Building the Future with Miller & Long and IDEA Public Charter School at Carl F. West Estates

Senior Superintendent Mark Jordan shows students around the job site

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Construction Workforce

CWC believes in inspiring the next generation of builders. Recently, we partnered with Miller & Long Concrete Construction to host a site tour for students from IDEA Public Charter School at our active project, Carl F. West Estates—a new mixed-use, affordable senior housing development in DC’s 14th Street Corridor.  The students participating in the tour are part IDEA Public Charter School’s Career and Technical Education Program and will be the trade and management leaders in tomorrow’s construction industry.  

This 208,000-square-foot independent senior living community, developed by NCBA HDC and designed by Wiencek + Associates, will bring 179 affordable units to the intersection of Harvard, 14th, and Girard Streets, NW. The development is unique, offering 36 “grand-family” units specifically for grandparents raising grandchildren. Alongside the residential spaces, the project will feature approximately 10,000 square feet of office space, underground parking, and an array of amenities: a concierge, salon, wellness center, fitness spaces, a computer and business center, a library, game rooms, an outdoor patio, and even a playground.

Investing in our Future

During the tour, students observed the on-site progress, learned about construction phases, and saw the real-world application of safety practices. They also engaged with skilled workers who shared insights into the different trades, offering a well-rounded look at how multifaceted projects like Carl F. West Estates come together.

“It was inspiring to watch these students engage with a project that’s truly transforming this neighborhood,” said Executive Director of Risk Management Frank Trujillo, who coordinated the tour on behalf of Coakley & Williams Construction. “Our hope is to spark a lifelong interest in construction and show them that careers in this field make a tangible impact on the communities around them.”

By opening our doors to the next generation, we’re building more than just structures; we’re investing in the future of construction and the communities we serve.