Bigfork Valley breaks ground on new Commons addition

The sun chased away a long rainy period on Monday, April 11 as dignitaries came to officially break ground for the approximately $3.8 million Commons addition at Bigfork Valley.

(l to r) Eddy on the Edge, Bigfork Valley's mascot; Leo Kern, Plant Operations Manager; Ken Westman, COO; Board of Trustee members Shirley Sorrentino, Carol Mills and Joel Karels; Dan Odegaard, CEO; Jane Bymark, business development director; Gail Blackmer, chair of the board of trustees; IRRRB Commissioner Tony Sertich; Itasca County Commissioner Catherine McLynn, Bigfork Mayor Roger Logdahl, Board of Trustee members Matt Huju and Mike Marthaler, North Itasca Electric Co-op CEO Jeff Ortman; Nor-Son Construction Manager Richard Bell; architect Jim Jordan of HDR.

Dan Odegaard, CEO, introduced the project and guests at a short presentation before the ceremonial shovels broke ground. Bigfork Valley Board of Trustees Chair Gail Blackmer described the board's vision for the Commons and the thoughtful work that had gone into its development. IRRRB Commissioner Tony Sertich said that he represented Governor Dayton in celebrating a new project for the community that would create construction jobs. Architect Jim Jordan of HDR, who oversaw the original design of the 2006 hospital addition, added his thoughts about the expansion.

The approximately 15,500 square foot addition will provide a new kitchen facility serving the hospital, senior living, guests and staff; cafeteria space for staff and visitors; enlarge the work area for the busy hospital and retail pharmacies; and also add a conference room, gift shop and future wellness space.

"We are very happy to begin work on this long-planned addition," said Dan Odegaard, CEO. "This space will further our commitment to our community and hospital district and provide the infrastructure we need to grow into the future."

Project completion is scheduled for the end of 2011.