The sound of a bobcat, excavator, forklift and hydraulic hoe ram filled the Alexandria campus of Bishop Ireton High School Aug. 30 as the demolition of the Oblate House began.

The former residence of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales will be razed to make way for a new building that will house classrooms, a library and cafeteria.

Ireton Principal Denise Tobin said the school is moving in the direction of a rigorous STEM program and the new science labs, including a robotics lab with 3D printers, will supplement that effort.

“(The new building) will move us down the road with 21st century learning and equipment,” said Tobin.

Before demolition, the Oblate House was used for extensive training exercises for the Alexandria Fire Department. Construction of the new building will begin next summer.