WEST GLACIER – A Great Falls company has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to complete the rebuilding the historic Sperry Chalet Dormitory in Glacier National Park
The National Park Service (NPS) recently announced a $4.73 million contract to Dick Anderson Construction to finish work on the historic chalet that was badly damaged in August 2017 during the Sprague Fire, which burned thousands of acres in the park.
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NPS expects that work this year will begin in early July and continue through Sept. 30, as long as the weather cooperates.
The final phase of the project will include masonry repairs, the permanent roof, and all other interior finishes to complete the building and ready it for visitor use. It’s anticipated that the chalet will be ready for public overnight stays in 2020.
The first phase of the project, completed in 2018, also by Dick Anderson Construction, included building stabilization, interior seismic walls, and temporary roofing. That award was for $4.08 million.
The rebuilding of the Sperry Chalet on its original site was made possible because of the quick response and financial support of the Glacier National Park Conservancy.
Immediately after the fire, the Conservancy raised significant funds for a “Phase Zero” emergency stabilization and preservation of the chalet’s stone masonry walls before winter set in.
The Conservancy then provided subsequent philanthropic funding for Phase 1 construction and monitoring overflights to check on the status of the half-completed chalet as it weathered the winter.
The Conservancy will contribute an additional $236,400 towards the completion of the second phase of the project.
“I am incredibly pleased to announce the second and final phase of the Sperry Chalet rebuilding project,” said Park Superintendent Jeff Mow. “We look forward to working with Dick Anderson again. They provided exceptional service to the National Park Service and the public last year.”
“We stand at the threshold of an historic accomplishment,” said Doug Mitchell, Glacier National Park Conservancy Executive Director. “This remarkable achievement shows the power of a public private partnership where all of us are pulling together to write the next chapter of Sperry Chalet and Glacier National Park history.”
Belton Chalets, Inc. will operate the Sperry Chalet Dining Room again this summer, serving work crews and the public. Lunch and a la carte services will be available from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Breakfast and dinner will be available to the public via reservation with Belton Chalets, Inc. by calling (888) 345-2649. Park concessioner Swan Mountain Outfitters will offer horseback rides to the Sperry area on weekends.
The NPS is rebuilding the Sperry Chalet Dormitory at its original site within the original stone masonry walls. The design rehabilitates the chalet dormitory reflecting its period of significance (1914-1949).
Click here for more information on the Sperry Chalet rebuilding project.
