ArcelorMittal Makes Donation to Porter County Career and Technical Center

PCCTC-ArcelorMittal-Donation-2016_01ArcelorMittal has stepped forward to join our community in supporting the re-purposing of the 1912 Grand Trunk Railroad station with a generous donation of $50,000.

The ArcelorMittal donation will allow us to continue to work on the historic Depot this year, converting it into a modern learning facility and much needed additional space for the Porter County Career and Tech Center (PCCTC).

The station was moved to the PCCTC property two years ago through the support of local manufacturers, Indiana Landmarks, local historic preservationists, railroad enthusiasts, the City of Valparaiso, numerous individuals, and Career and Tech Center faculty, students, and supporters.

PCCTC-ArcelorMittal-Donation-2016_02“ArcelorMittal is pleased to make this donation in support of not only the historic value of restoring the depot, but for the additional space that is needed to expand the classes for the students,” said Jolice Pojeta, manager of corporate responsibility and communications, ArcelorMittal. “With the students involved in both the demolition and restoration of the structure, this experience provides them with a sense of ownership of the project while also utilizing their STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills.”

Last year, the PCCTC Building Trades students began the interior demolition of the structure in an effort to return it to its original architecture and design. They also nearly completed the deck around the building.

This fall, pending the project’s progress, the plan is to “re-christen” the Depot with replicas of the original sign plates that designated the building as the Valparaiso Grand Trunk Train Depot. The community is invited to drive by and check out the building’s progress.