FVCC awards contract for building

Flathead Valley Community College trustees on Wednesday awarded Oswood Construction a $832,600 contract for a new maintenance building and approved a lease for 16 apartments as a pilot student housing project.

At a special meeting of the board of trustees, college President Jane Karas said Oswood Construction of Great Falls submitted the lowest of seven bids to build the custodial and storage building. The next lowest bid was $4,400 more than Oswood’s bid.

Karas said that Oswood had completed projects in the Flathead area including serving as general contractor for the Occupational Trades Building. According to its website, Oswood also performed the Kalispell City Hall Renovation and works in a multi-state area including Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, Arizona and Nevada.

In answer to a trustee question, Karas said the low bid was a bit over the college’s estimate of the cost of construction.

She said the staff had accounted for the possibility with an option of borrowing the additional money from the Montana Intercap Program if necessary.

When trustees voted in May to seek bids, Karas said the building was needed to replace former custodial space that was converted into a nursing lab and for storage space now occupying two bays of the Occupational Trades Building.

Trustees voted unanimously to approve the contract.

Steve Larson, director of physical facilities, said construction would start this month with completion expected in November. He said it would be built east of the Occupational Trades Building.

Also at the special meeting, trustees approved a five-year lease of a 16-apartment building from Kalispell Regional Medical Center for an annual cost of $35,760. 

“We have enough built in to manage the building and for maintenance expenses,” she said.

Following the meeting, Karas called this a pilot project in response to requests from students living in both Flathead and Lincoln counties for housing close to the college.

“Especially from Lincoln County — their families would like them to have a place to stay here,” Karas said.

She said even some students who live here have a desire to live independently while attending college. Karas said these apartments, a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, would rent from $630 and $650 a month including utilities.

“We still have a housing liaison who works with local landlords,” Karas said.

This apartment building is located across from the Summit Medical Fitness Center, which puts it within walking distance of the college campus and on the route of Eagle Transit.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com .