Hodgson Vo Tech break ground on new $217M school

October 6, 2023 135

Hodgson Vocational Technical High School began construction of a new $217.5 million building, set to open in 2026.

The new Hodgson Vocational Technical High School is expected to be complete in 2026. | PHOTO COURTESY OF NCCVT

GLASGOW – Paul M. Hodgson Vocational Technical High School began construction of a new $217.5 million building during a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 29.

“We aspire to build not just a school but a place where career and technical education enhances the education and ultimately the lives of our students,” Christine Colihan, principal of Hodgson Vocational Technical High School, said in a statement. “That the skills learned and developed meet industry standards and need to create career opportunities through state-of-the-art facilities and instructors.”

The New Castle County Vocational Technical School District school is scheduled to be completed within three years and is positioned adjacent to the existing school on Hodgson’s sports fields. The current school, spanning about 265,200 square feet, serves 1,087 students across 16 career programs, 16 athletic teams, and 14 clubs.

Following the construction of the new 286,896-square-foot facility, there are plans to demolish the existing school, making room for a new sports field to optimize space.

The expansion, adding 21,696 square feet, is specifically allocated for the establishment of new career and technical educational clubs and programs. The new building will also feature a gymnasium, a theater, and interior courtyards.

“Building the new Hodgson Vocational Technical High School is not just about constructing walls and classrooms; it’s about constructing futures, creating opportunities, and shaping tomorrow’s workforce,” Colihan said.

EDiS Company has been selected for the building’s construction with architectural designs done by ABHA | BSA+A, a joint venture between ABHA Architects and Buck Simpers Architect + Associates, and consulting services from Landmark Science & Engineering.

Hodgson Vo Tech marks the inaugural school project to participate in the Delaware Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. The initiative offers minority and women-owned businesses the chance to competitively bid for and secure contracts for specific phases of the construction process. The pilot DBE Program goal is 7% participation compared to the historically 2% of contracts awarded to minority and women-owned businesses.

EDiS is accepting bids from suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors for concrete and reinforcement, foundation masonry, as well as structural steel, joists, and deck. Sealed bids for these categories are set to be revealed on Oct. 17.

The Hodgson Vocational Technical High School is expected to be complete in 2026.