Moraine Park Technical College will begin construction this May on the first of four referendum projects– updating the Fond du Lac Advanced Manufacturing and Trades area. The Moraine Park District Board unanimously approved the $10 million winning bid placed by C.D. Smith of Fond du Lac.
The Fond du Lac Advanced Manufacturing and Trades project has two phases, the addition of the Automation, Innovation and Robotics (AIR) Center and an update of the existing B-Wing facilities. The project’s groundbreaking will take place after the spring semester, and the community will see visible changes to the building’s exterior this summer.
“We are thrilled to support our local workforce through this partnership with C.D. Smith,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park President, said. “The overwhelming support received during our November 2022 referendum vote, along with strong donor support for the AIR Center project, have shown that our communities are behind our mission, and that together we can provide affordable educational opportunities.”
The total project is expected to cost $12.8 million. The AIR Center is partially funded by donor contributions of nearly $2.7 million—a goal set and met by the Moraine Park Foundation, the College’s advancement entity.
“Creating educational spaces where students can learn trades and advanced technologies will strengthen our local workforce,” Justin Smith, President + CEO, C.D. Smith Construction, said. “We are excited to be part of this project and support the Fond du Lac community.”
The Advanced Manufacturing and Trades project is expected to be completed in June of 2024, with students first utilizing the space in fall 2024.
Visit morainepark.edu/future to learn more.