“”LA CROSSE, Wis., (October 20, 2020) – The almost $4.8 million expansion and remodeling project of the Hamilton Elementary community school continues to move forward with the project’s groundbreaking.
The unique project directly furthers the efforts of Hamilton Elementary’s transition to becoming a full-service community school – a partnership between the school and community offering support and resources for students, families, and the surrounding neighborhood. The project includes an 18,700 square foot addition that will include a new gymnasium, library, and a community center space for the Powell-Poage-Hamilton Neighborhood to access. Additionally, a 3,500 square foot renovation will include additional classrooms and a maker’s space.
“Having full-size classrooms and separate cafeteria and gymnasium spaces will allow us to focus less on accommodating for the lack of space and more on learning,” said Hamilton Elementary principal Ben Burns. “This project will significantly increase the possibilities of our collaborative efforts and help us realize our potential to be the hub of this neighborhood.”
Joining district officials at the event will be representatives from some of the district’s longest-standing partners. The Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse and Gundersen Health System both pledged $1.2 million toward the expansion. The La Crosse Community Development Committee also awarded the district with a two-year $400,000 grant to support the project. The remaining costs will be funded by the district’s fund balance and capital project funds. The project, designed by Bray Architects and being built by Borton Construction, Inc., has an estimated completion date of July of 2021.
“We are so thankful to have the continued and generous support of such wonderful organizations in our city,” said superintendent of schools Dr. Aaron Engel. “The partnership between the district, Gundersen Health System, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse, and the City of La Crosse on this building project is representative of the amazing generosity of our community and the incredible things we can accomplish when we work together.”“”””[vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”0″ images=”17750,17741,17745,17742,17746,17743,17747,17744,17748″ img_size=”617×425″]””