Groundbreaking for a new Cathedral High School academic building is anticipated for summer 2018 with occupancy in time for the 2019-2020 school year, according to a news release from the school Oct. 31.
The school’s board of directors recently approved a 10-member task force to recommend a design/build partner for the construction of the building at 7th Avenue and 4th Street North in St. Cloud.
The task force will invite local firms to participate in a request for qualifications process, with final selection and approval of the design/build partner anticipated for late November, according to the release.
“This is exciting, positive and forward momentum for this effort,” said board chair Father Tom Knoblach. “The Cathedral board of directors, Bishop [Donald] Kettler and the members of the corporate board remain in full, enthusiastic support of this critical step in securing the future for Cathedral and all of Catholic Community Schools.”
The Campaign for Cathedral has to date generated approximately $11 million in commitments, leaving $5.5 million to be raised.
“We are enormously grateful to each donor who has already stepped forward. The design/build planning process will parallel the final fund raising allowing the project to stay on schedule,” said the release from Chris Schellinger, executive director of the campaign.
While $15 million is designated for the new building, $1.5 million will support capital needs of the elementary schools of Catholic Community Schools, a new Catholic school system in the St. Cloud metro area.
Future phases of the campaign are expected to include a major renovation of the school’s 1938 building, including worship space, and a major expansion and improvement of athletic facilities.
Following meetings over the last several years with Cathedral community stakeholders, the decision was made to keep the Cathedral campus on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Cloud. Cathedral has operated continuously at its current location since 1884.