AUGUST 11, 2023 • Grand Junction, Colorado
Ascent Classical Academy of Grand Junction purchased the former Rocky Mountain Gun Club facility located at 545 31 Road, Grand Junction, in early 2023 and immediately began work to remodel the building to prepare it for the school’s opening this fall.
The facility’s former use as a gun club required its new owners to initiate an abatement process ensuring the building could safely house students and employees.
“We prioritize the safety of our students and staff above all else,” stated Carissa Drake, headmaster of Ascent Classical Academy of Grand Junction. “We delayed our start date by a week to ensure the buildings could be properly cleaned and prepared for these children and their teachers. We don’t take this responsibility lightly.”
The Vertex Companies, LLC (“VERTEX”), a global AEC firm contracted by Ascent Classical, used laboratory-supplied sampling equipment and submitted the samples under the proper chain of custody to Environmental Protection Agency National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program laboratories for third-party sample analysis.
Testing occurred on multiple dates in 2023 following decontamination activities including the removal of flooring materials, ceiling tiles, and ductwork, as well as a decontamination process for all remaining surfaces and materials. Areas tested included surfaces within the facility, the detached garage, and soil samples outside of the building.
“The intent of this project was to remove the lead-in-dust contamination from throughout the facility in accordance with HUD and CDPHE Regulation 19 lead clearance standards,” stated the report provided to Ascent Classical by VERTEX in early August. “A visual inspection and limited wipe sampling was performed within a containment area until representative samples within that area demonstrated compliance with HUD cleanup standards. The exterior wipe samples and exterior soil samples were all below recognized exterior lead-in-dust surface standards and lead-in-soil standards.”
This latest report marks a milestone in the school’s efforts to bring a high-quality classical education to the Grand Junction community. Click here to view the full report from VERTEX.
Ascent Classical is actively working toward gaining its certificate of occupancy prior to its Sept. 5 start date. Parents and community members are encouraged to learn more about Ascent Classical Academy of Grand Junction online.