b'ST. PAULPARISHWe happily joined hands with St. PaulCatholic Church
again, this time on two important projects. The first was a
9,458-square-foot expansion at Trinity Hall. The goal was to connect the
church, rectory and parish center with a new gathering space for the
congregation. Today, this welcoming addition offers clear views to the
altar, reflecting a shared commitment toCURT community and unity.The other
was a 2,250-square-foot renovationHORSTMANN of the boys and girls
restrooms across three levels at St. Paul Elementary School. This
comprehensive job demanded new ceramicWONT SIT STILLtile finishes,
plumbing fixtures, ceiling tiles, piping, partitions and updated
lightingall in service of providing ADA accessible facilities for the
students and staff. Since the early 2000s, our Diversified Operations
Group has led a meticulous remodel of the Louis Latzer Memorial Public
Library. And the man in charge? An unlikely figure: Curt Horstmann, whos
never been a big fan of schoolor libraries. I just didnt like books.The
irony is not lost on him. But he loves the work. And that deep sense of
community stems from his roots as a Highland local and a kid who grew up
in the construction industry. His dad, Vince, owned Highland Ready Mix and
supplied concrete for many of Ralph Kortes early jobs. After graduating
from Highland High in 1978, Curt joined the crew.He eventually caught the
attention of David Lammers, our Special Services lead.He said, Hey, were
looking. If youre interested, just let me know. And that was the end.Curt
was 33 at the time. Thirty years later, hes still here.I appreciate that
Kortes not just punch a clock, youre going to work. Its, Youre going to do
what you like to do, and we care enough to get you home.Curts had a hand
in significant Korte projects over the years. In Oahu, he helped build the
Kaneohe Bay Temporary Lodging Facilityan especially memorable job that let
him experience history in person instead of from a textbook.My good friend
and I made a trip over to see the submarine and the actual war zone. That
pretty much set my mind like, Oh my goodness. See, I need visualsI dont
get that out of books.Maybe thats what makes the Latzer Library job so
poignant. Books never did it for him. But fixing up the building that
preserves them for the rest of the community? Thats the biggest triumph of
his career.58'