Nebraska City (LCC/SNR) — Lourdes Central Catholic School in Nebraska City held a groundbreaking ceremony April 12 to mark the beginning of construction on a $1.9 million, new onsite cafeteria space at its main campus.
The groundbreaking event was organized by the Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce.
With construction scheduled for completion this fall, the cafeteria project is an important step for the future of the school.
Father Jonathan Haschke, Lourdes chief administrative officer, said an onsite cafeteria will improve safety for students and staff by eliminating the walk from the main Lourdes campus to St. Mary Church for lunch in the parish hall. The new space will also be available to host more events for alumni and the community.
The school officially kicked off the cafeteria project in the fall of 2019, with many people working to make the vision a reality.
“We are grateful for the support and generosity of so many people,” said Father Haschke. “Without support from local foundations and benefactors, this project would not be possible.”
The cafeteria will include an on-site kitchen, space for cafeteria tables and all the necessary electrical, plumbing and safety updates needed to convert the area into a multi-use space. It will provide the greater capacity to feed the kindergarten, first- and second-grade students who are currently at a separate campus near St. Benedict Church. The goal is to eventually have one campus.
The kitchen for the cafeteria will be constructed in place of the stage in the practice gymnasium. The practice gymnasium will continue to be available for the school’s physical education classes, athletic practices and games.
For more information about the Lourdes cafeteria project, visit www.lourdescentralcatholic.org.
