WEST GLACIER – An environmental assessment on plans to rebuild the historic Glacier National Park building that burned in last summer’s Sprague fire has been released.
The National Park Service is proposing that the Sperry Chalet dormitory building be rebuilt at its original site within the original walls. The design would restore the chalet dormitory reflecting its period of significance — which was between 1914-1949.
However, park officials note that some critical updates would be included including current building codes and improvements to life safety features including seismic bracing and fire resistant materials.
The visitor experience would be very similar to what it has been for decades by using as much of the remaining historic fabric, and replicating historic finishes where practicable, according to a news release. The construction is being proposed for the summers of 2018 and 2019.
A public meeting to discuss the plan will be held on Monday, April 23 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Flathead Valley Community College in the Arts and Technology Building in Room 139
The environmental assessment is available online and comments on the project are due on May 7, 2018.
Comments can be submitted online or sent by mail to Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: Sperry Chalet, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, Montana 59936. The EA may also be requested by calling 406-888-7898.
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