MSU-Northern Breaks Ground on New Applied Technology Center
Summer 2004

On the Morning of May 21, MSU Northern conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for its newApplied Technology Center. This facility will provide additional new and renovated 21st Century learning environments to better serve growing programs in the College of Technical Sciences and foster partnerships with business and industry. The building was designed by Great Falls architect, Gordon Whirry. It will house 17,200 square feet of lab and classroom spaces. Included will be a 110 seat tiered multi media lecture hall, a high bay 4,800 square foot industrial lab, teaching and testing labs, chassis and engine dynamometer test cells, research and prototype spaces all linked with a data command center.

Chancellor Alex Capedeville (right) expresses his appreciations for everyone while Commissioner Shelia Sterns (left) listens with great interest

Architect Gordon Whirry's drawing of the new Applied Technology Center

The building will be constructed of masonry and steel and will utilize ground source cooling and energy efficient heating systems. All instructional spaces will be equipped with multi media capabilities with 'future proofed' flexible data and communication linkages. The building will also be fully handicapped accessible.

In addition to this new construction the project will also include the renovation of 4,970 square feet of existing space. These renovations will enable Northern to upgrade some of its related business development offices, expand video conferencing facilities, and enhance meeting and instructional spaces by allowing single point access in a professional environment.

This building has a $4 million dollar budget, which includes $3,255,785 in construction and the remainder in equipment. The funding of this building came from various sources consisting of $2 million from the State of Montana, $1 million from an EDA grant and $1 million from corporate and private contributions.

The building contract has been awarded to Clausen and Sons, Inc. of Havre. Construction will begin within the next few weeks and is scheduled to be completed by the Fall of 2006.

Chancellor Alex Capdeville commented, "Students and employers expect current technologies to be part of our curriculum. The Applied Technology Center will help Northern respond to the technical demands of industry."

(L to R) Bob Bergren, Tony Priete, Paul Tuss, John Rogers, Shelia Stearns, John Mercer, Greg Kegel, Alex Capdeville, John Tester, Geoff Gamble, Greg Jergeson, John Musgrove, Tom Reynolds, Don Johnsrud and Brian Lillevedt participated in the ground breaking ceremony for Northern's new Applied Technology Center.

Photos by Jim Potter

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