A remodeling and expansion of educational, office and conference space has been completed at the Cloquet Forestry Center. Funded by the 2006 Minnesota Legislature, the project connects the Center's dining center with the auditorium and classroom spaces. Upgrades to the Center's sprinkler system and heating and cooling systems are included.
"The project will enhance the educational experience for our students and professionals who attend continuing education courses at the Center," said Ron Severs, the Center's interim coordinator and forest manager. "It will also provide the flexibility we need to serve the growing needs for experiential education in northeast Minnesota."
The Center hosts more than 10,000 visitors annually, including undergraduate and graduate students within CFANS (College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences), the greater University and other institutions around the U.S. The Center has become a key facility for experiential education programs, policy meetings related to forestry and other natural resources. The Center also hosts scientists and students who conduct long-term research in the Center's 3,400-acre forest. A regional office of the University of Minnesota Extension is also located at the Center.
Designed by Architectural Resources Inc., the addition provides approximately 3,700 square feet of valuable new space. This includes a 45-seat classroom, a commons area for students and user group gathering, two new offices, a laundry room, expanded restroom facilities, wireless Internet throughout, and a connecting corridor that creates comfortable and efficient access to the Dinning Center. The total project cost was $1,120,000 made possible in large part by the Minnesota Legislature's 2006 bonding bill.
Goundbreaking and construction of the addition began in November 2006 and was completed in July 2007.
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John Kessler served as the University's project manager. The general contractor was Ray Riihiluoma Inc., president John Riililuoma, site foreman Tod Holt.
Special recognition is due to the entire staff at the Cloquet Forestry Center who served as a building committee. They are Bonnie Jones, Joe Ulsby, Mark Anderson, Chuck Kramer, Stephanie Oberg, John Blanchard. Carrie Pike, Louise Levy and Jim Warren. Each contributed in bringing the project to completion.
