Lakeside Lutheran breaks ground for addition

LAKE MILLS – Lakeside Lutheran High School broke ground on a building expansion and renovation on April 8. The project includes a more prominent main entrance and front lawn monument, a cafeteria and front office renovation and expansion, as well as renovated lobby restrooms. Existing interior renovations are expected to be complete in time for the start of the upcoming school year; the entire project, including the expanded cafeteria space and a renovated main entry, has a December 2024 planned completion date.

The school held a small ceremonial groundbreaking on Wednesday, April 10, when administration, student and governing board representatives, as well as reps from general contractor Design 2 Construct (D2C), and major contributor Twice is Nice Resale Store, gathered to ask for God’s blessing on the undertaking. At the groundbreaking, Principal Don Schultz reminded those gathered of the words of Solomon in Psalm 127, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”

“This project involves an expansion of our cafeteria to resolve an issue of overcrowding,” explains Executive Director Kirk DeNoyer. “It will almost double its size, pushing cafeteria space south out to the current sidewalk. Along with that, we're extending the kitchen to have a place for parent and community groups to host meals at events.” DeNoyer also refers to a common misperception, that the more eastern front doors are often thought to be the main entrance. “A new prominent front entryway means when visitors come to campus, they know exactly where to go. We want to give them a great first impression,” he says.

This project is the second phase of a renovation and upgrade plan called “Free to Act.” This campaign began in 2021 after the last mortgage was satisfied and the school became debt-free. Planners began reviewing the condition of the building and grounds with a goal to achieve as many as possible without the need for a new mortgage. 

After faculty and staff input and governing board discussion, school administration developed a multi-year, three-phase plan. “Free to Act Phase 1” ran from 2021-2023 and included a faculty workroom update, locker room renovation, media center/study hall remodel, improved visitor seating for the outdoor competition field, a West Gym renovation, and videography studio remodel. Together these cost just over $1.2 million and were successfully completed by 2023 without a loan. The current project, “Free to Act Phase 2,” with planning begun in 2023, carries a $3.5M cost, with 80% secured through private donations prior to groundbreaking.