Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (O-A-K) is in the final stretch of construction on the 31,000-square-foot expansion of Cape Coral Technical College, located at 360 Santa Barbara Boulevard in Cape Coral. The project is on track to be completed in time for the fall 2026 school year and represents the first major addition to the campus since it opened in 1993.

The expansion will strengthen workforce training opportunities across Southwest Florida by providing hands-on education and industry-recognized credentials in high-demand skilled trades. At full capacity, Cape Coral Technical College will serve up to 500 students annually, preparing graduates for viable, family-supporting careers while helping address critical workforce shortages throughout the region.

Construction milestones achieved to date include:

• Roofing completed
• Interior and exterior painting underway
• Exterior garage doors, man doors, and storefront installation completed
• Interior electrical, HVAC, fire protection, and plumbing systems approximately 75% complete
• Drywall hanging and finishing completed

The construction team’s goal is to receive the Certificate of Occupancy by July 1, allowing classrooms and specialized training labs to be fully equipped and prepared ahead of welcoming students in August.

“The expansion of Cape Coral Technical College represents a significant investment in the future workforce of Southwest Florida,” said Jim Hopper,  Florida Division President, Owen-Ames-Kimball. “Projects like this create real opportunity, giving students access to hands-on training that leads directly to meaningful careers while helping local industries meet the growing demand for skilled professionals. Owen-Ames-Kimball is proud to partner with the School District of Lee County on a project that will have such a lasting impact on students, businesses, and the economic future of our region.”

The expansion will introduce six new skilled-trades programs, including:

• Construction trades
• Welding
• HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
• Automotive repair and service
• Marine service technology
• Additional construction industry training programs

Developed in partnership with local industry leaders, the programs are designed to directly address workforce needs across Southwest Florida.

Key benefits of the expansion include:

• More than 150 additional students per year gaining access to trade certifications
• Many programs designed to be completed in approximately one year, allowing graduates to quickly enter the workforce
• Expanded dual-enrollment opportunities, enabling high school seniors to earn industry certifications while still in school

“We’re proud to introduce postsecondary ‘blue collar’ skilled-trades training programs to Cape Coral for the first time. Our ‘Career in a Year’ model is designed to equip students with in-demand, practical skills while they earn recognized industry certifications. Each program culminates in a career certificate diploma approved by the Florida Department of Education, preparing graduates to enter the workforce quickly and confidently,” said Charlie Pease, Director, Cape Coral Technical College.

Cape Coral is one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities, and the region continues to face significant shortages of skilled workers in fields such as construction, marine service, HVAC, and automotive technology. The expansion will help build a local pipeline of trained technicians and tradespeople to support the area’s continued growth.

Upon completion, the expanded campus will stand as a lasting investment in education, economic mobility, and workforce development throughout Southwest Florida.

For more information about Cape Coral Technical College, visit www.capecoraltech.edu.

Owen-Ames-Kimball’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. Learn more about O-A-K at www.owen-ames-kimball.com or call (239)561-4141.

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Construction is underway on Castle Rock Fire Station 156 and a new Logistics Center, a project that will strengthen emergency response and support services for one of Colorado’s fastest-growing communities.

Owen-Ames-Kimball joined the Town of Castle Rock, Castle Rock Fire and Rescue, and project partners to mark the start of construction. As Construction Manager/General Contractor, O-A-K is working alongside RS&H and Dunakilly Management Group to deliver a facility designed to support both frontline response and the behind-the-scenes operations that keep it running.

The project combines a new fire station with a dedicated logistics and fleet maintenance facility—an investment aimed at improving response times, increasing operational efficiency, and ensuring first responders have the resources they need to serve the community.

“This station will help us continue to respond quickly when people need us most,” said Fire Chief Norris Croom. “Fire Station 156 strengthens our coverage in northeast Castle Rock and gives our crews the resources they need to serve residents safely and effectively.”

Early in the process, the team worked together to relocate the building outside of an existing floodplain. The adjustment introduced added complexity, including additional excavation, extended utilities, and the installation of a 30-foot soil nail retaining wall. By addressing these challenges during design and preconstruction, the team was able to maintain the building’s overall program while setting the project up for long-term performance.

Once complete, the facility will support the department’s Logistics Division and Fleet Support team, which oversees the maintenance and coordination of emergency response vehicles. The new station will also expand coverage for surrounding neighborhoods, helping the department keep pace with continued growth in Castle Rock.

This project reflects a shared commitment between the Town and its partners to invest in infrastructure that directly supports public safety and community well-being. O-A-K is proud to partner with Castle Rock Fire and Rescue and the broader project team to bring this facility to life.

Join O-A-K team members Dave Fleece and Trevor Anderson, along with Kristin Pfauth from the City of Grand Rapids, for a tour of the Archives & Records Center. While only about 10 percent of the city’s collection is on display at the public museum, the remaining 90 percent, over a quarter million items, are housed here at the archives.

This project will create a bright, open space designed for access and collaboration. Visitors will be able to request items, collector groups can gather, and teachers can bring students for hands-on learning experiences. One classroom will feature a retractable glass wall, allowing the space to be opened up or closed off as needed, while a permanent glass wall will offer visitors a direct view into the archives, connecting the public to the city’s rich history.