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.
