at the Grand Rapids…

Engineering Day at the Grand Rapids Public Museum Video

Grand Rapids Public Museum recently held an Engineering Day…
Steve Mc Caskey Recognition

Steve McCaskey Receives Certificate of…

Steve McCaskey Receives Certificate of Appreciation from Allegan Area ESA Board of Education

At O‑A‑K, we believe that “building the best experience”…
IMG 3767

Grand Rapids Public Museum Engineering…

Grand Rapids Public Museum Engineering Day

O‑A‑K is currently partnered with Grand Rapids Public…
001 thr 5518 twilight

Pikes Peak School Entry Addition

Pikes Peak School Entry Addition

Completed in 2023, this 1,300 sf addition to the school…
Bryce Juan Jr V3 00 01 00 00 Still007

Preconstruction Efforts with O‑A‑K…

Preconstruction Efforts with O‑A‑K Project Managers

Curious about what goes on before construction starts?…
01 Zeeland East West HS Final v1 00 01 15 16 Still021

Zeeland East and West High School…

Zeeland East and West High School Athletic Updates

Join athletic directors Josh Glerum and Jordan Bandstra on…
01 Final v1 00 01 22 04 Still010

Godfrey Lee Public Schools Lee High…

Godfrey Lee Public Schools Lee High School Restoration and Expansion

Following a structural failure in 2019, Godfrey-Lee Public…
02 Final v1 00 00 13 18 Still002

Kalamazoo College Campus Electrical…

Kalamazoo College Campus Electrical Upgrades

Kalamazoo College is modernizing its' electrical system,…
01 EK Culinary Final v1 00 00 57 19 Still011

East Kentwood Culinary Arts Ribbon…

East Kentwood Culinary Arts Ribbon Cutting

Kentwood Public Schools students now have the opportunity…
Thornton Walk Thru Juan Sr 00 00 04 21 Still001

Shooting Range Construction Tour

Shooting Range Construction Tour

O‑A‑K Superintendent, Juan Martinez Sr., shares what goes…