Get an inside look at EHOVE's $13M construction project

MILAN TWP. — Construction and renovation work continues to move along at EHOVE Career Center. The $13 million project will cover about 37,000 square feet of new construction and 16,400 square feet of renovation work. The project will abide by Energy Star standards to use LED lighting, energy-efficient equipment and combining HVAC systems in existing spaces with new areas to minimize additional utility expenses.Project architect, The Collaborative Inc. of Toledo, and construction manager, Adena Corporation, of Mansfield, are overseeing design and construction. EHOVE is covering the project's costs, assistant director Dave Jenkins said.Additionally, between the two buildings, 40 security cameras and new fire alarms are being added."It's an exciting project because it will benefit students and the community," Jenkins said.The Register recently toured the construction site for a detailed look at the work being completed.Renovation for Building AThe high school building, also known as Building A, will have an updated cafeteria with a new media center ready by Aug. 1, before students return on Aug 21. The existing media center will become part of the cafeteria."We're going to make (the deadline)," Jenkins said.When they return, students should notice new paint, ceilings and lights in about 25 classrooms and offices. All classrooms will also have touch screens.The media center, when completed, will include a collaboration room for a dozen students and have moveable seating for 30 people.With its expansion, the cafeteria will be able to accommodate 450 students, up from 300 students before renovations began. EHOVE students will have additional lunch options, too. A 10- by 15-foot EHOVE sign will stand near the new media center.Building B additionEHOVE officials hope the addition to Building B is completed later this year, in November or December.Rooms in the new addition will be for EHOVE's teacher academy, early childhood programs and preschool center will be 1,400 to 1,500 square feet. All classrooms will have a sink and storage areas with lockable storage. The playground will remain on the building's east side.Each room will have bright colors and plenty of natural light. For better security, the early childhood area will have a doorbell camera.A kitchenette will be available in the space so preschool children won't need to walk over to the cafeteria for meals.Public safety and culinary additionThe last addition to be constructed, west of Building A, will accommodate EHOVE's culinary and public safety programs and finish by summer 2020. The public safety portion will be about 30,000 square feet and include an ambulance simulator for firefighter/EMT students and a crime lab simulator for police academy students. Adult public safety students will be able to have classes during the day as well.For the culinary program, a public entrance will be added for the Chef's Inn, a restaurant run by EHOVE students.A new teaching kitchen will be able to include 28 students with new commercial equipment and a new prep area, making the culinary area triple in size."Ninety-five percent of this equipment here is the same work kitchens have locally," Jenkins said.Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodConstruction progress at EHOVE Career Center's Building B addition on July 17, 2019.Dave Jenkins, the operations manager at EHOVE Career Center, shows a 3D model of the new culinary center on his office computer on July 17, 2019.Construction progress at EHOVE Career Center's cafeteria on July 17, 2019.Construction progress on the culinary addition at EHOVE Career Center on July 17, 2019.Construction progress at EHOVE Career Center on July 17, 2019.Construction progress at EHOVE Career Center on July 17, 2019.Construction progress on the addition to Building B at EHOVE Career Center on July 17, 2019.Construction progress in the high school building at EHOVE Career Center on July 17, 2019.Construction progress on Building B at EHOVE Career Center on July 17, 2019.Construction progress at EHOVE Career Center on July 17, 2019.