From the Ground Up: Springfield Public Schools Agricultural Magnet School

Owner/developer: Missouri State University
General contractor: Snyder Construction Group LLC
Architect: Arkifex Studios LLC
Engineers: Olsson Inc., civil; J&M Engineering LLC, structural; and Interpres Building Solutions LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 15,137 square feet
Estimated cost: $5.5 million
Lender: None
Estimated completion: December
Project description: Missouri State University is collaborating with Springfield Public Schools to expand elementary agricultural educational programs with a new facility on the MSU Darr Agricultural Center campus. The building will house SPS’ AgAcademy program that will serve up to 150 fourth- through sixth-grade students chosen via a random lottery, said SPS spokesperson Teresa Bledsoe. The program will be the newest of five magnet programs offered by SPS. AgAcademy will feature a custom-designed learning environment with classrooms, labs, a demonstration kitchen and outdoor spaces like garden beds and greenhouses, Bledsoe said. The building will be owned by MSU and SPS will provide teachers, curriculum and educational supplies, according to the university’s website. The project is funded by an undisclosed investment from the Darr Family Foundation.