WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Christian Academy will hold an open house and ribbon cutting on Feb. 22 to celebrate its new building expansion.

Greg Oliver, administrator for the Christian Academy, told the News Journal the planning of the building project began in May 2022 with construction beginning in the summer.

The newest addition is actually made up of 13 modular units the Academy was able to get from Cleveland.

According to Modular.org, modular construction is “a process in which a building is constructed off-site, under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials and designing to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities – but in about half the time.”

Oliver told the News Journal the expansion was needed due to an increase in enrollment and there was “no one room to grow.”

“This meant either build a new building, which would have taken several years. Or find a new building that was able to be brought and renovated and put on-site,” said Oliver.

The new 12,000 square foot building features eight classrooms, a kitchen, a new art room, two offices, and restrooms. The 6th-12th grade students began their new curriculum on Jan. 4 after the winter break.

The Academy was made aware of the modular buildings while working with a company called Satellite Shelters in Cincinnati. Oliver said they were looking to see if they had a mobile unit or building they could use.

“In the process of talking with them, we found out they had a whole building that they had used at (Cleveland Heights University). We went to see if it was something we could use,” said Oliver.

The Academy paid around $1.5 million dollars, according to Oliver, which was provided by donors.

Oliver told the News Journal both students and staff love the new building and are thankful for the space.

For any information about the Christian Academy or enrollment, contact the school at 937-283-6683 or email Oliver at [email protected].

Reach John Hamilton at 937-382-2574