A while back I posted a couple times about an opportunity that our team had to ask for a new facility centered around engineering and FRC for our school. I wanted to update you all, and most particularly, let teams in the Colorado Front Range know that we did this with all of you in mind, in hopes that we could provide you with facilities that would serve everyone.
I'm thrilled to say that we have begun the process of converting an old "Butler" building at our school (really a huge shed) into a new engineering center. We received multiple grants totaling around $750,000 for a full renovation and refitting, as well as a decent slate of machinery. Right now, it looks like we will have:
- a Bridgeport-style DRO mill
- a DRO engine lathe
- a small (5 x 5) water jet
- a cold saw
- a brake/shear
- expanded 3D printing capacity
And,
- a half+ FRC playing field
Construction has begun, and will likely be completed within days of the 2016 kickoff in January. We know that Denver and the Front Range has tons of potential, with fantastic dedicated mentors and coaches, and bright, enthusiastic students. We hope that having access to new machining options, as well as a playing field for practice, will help these great teams reach new heights in years to come.