From the Ground Up: New Covenant Academy

Owner/developer: New Covenant Academy

General contractor: Mike DeLong

Architect: Sam A. Winn & Associates Architects PC

Engineers: Mike DeLong, civil engineer; J.R. Haney & Associates, structural; LaRose & Schober Engineering Inc., mechanical, electrical and plumbing

Size: 6,600 square feet

Estimated cost: $750,000

Lender: None

Estimated completion date: February

Project description: New Covenant Academy, a private Christian school for preschool through 12th grade, is undergoing its third expansion since opening in 1979. The school moved into its current facility in 1988 and expanded by 9,000 square feet in 1998. When the current expansion is finished, New Covenant Academy will have about 100,000 square feet under roof. The addition will house choir and band facilities and a weight-lifting room. Increased enrollment is spurring the expansion, according to Institutional Advancement Officer Glenda Scott. Fall enrollment was 435, up from 367 three years ago, she said. The project is being funded with donations, although $250,000 is still needed, Scott said. Mike DeLong, a parent of a New Covenant Academy student and an engineer for City Utilities of Springfield, is functioning as project manager and civil engineer, Scott said.

Reporter Cory Smith brings you new projects each week. He may be reached by e-mail at csmith@sbj.net, by fax at (417) 799-0603 or by phone at (417) 616-5854.