News

Baker College of Cadillac officials today announced that an agreement has been signed to purchase approximately eight acres of land, including an existing 12,000-square-foot building, from Petty Development Company and Classic Ford, Inc. The $1.5 million capital investment will be used to house the Baker College of Cadillac Center for Transportation and Technology (CTT). The property is located at 4800 S. Morey Road (M-66), the site of the former Classic Ford dealership in Lake City.

“This capital investment is a testament to our commitment to Cadillac and its surrounding communities, and our response to the life-long learning needs of our citizens,” said Robert Van Dellen, Ph.D., Baker College of Cadillac president. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to further invest in the future of Cadillac.”

The existing building, which currently houses a body shop, automotive repair shop, paint booth and other related equipment, will be totally renovated. The new CTT will house four classrooms (which includes a computer lab), offices, a truck-driving range, student lounge area and an automotive services lab. In addition, a two-stall truck garage will be built to hold two tractor-trailers.

Construction is scheduled to begin this month, with a targeted completion date of September 27, the start of fall quarter classes. Programs that will initially be offered at the new site include a truck driving certificate and an automotive services technology associate degree.

“The new Center for Transportation and Technology will give us the opportunity to expand our automotive technician enrollment, accommodate the increased demand in the trucking and transportation arena, proactively implement emerging programs, and respond to the marketplace need for highly trained transportation individuals,” said Van Dellen.
Project design and construction management will be handled by Cadillac-based D-K Design.