Vo-tech center ready for business

Business Today

The process of converting a new building into a functioning school has begun for Cape Girardeau vocational faculty and staff. School officials received the keys to the Career and Technology Center in May.

The project, begun nearly two years ago, was originally scheduled for completion in September but encountered numerous delays to include changes to construction plans and higher-than-expected labor and material costs.

Although some minor projects continue in the 120,000-square-foot building, it is substantially complete and ready for occupancy, said Harold Tilley, career center director.

A few adult education courses will be taught in the building in early summer, but full occupancy won't occur until the fall.

In the meantime, teachers are working nights and weekends to unpack furniture and supplies in their new classrooms.

The $10 million career center is situated on a 75-acre tract west of Kingshighway and Southern Expressway that borders a gravel section of Silver Springs Road. The campus will be shared with a high school currently under construction that is scheduled to open in two years.

The building will be available for groups to host conventions and other large gatherings, and the culinary arts department will cater events.