Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., alongside Hendry County School District leaders, elected officials, students, and community members, celebrated the groundbreaking of the new LaBelle High School on Tuesday, April 28, marking a significant milestone in the future of education in Hendry County.

Held at the future campus site on Helms Road, formerly orange groves owned and farmed by the Hansen family, the ceremony honored both the community’s agricultural roots and its forward-looking investment in education.

The program included a presentation of colors, an invocation by Reverend Preston Long Jr., remarks from district, school leadership, a LaBelle High School student, and the Mayor of LaBelle followed by the official ceremonial groundbreaking.

Attendees enjoyed a performance by the LaBelle High School Vaquero Jazz Ensemble and refreshments prepared by the school’s culinary students. Additional student groups represented included the Public Service Academy, Future Farmers of America, and Student Government, highlighting the diverse opportunities available to students.

The new LaBelle High School represents a $123 million investment and will include a state-of-the-art, 220,000-square-foot campus designed to serve approximately 1,500 students. The modern facility will replace the existing high school, originally built in the 1970s, and will feature advanced academic classrooms, career and technical education spaces, athletics facilities, and enhanced safety and accessibility features.

“This project represents a major milestone for Hendry County,” said Michael Swindle, Superintendent of Hendry County School District. “While our team had not previously built a new high school, Owen-Ames-Kimball has been an outstanding partner, guiding us through every step of the process with expertise, transparency, and a true commitment to our community. We are deeply grateful to our state legislators, School Board members, County Commissioners, and City Commissioners for working together to make this new campus a reality.”

“Owen-Ames-Kimball is proud to partner with the Hendry County School District on a project that will have a lasting impact on students, families, and the entire LaBelle community,” said Jim Hopper, President of O-A-K’s Florida Division. “This new campus is more than a building—it represents opportunity, growth, and a commitment to preparing students for the future through modern learning environments and hands-on career pathways.”

Notably, three members of the O-A-K project team are graduates of LaBelle High School, bringing a personal connection and deep sense of pride to the project as they help build the future of their hometown.

“This is not just a construction site—it is the foundation of our future and the beginning of a new era for our community,” said Tammy Bass, Principal of LaBelle High School. “Our students are dedicated, hardworking, and incredibly talented. They will excel in an environment that reflects their potential—a professional setting that matches their ambition. They are absolutely worth it.”

Construction management for the project is being led by Owen-Ames-Kimball, in partnership with Grace Design Studios, LLC, and Rock Enterprises, LLC. The collaborative team will deliver a campus designed to support both academic excellence and workforce readiness.

The new LaBelle High School is anticipated to finish construction at the end of 2027, providing generations of students with a modern, safe, and inspiring place to learn and grow.

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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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.