CEBA Construction Continues As Crews Battle Challenging Winter Weather

From extremely hot temperatures last fall when construction began to this bitter cold winter, Wagman's Construction crews continue to build The Center for Education, Business & Arts (CEBA). "We're battling the cold, but moving forward every day," said Joe Matthews, project superintendent. And the latest photos tell the story. "It's amazing to see the progress and how the building is beginning to look just like the conceptual drawing," said Mary Luscavage, DSI Acting Executive Director and Board Secretary. "Plus, knowing the doors are still on schedule to open in October is exciting."

Overcoming Challenges To Create Opportunities

The Center For Education, Business & Arts is broken into two Phases. The first phase, scheduled to open in October will include a commercial kitchen, a Penn State classroom, the new DSI office, and a facility for the EARN, workforce development program. The second phase will include an event center and a health component. So how did DSI decide what would be housed in CEBA? The community! DSI hosted multiple focus groups and personal interviews throughout Schuylkill County to gain insight and input on what the community needed. The results were unanimous and CEBA was created.

The following photos show CEBA progress as of February 2025.

CEBA will breathe new life into the region and spur economic growth. It will be an active hub for people from all walks of life to collaborate, learn, and grow. "We've had our challenges and bumps in the road, but thanks to our community and the support of so many, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel," said Luscavage. "When the doors open, DSI will still need the community's participation because there is still more work to do. The bottom line is that CEBA is setting the stage for a stronger, brighter future," she added.

DSI encourages the community to donate and help this very worthy cause. "Every dollar counts, your dollar counts," is the project's motto. Donate at the DSI office at 116 N. Main St. or visit downtownshenandoah.com or discoverceba.com.