From the Ground Up: Ozarks Tech electrical distribution systems and ag facility

Owner: Ozarks Technical Community College
General contractor: Branco Enterprises Inc.
Architect: Paragon Architecture LLC
Engineers: Toth and Associates Inc., civil; J&M Engineering LLC, structural; and Interpres Building Solutions LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 19,600 square feet
Cost: $4.8 million
Funding sources: State and federal grants
Estimated completion: March 2025
Project description: A new building to house electrical distribution systems and agriculture programs is rising on the Richwood Valley campus of Ozarks Technical Community College. Plans for the facility include a lab, classrooms, an administrative suite and a community room, according to project officials. Funds have been provided by the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department, with a $1.7 million grant, and the State MoExcels Workforce Initiative, with $2.5 million that requires an Ozarks Tech match. Located next to the existing ag building and greenhouse, the new digs will allow the college to expand its course offerings while providing a designated space for the electrical distribution systems program, which trains line workers, and it will also house the program’s equipment and tools, according to the college’s website. Ozarks Tech officials say the building will open to students starting in August 2025. The design allows for future expansion to later include space for outdoor line worker training.