In a joint announcement on Monday, March 17, City officials, along with leadership from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Pelican Chapter announced plans for a new Lake Charles location for the school in the former Walgreens building at the corner of Gerstner Memorial Drive and 12th Street. 

The project, largely funded through Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Funds, will breathe new life into a long-vacant building, bringing workforce development opportunities to the surrounding neighborhood and City as a whole.

“Any time we can invest in a project that will help our citizens enhance or gain new skills to improve their lifestyle, it is a worthy endeavor,” said Mayor Nic Hunter. “ABC Pelican Chapter is a wonderful organization with a successful track record in our area. They have the capacity to transform lives and we are thrilled to welcome them inside the City limits for the first time in their history here in Southwest Louisiana.”

ABC Pelican Chapter is one of 68 chapters of a national construction industry trade association representing more than 21,000 members.

“This is a project we have discussed for several years now and we are excited to see it become a reality,” added David Helveston, President and CEO of ABC, Pelican Chapter. “This project is all about investing in the people of Lake Charles. In this facility we will train several hundred students a year in carpentry, welding, millwright and a number of different craft occupations. The end result is a workforce ready to work in commercial or residential construction and even industry throughout the area. We thank the City of Lake Charles for their steadfast support and look forward to opening our doors here in Lake Charles.”

Construction is expected to get underway this year, with a target completion date of the first or second quarter of 2026.

“This program is all about workforce development. This will offer kids in high school and adults of all ages develop skills that will enhance their personal economic development, and in the long run, our City’s economic development,” explained District C City Councilman Rodney Geyen. “Once open, right here in District C, so many will have the opportunity to attend ABC Pelican Chapter’s school and become whatever it is they wish to be. I’m looking forward to getting out and encouraging our young people to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”

For more information on ABC Pelican Chapter, visit www.abcpelican.org.

For the latest City of Lake Charles news and information, visit www.cityoflakecharles.com or follow www.facebook.com/LakeCharlesLouisiana or @lccityhall on Instagram.