Lakeside QRU breaks ground on new building

West Shore News

Local construction crews broke ground on the new Lakeside QRU building last week.

The project got underway after receiving unanimous approval for a conditional-use permit from the Flathead County Board of Adjustment on April 6.

The new building will be just up the street from the current fire hall on Bill's Road, which the QRU currently shares with the Somers-Lakeside Volunteer Fire Department.

Lakeside residents Al and Cora Luna donated the 2-acre property this fall.

Construction will be done in phases as funding is available.

Several trees and bushes along Bill's Road will be removed this week to make way for crews and the new approaches to the property.

The facilities will have two approaches off Bill's Road — one for the ambulance bays and another back to the parking lot, with the possibility of extending it through to connect to Bierney Creek Road in the future, with cooperation of adjacent property owners.

QRU President Steve Rosso has said he hopes to have the first phase, a partially completed building, ready to move into later this year.

The new two-story building will include three ambulance bays, a main office, storage, a serving kitchen, an exercise area and living quarters. Areas like the living quarters will be completed in later phases of the project as they are not immediately needed.

The building will also serve as a community meeting center as plans include construction of a 182-seat meeting room with five wheelchair spots.

Plans also call for a 42-spot parking lot and an ALERT helicopter helipad.

Fundraising will continue to be done throughout construction of the facilities. The QRU welcomes volunteers interested in planning or putting on fundraising events, Rosso said.

For more information, contact the QRU at 844-2775.