MAY 12, 2021

Thornapple Kellogg Schools Breaks Ground on New Learning Center, Part of $42.8 Million Bond Program

Thornapple Kellogg Schools Breaks Ground on New Learning Center, Part of $42.8 Million Bond Program

With hardhats and shovels, Thornapple Kellogg preschool students, and one soon-to-be student, tossed the first dirt at Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the district’s new learning center. The new building is part of the district’s $42.8 million bond program passed by voters in 2019.

“I want to thank the community for their support of Thornapple Kellogg Schools. This is a wonderful project for our youngest students and a beautiful site. This is a great day," said TK Superintendent Dan Remenap.

Board of education members, administrators, bond committee members and community leaders joined in the celebration Wednesday afternoon. The new 32,500 square-foot facility will house the three and four-year-old preschool programs, Great Start Readiness Preschool, Early Childhood Special Education and child care. The current Learning Center is located next to McFall Elementary.

TK Board of Education President Kristen Cove also offered her thanks to the community. “On behalf of the TK Board of Education, I would like to thank the community for supporting TK Schools and our youngest Trojans. We are incredibly excited for our students to play, learn and grow in the new learning center.

Cade Dammen, a TK alumnus and Director of Field Operations at O‑A‑K said this project hits close to home for him as he stood by his young son, Paxton who had joined the preschoolers in shoveling the first dirt. “My mom was a teacher in this district. I went to school at TK and my son, Paxton will be the first class to go to school in this building. My daughter Paisley will also be a student in the building in a few years” he said. “I’m a proud community member, alumni, and father and I’m very proud to be here today.”

Construction crews have already been busy clearing the site and moving a lot of dirt. The site for the new building is located on the east side of Bender Road, south of the high school and across from the bus garage drive.

The new TK Learning Center will feature:

  • 21st Century design
  • 10 age-appropriate classrooms
  • A sensory room
  • A new board room
  • Expansive kitchen and cafeteria space, with a multi-purpose space for gross motor activities
  • Office space and workstations

The project is scheduled to be completed Fall 2022.

The $42.8 million bond program focuses on growth, aging infrastructure, and enhanced learning. It is being managed by Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co., and designed by GMB Architects + Engineers.

Other bond projects include:

  • Additional classrooms at each of the three elementary buildings which will be completed for use by fall 2021
  • Upgrading roofs, emergency generator, doors, windows, flooring, paving, and enhanced parking lot designs.
  • New art and music rooms at McFall, air conditioning for all areas of student learning, pool and pool locker room upgrades, new tennis courts and stadium turf replacement

“My mom was a teacher in this district. I went to school at TK and my son, Paxton will be the first class to go to school in this building. My daughter Paisley will also be a student in the building in a few years” he said. “I’m a proud community member, alumni, and father and I’m very proud to be here today.”

Cade Dammen
Director of Field Operations at O‑A‑K & TK alumnus

In Other News

01 Paw Paw v2 00 01 06 18 Still011

Paw Paw Public School District Early…

Paw Paw Public School District Early Childhood Center Update

Did you know? The classrooms at Paw Paw Public School…
Harrison Chase

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Names Charles “Chase”…

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Names Charles “Chase” Harrison Project Manager

Owen Ames Kimball Company (O A K), a preeminent general…
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,…