US (WI): Demolition underway for Hillview Urban Agriculture Center

Western Technical College has started demolition on their former residence hall to make way for their greenhouse system and learning center. The project on campus will provide space for Hillview Urban Agriculture Center, as well as for the college's Landscape Horticulture program.

In July 2010, HUAC received a $25,000 grant from the La Crosse Community Foundation to develop a business plan for an urban agriculture center. That plan included: educating the community on growing, preparing and preserving nutritious foods, growing produce, and developing community-wide composting. However, the weight of the property mortgage, along with the age of facilities, created significant barriers to developing a financially sustainable plan.

As part of this new collaborative effort, a state-of-the-art, Urban Landscape and Agriculture Center, including an energy-efficient greenhouse will be realized. Horticulture, landscape, science, agriculture and culinary programs will all reap the benefits of having the facility on the downtown campus.

Demolition will last approximately 2 weeks. Construction will begin in late 2013 or early 2014, with completion in 2014.

Source: wxow.com