Schoolpictures.com to start construction on new Ypsilanti home

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 | Source: Concentrate

Schoolpictures.com is closing. On its new home that is. (Scared you there, didn't we?)

The web-based company closed on its new home in the former Ave Maria University campus in Ypsilanti Monday and expects to start construction within the next couple of weeks.

"Once the first of August comes around the big Tonka trucks will come in and start doing some work," says Skip Cerier, president of Schoolpictures.com, adding work should be done by February.

Schoolpictures is in the process of taking over the old Ave Maria University campus on Forest Avenue between the campus of Eastern Michigan University and Frog Island Park. It's moving from Pittsfield Township because its growth has been so rapid its old HQ just couldn't accommodate all the new employees.

Schoolpictures.com started with seven employees three years ago and has since grown to more than 40. The company's business has more than doubled in that time and it hopes to reach well beyond those numbers in the next five years.

During its search for new offices 18 cities across the country were considered. Cerier chose Ypsilanti because of its proximity to EMU's campus, allowing Schoolpictures.com to work closely with the school and its students.

Schoolpictures.com plans to renovate the buildings on the small campus, 21,000 square feet in all, and make them more environmentally friendly. Among the additions will be green roofs installed on the two main buildings. Cerier is also working with an architect to make sure the buildings are certified for Leadership in Energy and Environment Design.

Schoolpictures.com is also buying the campus' president house. The 1864 Victorian home that was painstakingly restored by Tom Monaghan, the founder of Ave Maria. That house will be used for meetings and to entertain potential clients.

Source: Skip Cerier, president of SchoolPictures.com
Writer: Jon Zemke