Author: rrush

A Community-Driven Project Rooted in Gary, Indiana.

At Powers & Sons Construction, we believe the most meaningful projects are the ones that strengthen communities—and the Tolleston Opportunity Campus is a powerful example of that mission in action.

Located in Gary, IN, directly across from our Gary office and in the neighborhood Powers & Sons has proudly called home since 1967, this project carries special significance for our team. It’s not just a jobsite—it’s a chance to invest in the very community that has supported our company for generations.

From Vision to Reality: A Campus Taking Shape

This joint venture with Berglund is quickly taking shape and already reflects the vision behind it: a space designed to foster wellness, recreation, connection, and opportunity for generations to come. Developed in partnership with Crossroads YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, and Methodist Hospitals, the campus is emerging as a transformative community hub. As construction progresses, it’s exciting to see the campus transform from plans on paper into a place that will serve as a true community anchor. 

The new facility will feature a multi-purpose gymnasium to support sports, recreation, and community events, along with classrooms and meeting spaces dedicated to educational workshops, job training, and youth programming. A dedicated wellness center will offer fitness equipment and group exercise classes, while a child development center will provide high-quality early childhood education and after-school care for local families. The campus will also include a teaching kitchen, creating opportunities for nutrition education and healthy cooking classes that support overall well-being. 

Beyond the building itself, the exterior scope of work further extends the campus’s impact. Outdoor recreational spaces will include playgrounds and sports fields, along with thoughtfully designed community gathering areas that encourage connection, engagement, and shared experiences. 

Designed for Lasting Community Impact

As construction advances, the vision behind the campus is becoming tangible. Each phase reflects the dedication of the many organizations, partners, and supporters who believe in the power of community-driven development. We are honored to play a role in bringing this impactful project to life and to work alongside teams who share a common goal: creating lasting, positive change. 

At Powers & Sons Construction, projects like the Tolleston Opportunity Campus underscore why we do what we do—building spaces that go beyond bricks and mortar to support people, possibility, and progress. 

Progress you can see. Impact that will last. 

Powers & Sons Construction is proud to celebrate the completion of two significant middle school projects for MSD Lawrence Township as part of the district’s multi-year K–12 Blue Ribbon Facilities initiative. The completed renovations and improvements at Fall Creek Valley Middle School and Belzer Middle School reflect a shared commitment to maintaining safe, modern facilities that meet student capacity and support high-quality education. 

Together, these projects represent a combined investment of almost $72,000,000 strengthening learning environments for students, staff, and the broader Lawrence Township community. 

 

Fall Creek Valley Middle School 

Powers & Sons Construction served as Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) for renovations and site improvements at Fall Creek Valley Middle School. 

The project included approximately 250,000 square feet of interior renovations featuring new finishes throughout classrooms and offices, including updated cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and fixtures. Major interior renovations and upgrades were also completed in key shared spaces, including the media center, cafeteria, music areas, and gymnasiums. 

Exterior scope of work included new sidewalks and parking lots, a redesigned main entrance drive, and a new bus turnaround. Masonry and EIFS restoration work was also performed as part of the project. 

Athletic improvements were completed to support student activities and campus use, including renovations to the existing softball and baseball fields with new dugouts and a remodeled concessions building. In addition, a new soccer field was constructed south of the baseball diamond. 

 

Belzer Middle School 

At Belzer Middle School, Powers & Sons Construction served as Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) for both building renovations and the construction of a new building addition. 

Interior renovations encompassed approximately 250,000 square feet of space and included new cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and fixtures throughout classrooms and offices. In addition to these updates, major interior renovations and upgrades were completed in the existing media center, cafeteria, music areas, and gymnasiums. 

Alongside the interior work, the project included the construction of a 16,000-square-foot multi-purpose addition. To support this new space, a new underground retention system was installed as part of the site infrastructure improvements. 

Exterior work completed at the campus included new sidewalks and a new bus turnaround, as well as masonry and EIFS restoration work. The north parking lot was also redesigned to modify traffic patterns as part of the overall site improvements. 

 

Celebrating Completion: Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies 

The completion of both projects was marked by ribbon cutting ceremonies attended by MSD Lawrence Township leadership, school administrators, project partners, and members of the community. These events celebrated the collaboration and shared vision that brought each project to life and officially welcomed students and staff into their updated learning environments. 

The ribbon cuttings served as a meaningful milestone—recognizing not only the physical transformation of the campuses, but the collective investment in education and the future of Lawrence Township 

Community Impact 

These completed projects go beyond building improvements. They enhance safety, accessibility, and functionality across both campuses while creating environments that support collaboration, creativity, and student engagement. From improved traffic flow and building performance to upgraded athletic and gathering spaces, the work completed at Fall Creek Valley and Belzer Middle Schools will benefit students, families, and the community for years to come. 

Supporting the Future of Learning 

Powers & Sons Construction is honored to have partnered with MSD Lawrence Township on these impactful projects. The successful completion of Fall Creek Valley Middle School and Belzer Middle School represents a lasting investment in education—one that supports student growth, educator success, and strong community connections well into the future.