St. Louis Constructors Build Better Life for Children

They come to America to build a future and in some cases rebuild their shattered lives. Many of the nearly 400 immigrant and refugee children from 27 countries who attend K-10 at Nahed Chapman New American Academy in St. Louis are getting their first taste of education—and of American life. The people and companies of the St. Louis construction industry delivered a “Welcome to America” message in a universal language most if not all of the children “speak” and love: soccer, in the form of a donated artificial surface soccer field, completed and dedicated in September. The field, along with a custom designed shelter area and landscaping, was built through donated services and fundraising totaling more than $200,000 from the construction industry, the soccer community and other supporters. In May, 2015, Peter Tao, principal of the architecture firm Tao + Lee Associates Inc., approached Construction Forum St. Louis to engage its industry connections to help build the sports facility.

Mike Anderson is the Editor of ENR Midwest, as well as ENR’s Equipment Editor. He has more than 30 years of media experience, including the past 20 years with leading construction publications throughout North America. Most recently, he was Editor of BNP Media’s POB and Site Prep publications. He is based at BNP Media’s head office in Troy, Mich.