Gehlen Catholic Announces $1.8 Million Expansion To Cafeteria And Kitchen

(Le Mars) — Gehlen Catholic officials announced on Thursday a construction expansion project that will cost around $1.8 million dollars. Gehlen plans to add to their existing lunch room cafeteria and kitchen area. Andy Schmidt serves as the president of the Gehlen Catholic School Board. He says nearly one-third of the expected costs for construction has already been raised.

Schmidt says the expansion is needed since there has not been any modifications to the kitchen and cafeteria area since the early 1950s.

Schmidt says he wasn’t certain of the exact square footage, but says the expansion will nearly double the size of the present lunch room facilities.

The Gehlen Catholic school board president says the expansion will consist of adding space to the existing lunch room and going east.

A news release issued by Gehlen Catholic says the addition will not only mean more space, but it will include air conditioning for the kitchen and cafeteria area, designated concession stand room, allergen room for food safety, reliable kitchen equipment, and a redesigned trophy and awards case. Schmidt says construction is expected to start in May, shortly after classes have been dismissed, with completion of the project to be around January of 2022.

(photos contributed.)