Kalispell Public Schools has chosen Architects Design Group to design the district’s elementary construction project.

That project is the result of a $3.35 million elementary district bond issue that voters approved Sept. 18. The money will be used to build four classroom additions and a multipurpose room at Peterson Elementary School, four additional classrooms at Edgerton Elementary and a new central kitchen located near Kalispell Middle School.

The elementary project’s lead engineering firm, Morrison-Maierle, was tasked with selecting and recommending an architectural firm. Kalispell Superintendent Darlene Schottle said that after discussion with a subcommittee, candidates were narrowed down to Architects Design Group and CTA Architects Engineers.

Availability was a top concern for the district. The current timeline has the classroom additions slated to open August 2013. The central kitchen is planned to be completed in July 2014.

“It was a shared decision based on ADG’s ability and willingness. It was a unanimous elementary vote to utilize their services,” Schottle said.

Schottle said designing the layout will begin immediately in order to start work. The district hopes to start the bidding process for the project in December.

The firm has previously worked with the district on several maintenance projects and a partial remodel at Hedges Elementary in 2002.

Kalispell board trustee Mary Ruby was on the subcommittee and said Architects Design Group showed ambition from the start.

“As soon as they heard about the project, they started contacting our engineer,” Ruby said.

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

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