FBi Buildings is pleased to be part of the expansion of Columbian Park Zoo in Lafayette, Indiana. Below is an article from the July 13, 2006 Journal and Courier.

Sporting shovels painted with animal themes, local officials broke ground Wednesday on the first new animal exhibit for the Columbian Park Zoo since the zoo closed down for a complete overhaul in September 2004.

The Clarian Arnett Family Farm will be the first of what are expected to be several projects under construction this summer and fall.

All are scheduled to be ready in time for the zoo's long anticipated grand reopening sometime in spring or summer 2007.

What it is: The quarter-acre Clarian Arnett Family Farm consists of a 2,200-square-foot barn, a windmill, a vegetable garden, outdoor pens, various interactive opportunities, a hand-washing station and a place to store strollers. The exhibit will feature various farm animals common to Indiana, such as ducks, chickens, sheep and pigs.

How long it will take: Actual construction should begin in a few days. Construction will continue through late September, depending on the weather. Additional construction could be done in spring 2007, if necessary.

Who's paying for it: Clarian Health and Arnett HealthSystem are jointly funding 100 percent of the $300,000 cost.

Other zoo projects: A bald eagle exhibit, prairie dog exhibit and an interactive fountain should also begin construction soon. All the projects are being at least partially funded by various companies, clubs and foundations.

-- Curt Slyder/Journal and Courier