Sperry Chalet Reconstruction Options Open For Public Comment

Montana Public Radio

Published April 17, 2018 at 3:45 PM MDT

Sperry Chalet before the fire, in an undated photo from the National Parks Service.

Glacier National Park is recommending that the scorched dormitory of the Sperry Chalet be rebuilt in its original footprint within its original walls.

Sperry’s dormitory was badly burned in the Sprague Fire last August.

The rebuild is designed to reflect its original Swiss-chalet-meets-rugged-American-West style, with a few critical updates, including seismic bracing, fire resistant materials and code upgrades.

The Park proposes two phases for construction, beginning this summer and wrapping up next year, barring unforeseen cost considerations, conditions or events. Trails near the construction area will remain open, as will the toilet facility at Sperry.

During construction, the Park estimates between 350 to 520 helicopter trips and between 65 - 120 pack trips will be necessary to transport more than 200 tons of building materials to an on-site crew of 12- 25.

The Environmental Assessment that outlines rebuild considerations and alternatives will be available for public review for 20 days. Comments are due May 7.

Park staff will hold a public meeting to answer questions and accept comments on Monday, April 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Flathead Valley Community College.

Visit the park planning site to see the Sperry Chalet final rebuild EA or submit a comment on the Sperry Chalet rebuild.