Newaygo County RESA celebrates completion of Regional Center for AgriScience and Career Advancement

(FREMONT, MI) – Over 100 project partners, community members and students gathered Monday afternoon to celebrate the completion of the new Regional Center for AgriScience and Career Advancement, a facility that will serve Newaygo County by developing skilled, trained workers within career areas related to agriculture, food, and natural resources. For additional photos, visit http://www.owen-ames-kimball.com/projects/ncresa-agriscience

Newaygo County Regional Educational Services Agency (NC RESA) purchased the former Providence Christian High School building in Fremont, Michigan in 2014 and began extensive renovations last spring. The new programming was developed through a collaborative team effort that included support from the State of Michigan. The facility houses NC RESA’s AgriScience program, Baker College’s Fremont campus, a Michigan State University Extension, and the Michigan Works! West Central service center.

The 50,000 square foot facility features:

• Natural gas (entire facility was converted from propane gas system)
• A new Fishery within the former music center and educational area, for NC RESA students
• A group lab collaborative area and centrally located greeting station shared by all building occupants
• Medical technology space for Baker College
• Several updated classrooms, offices and learning environments for NC RESA, Baker College, MSU, and Michigan Works!
• New mechanical systems, new electrical systems, additional power stations for increased needs, new backup power generator, and new architectural finishes throughout

Speakers at the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening event included Dr. Lori Tubbergen Clark, NC RESA Superintendent, David Hewitt, NC RESA Board President, Karen McPhee, Senior Education Policy Advisor for the Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder, Senator Geoff Hansen of Michigan’s 34th Senate District, and Representative Jon Bumstead of Michigan’s 100th District.

This work marked Phase 1 of a multi-phase project. Planning for Phase 2 is underway. Future work will likely include the conversion of a gymnasium area into an educational space, to maximize the square footage within the existing building footprint.

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (O-A-K) provided Construction Management services and worked with the team to assess current and future facility needs, alongside C2AE, architectural and engineering firm.