St. Joseph Catholic School in Manhattan converted a storage garage into a classroom space this year and, in the process, became a case study in how local ordinance, community leadership, and industry generosity can work together to protect a building and its occupants.

The project required fire sprinklers. A 2012 Manhattan ordinance mandates automatic sprinkler systems in any new commercial construction or change of occupancy, regardless of size. When the school began planning its renovation, the village and Manhattan Fire Protection District made compliance a priority.

“The ordinance is the reason this project happened,” Fire Marshal Dave Kolosh of the Manhattan Fire Protection District said in a news release.

But the ordinance alone did not build the system. RAM Fire Protection donated the labor for installation. The Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board paid for the materials. The Village and fire district coordinated with the school throughout the planning to ensure the work met local fire protection standards.

“The Village worked collaboratively and went above and beyond to accommodate the school’s project,” said Mayor Mike Adieansen.

Kolosh emphasized why the investment mattered. Fires spread fast, often faster than people can evacuate. Sprinklers activate immediately, controlling the fire before it spreads, buying time for occupants to get out.

Fire Marshal Dave Kolosh, Manhattan Fire Protection District, points out the fire sprinkler system riser, located in a small storage closet in the classroom. The riser supplies water to the building’s automatic fire sprinkler system.

Fire Marshal Dave Kolosh, Manhattan Fire Protection District, points out the fire sprinkler system riser, located in a small storage closet in the classroom. The riser supplies water to the building’s automatic fire sprinkler system. (Photo Provided By  Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board/Lisa Woodward)

The system also protects fire crews and limits property damage, outcomes that benefit the broader community.

“As a small village, it was especially meaningful to see everyone come together to support a school that has been part of Manhattan for over 100 years,” said Mayor Mike Adrieansen. “I hope residents see that the village and the fire district genuinely care about the community.”

A completed classroom at St. Joseph Catholic School, converted from a storage garage, is now protected with an automatic fire sprinkler system.

A completed classroom at St. Joseph Catholic School, converted from a storage garage, is now protected with an automatic fire sprinkler system. (Photo Provided By Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board/Lisa Woodward)