Photo courtesy of Cook County Higher Education Renovations have begun at the old First Baptist Church in Grand Marais. The building will soon be the new campus for Cook County Higher Education. Some county residents may remember the old church flooring.
Cook County Higher Education Director Paula Sundet announced this week that work has begun on the renovation of the former First Baptist Church building—the new campus for Cook County Higher Education (CCHE). Unfortunately, funding is not available to complete the entire project, but Sundet said Higher Ed is excited to begin the first phase of the North Shore Campus building.
Sundet said the beginning of the project, including the purchase of the property earlier this year, was possible thanks to several generous grants and local support.
Blandin Foundation awarded CCHE a $125,000 grant; the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation awarded CCHE a $30,000 grant; and the IRRB has pledged a $20,000 grant. Sundet said CCHE has also received over $6,000 of local support thanks to fundraising events and mailings.
Higher Ed has been working with local architect Russell Zenk and area engineers to come up with a plan for the space that incorporates the recommendations identified by a needs assessment study.
“It has taken a while to get started because engineers needed to assess the project. As a result of their findings, the overall project cost increased to an alarming $425,000, which is more than CCHE can afford at this time,” said Sundet.
The original renovation estimate was $237,800 but the number increased due to air exchange and electrical needs specified for commercial buildings. Sundet said the project will be divided into stages, with the primary goal to renovate the upper floor for CCHE’s primary needs. She said architect Russell Zenk’s plans give Higher Ed a goal to work toward.
“We just cannot have it all right now,” stated Sundet. “We are excited to be starting, however, and every step forward is positive and encouraging.”
Work began the last week of May, with the goal to be moved into the North Shore Campus for fall semester at the end of August.
In the meantime, CCHE continues to operate out of its offices in the lower level of the Sawtooth Mt. Clinic. If you would like more information about the North Shore Campus, please call CCHE at 387-3411 or stop in and see the plans.
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