Detroit’s Catholic Central High School Unveils $61 Million STEM Center
Located in Novi, Detroit’s Catholic Central High School — one of the largest private schools in the state — has just revealed its brand-new, state-of-the-art science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) center. Officially named the George and Mary Turek Hall of Science, the expansive $61 million expansion boasts an impressive 57,000 square feet of learning space and aims to last for a century.
The facility is designed with the aim to inspire students to rise to the challenge of filling it with innovative and advanced STEM curriculum. Some of the school’s new resources include an aviation suite, a fabrication and machinery shop, a sustainably focused greenhouse, a FIRST Robotics competition field, robotics programming and building spaces, and an innovation space.
Furthermore, the Hall of Science also houses an Engineering/CAD Lab, eight specialized science laboratories that are 2.5 times the size of a regular classroom, 4 lab prep rooms, and, once completed, an immersive theater where students can feel like they are a part of the movie they are viewing.
The naming of the center honours the parents of George Turek, an alumnus from the Class of 1966 and the project’s primary donor. Designed after the University of Notre Dame’s Jordan Hall of Science, their center features a simple, easy-to-navigate layout. This layout ensures a smooth flow of movement for all the students, regardless of where they need to be in the center.
The school exhibits a retired U.S. Navy Blue Angels jet in the robotics competition field area, which was once flown by Turek himself. Displayed not only for its relevance to the STEM center but also to serve as a source of inspiration for the students. The jet was delivered and re-assembled in parts right in the building and now hangs above the competition ground, adjustable in height per requirements.
Additionally, the school rolls out an advanced-level robotics program and offers its new high-tech equipment for certification in manufacturing, providing students with a wealth of opportunities for practical learning and job prospects.
Another star feature of the STEM center is the state-of-the-art rooftop observatory complete with a GPS computerized Celestron telescope, four other telescopes, and an immersive theater. The school also partners with NASA to share data while also planning community outreach activities using the center’s unique tools.
The George and Mary Turek Hall of Science is a monument to the school’s dedication to equipping its students with practical skills and knowledge to thrive in the modern world!
