We were recently awarded the opportunity to team up with architectural firm L’Heureux, Page, Werner as part of the design team for Phase I of a new district-wide improvement project for the Missoula County Public Schools. This project will give the engineers at JME a unique chance to give back to the community in a vital way – by improving the lives of children now, and in years to come.
It is becoming apparent that the aging schools across Missoula are no longer able to provide a suitable learning environment for our students. The heating, plumbing and electrical systems in buildings throughout Missoula County Public Schools are woefully outdated and inefficient. Systems are breaking down, leaving our children in the cold, and repairing the old equipment is costing the district more that it should. After careful planning and research, the district has decided to ask the voters to approve a bond to fund much needed improvements.
As part of the design team for the new school buildings and renovation projects, JM Engineering will work to bring the heating/cooling systems in our local schools up to today’s energy efficiency and performance standards.
JM Engineering has a wealth of experience working in schools, and we understand the unique challenges inherent in renovations of historic buildings. The opportunity to work on bringing the Historic Lowell School up to current standards, while preserving the beauty of the original building is a welcome challenge.
The improvements are in preliminary stages, and hinge on the bond being passed in the upcoming election. We are currently making preparations to begin the design process as early November 5th. The projects will move forward on an accelerated schedule, and the first phase of construction should begin in June of 2016.
If you would like to learn more about the proposed improvements and up-coming bond proposal, click this link to a recent article in the Missoulian.