Wells Fargo donates $2 million; board approves naming of Homebuilding Laboratory

Steve Williamson, associate vice president for external relations with the college foundation, told the board that Wells Fargo provided a $2,000,000 gift to the Southeast Technical College Foundation to build a Homebuilding Laboratory. Williamson asked the board to approve naming the facility the Wells Fargo Homebuilding Laboratory.

Williamson said the homebuilding lab will allow students to build a house on an annual basis to be offered to the public as a first‑time homebuyer opportunity and will be located on the southeast side of the Southeast Tech campus near Career Avenue and the fenced area with the blue wrap. Board discussion compared the facility to an existing CTE Academy building that can accommodate two homes and suggested the college could reuse or adapt an existing blueprint as a starting point.

The board discussed cost estimates and construction options (metal building vs. prefab wood framing), noting prior estimates placed the structure cost in the low‑ to mid‑$1 million range for some options and that final costs will depend on design and materials. The foundation indicated the gift is expected to largely, if not entirely, cover the facility cost pending RFP results.

Board members praised the gift and partnership, discussed stronger engagement with CTE Academy to build a pipeline, and confirmed the donor’s long history of support for scholarships and financial literacy programming. The board moved and voted to approve the naming of the Wells Fargo Homebuilding Laboratory; the motion passed by voice vote.