Contractor selected for Linderman renovation

Swank Enterprises has been selected as the general contractor and construction manager for the Linderman Education Center renovation project in Kalispell Public Schools.

Swank Enterprises is headquartered in Valier with offices in Kalispell and Billings.

The district received proposals and qualifications from six firms. A selection committee conducted interviews and used weighted criteria in making a recommendation to the school board. Two other qualifying firms considered for the project and interviewed were Martel Construction and Langlas and Associates.

The Linderman project represents roughly $3.4 million of a $28.8 million high school district bond issue to improve school facilities. The goal in renovating Linderman is to better utilize space, such as creating a commons area and refurbishing the gym.

The priorities, however, will mostly be behind-the-scenes deferred maintenance upgrades to mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Built in 1929, Linderman is a mix of different infrastructure from over the decades — such as a fuse box with 1950s technology and old piping connected to the steam-heat system. The last time the building had any upgrades was more than 20 years ago.

“One of the things that pushed, I would say, Swank over the top as far as our recommendation — is Swank came into the interview with some really good recommendations and they communicated experience in their renovation projects that were heavy in mechanical, electrical and plumbing,” said Erick Enz of Axiom Builders Group, who serves as the district’s representative.

The next step in the Linderman project is the design phase. By bringing Swank on board now to work with architects will help pin down actual construction costs and be able to cross priorities off the list while fitting other building improvements within budget constraints.

“Right now most of the budget is being taken up by mechanical, electrical and plumbing,” Enz said. “And really the desire is we want to replace flooring; we want some renovation inside, some visible renovation, other than things just buried in the wall.”

Other buildings in the high school district that are slated for improvements include Flathead and Glacier high schools and the H.E. Robinson Agricultural Center.

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