Carpenters Training Center Starts

The Carpenters’ Union Training Center

December 8, 2008

By, Mike Benike

Progress is moving forward at the site of the new Carpenters’ Union Training Center Facility. The 16,000 square foot precast structure will be the new home of the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters. Classroom education, hands-on training, and administrative offices will take place inside the structure which is located in the Airport Industrial Park in Southeast Rochester off of Highway 63. Construction of the building is being completed by all union labor and skilled tradesmen. General Contractor, Alvin E. Benike was awarded the $2.2 Million dollar contract earlier this fall and construction is expected to be completed by April 2009. The building has incorporated double-insulated precast wall panels, low-e glazing, energy efficient light fixtures and day lighting strategies to save energy. Roughly half of the facility is dedicated to a shop area while the other half includes classroom and office space. Outdoors there is a 5000 square foot sandbox where carpenters can train to form concrete footings.