Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Breaks Ground on Cape Coral Technical College Expansion
- O‑A‑K team members gathered to celebrate the Cape Tech groundbreaking. L to R: Project Superintendent Patrick Kowalski, President Matthew Zwack, Administrative Coordinator Emily Hintz, Director of Operations Alesha Watchowski, Director of Field Operations Ryan Propp, Project Engineer Taylor Finger, Project Engineer Kristen Raposa, Marketing Manager Cory O'Donnell, Sr. Project Manager Mark Thomas, and Field Intern Sammy Pressny.
Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K), a leading construction management company with deep roots in Southwest Florida, has broken ground on the much-anticipated expansion of Cape Coral Technical College (CCTC). The project marks the first major addition to the campus since it was built in 1993 and represents a major investment in workforce development for one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities.
The new 34,400-square-foot facility, located along Santa Barbara Boulevard, will house state-of-the-art programs in construction, welding, HVAC, automotive repair, and marine technology. The expansion introduces six new skilled-trades programs, creating opportunities for more than 150 students annually to earn certificates in high-demand industries that are vital to Lee County’s economy.
“This project is about building opportunity for our community,” said Charlie Pease, Director of Cape Coral Technical College. “Cape Coral is projected to reach nearly 400,000 residents in the next 25 years, and this expansion will ensure we have a pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet that demand.”
The programs were designed in collaboration with local industry partners to directly address workforce shortages in Southwest Florida. Graduates will be prepared to step immediately into careers in critical trades, many after just one year of training. The school will also expand its dual enrollment program, allowing high school seniors to simultaneously complete industry certifications and prepare for the workforce.
Matthew Zwack, Florida division president of Owen‑Ames‑Kimball, said, “O‑A‑K is proud to partner with The School District of Lee County on a project that invests directly in the future of Cape Coral. Workforce training is the foundation of a strong local economy, and this new facility will give students the skills to succeed while helping our community meet the demands of rapid growth.”
The $21 million project is scheduled for completion in August 2026, ensuring that future technicians, mechanics, and tradespeople will be ready to support the continued growth of Cape Coral and Lee County.
In addition to O‑A‑K, the project team includes ADG Architecture and Lee County Electric Cooperative as the project’s power partner.
O‑A‑K has served as construction manager for numerous education and workforce training projects across Southwest Florida.
Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. has provided premier general contracting, design-build, and construction management services in Southwest Florida since 1982. O‑A‑K specializes in community-driven construction projects and offers an inclusive, intentional, and customized experience. An employee-owned company, O‑A‑K Florida, Inc.'s board of directors comprises members from the company's Florida operations.
O‑A‑K’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company 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.
O‑A‑K is proud to partner with The School District of Lee County on a project that invests directly in the future of Cape Coral. Workforce training is the foundation of a strong local economy, and this new facility will give students the skills to succeed while helping our community meet the demands of rapid growth.
