Evangelical Christian takes step toward new building

Evangelical Christian School faculty and staff are one step closer to their dream of building a $16 million fine arts building.

The school recently met with the Hearing Examiner's Office of zoning - the first step in building the center that is to include state-of-the-art classrooms, an expansive library and a 1,500-seat theater.

Construction officials at the meeting asked for a rezoning of the land to make way for the building that will be about as large as the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

"The hearing happened but I can't tell you what the outcome is going to be," said Nettie Richardson, of the Lee County Zoning department. "The staff did recommend approval of the request ... ."

The final decision will be made by the hearing examiner who will then petition approval from the Board of County Commissioners.

But, for now, the school will have to make some changes to their bid including the architectural style of the building, its impact on traffic and that the building be used only for school events.

"The school has experienced a substantial growth in the last few years, and we could use this building yesterday," said John Hunte in a previous interview regarding fundraising for the project. "We are at capacity and a lot of students are on waiting lists for different programs and activities."

A final decision from the zoning board is expected in the coming months.