Vo-ag center expansion project progressing

The second phase of construction at the H.E. Robinson Vocational Agriculture Center is taking shape.

The project got underway in May and includes a new north entry, south classroom addition and a welding shop addition. The existing building is also being remodeled.

“We’re currently in the rough-in phase on the north side,” Project Manager Jason Dwight of Swank Enterprises said. “On the south side we’re doing the rough carpentry and we’re getting ready to put the roof on there.”

New construction encompasses 20,382 square feet. The area being remodeled is about 6,168 square feet.

The vo-ag center serves both Flathead and Glacier high school students. About 300 students attended the vo-ag center during the 2018-19 school year, according to teachers Brian Bay and Justin Heupel who attended a construction meeting at the site on Thursday.

The first phase of construction included completion of a new veterinary science building, greenhouse and pole barn.

The district still needs to develop veterinary courses, according to Bay. In the meantime, the building is housing agriculture classes displaced by construction. He said it’s involved a lot of communication, scheduling and relocating classes around.

Dwight anticipates remodeling of the existing building will be done in August. The entire project is expected to be completed by August. 2020.

The vo-ag center is part of a $28.8 million bond issue that also includes Flathead High School, Linderman Education Center, Legends Stadium and Glacier High School.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.