Michigan Islamic school project begins approval process

The expansion of the Michigan Islamic Academy is moving forward now that the project is before the Ann Arbor Planning Commission. If approved this week construction should start this summer. “We are hoping that everything remains on schedule,” says Tarek Nahlawi, the program manager for the Michigan Islamic Academy.The Pre-K through 12 school on Plymouth Road plans to double its space within the next year. The 10,000-square-foot complex has been on the city’s northeast side since 1987. It now serves 204 students.The $1.5 million project calls for building an additonal 10,000-square-feet standing three stories tall. It will have space for eight classrooms and a cafeteria. The current school, which only has eight classrooms, doesn’t have a cafeteria and must use a temporary trailer to accommodate its growth.Construction is expected to take nine months to complete.Source: Tarek Nahlawi, the program manager for the Michigan Islamic AcademyWriter: Jon Zemke