AgriScience programs are growing in popularity across Michigan, with 126 FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) chapters supporting students through education, scholarships, and community service (www.michiganffa.org). These programs provide students with career exploration and hands-on learning opportunities tied to agriculture, sustainability, and modern farming technologies.
Wolgast Corporation has recently partnered with two Michigan School Districts—St. Louis Public Schools and Ithaca Public Schools—to construct new greenhouses as part of their AgriScience initiatives. These projects have deepened our expertise in greenhouse construction, and we’re sharing key takeaways for other districts considering similar additions.
St. Louis Public Schools: Adding New Resources with Bond & Grant Support
As part of their bond-funded improvements, rural St. Louis Public Schools added a new Winandy-brand greenhouse to expand their AgriScience curriculum. The Winandy had been the best choice from a bid selection. Working with Forrest Trail Design, the original scope included structure installation with built-in heat and ventilation for the new 1,066 sq. ft building. The building has an aluminum frame with polycarbonate panels and a concrete floor. Thanks to additional grant funding, the District will now install grow lights and cameras to further enrich their year-round education program.
Wolgast worked with the District and Architect to install the building on time and within budget, while also guiding next steps for enhancing utility connections as the program evolves.
Ithaca Public Schools: Modernizing a Key Component of Their Ag Program
Ithaca Public Schools, located in rural mid-Michigan, has a strong and active FFA chapter. When their aging, undersized greenhouse no longer met the needs of their growing AgriScience program, the District sought to replace it as part of their Sinking Fund improvements.
Working collaboratively, the District, Kingscott Architects, and Wolgast Corporation prepared the foundation for a new 2,500 sq. ft. Rimol-brand greenhouse—selected for its quality and durability. The structure includes a concrete floor and polycarbonate walls, enabling year-round use and aligning with the school’s curriculum needs.
The construction schedule was tight, but we completed in time for students to prepare for the annual spring flower sale, a significant student-led event that also supports beautification of downtown Ithaca. Wolgast provided cost estimating, schedule coordination, and construction management to deliver the project on time and aligned with educational goals.
Lessons Learned: Planning Beyond the Structure
Greenhouses are often purchased as pre-manufactured kits, which include structural components, heating elements, and fans. While this approach helps with budget control and construction speed, one challenge we encountered was in the building’s electrical capacity.
Both schools requested the erection of the Greenhouse kits, but had plans to incorporate grow lights, cameras, and other operational tools post-construction. The initial electrical service planned for the greenhouse kit did not account for this additional load. As a result, after installation, it became clear that more robust electrical infrastructure was needed.
Recommendation: Districts should consult with a greenhouse-specific architect or engineer early in the design process to assess long-term electrical needs. Doing so helps avoid rework, additional costs, and delays in program implementation.
Fortunately, both St. Louis and Ithaca Public Schools were able to secure 61s grant funds to upgrade their electrical systems and complete their greenhouse setups.
Our Experience, Your Advantage
Through these two successful greenhouse projects, Wolgast has expanded its capabilities in AgriScience facility construction. We understand the nuances of pre-manufactured structures, school scheduling requirements, and the importance of designing for both current and future educational technology needs. We are also helping school districts plan for indoor hydroponic rooms as part of their future bond projects.
If your District is exploring ways to strengthen its AgriScience or FFA programs, we’re ready to apply our growing experience to help you build a lasting and functional greenhouse environment tailored to your goals.