Columbia’s Islamic Center hopes to build second school

Islamic Center of Central Missouri is planning to build a new facility with a large gym. It is planned for the south side of the lot towards Elm Street in downtown Columbia, Mo.

“We are hoping and praying that we start digging as soon as possible,” said Outreach Coordinator Shakir Hamoodi.

He said the center tried to expand a few years ago but did not have enough funding.

“This center has been open since 1983 and not a single square foot has been added,” he said. ” It has been way overdue for the growth of our community.”

He said he is thankful for the support the Islamic Center receives from the community, university and the city.

“We would like to be at their expectations and provide the best education for our kids,” he said. “Not only the faith dimension but also the public school curriculum.”

The center is asking the Planning and Zoning Commission to designate the new school as a civic structure.

Development Services Manager Patrick Zenner said the designation of civic structure allows for more architectural freedom in the school’s design compared to a commercial or residential building.

It cancels out prescriptive heights for ceilings, floors, doors and windows that do not work for a school,” Zenner said.

The commission is expected the review the proposal at its meeting on Jun 21.