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Lester Puts on the Luster
By Karl Fredrickson

Lester Building Systems is one of the largest pre-engineered building manufacturers in the United States, providing a broad range of building types--from simple farm buildings, and equestrian and suburban buildings, to many types of commercial structures. Over 130,000 Lester buildings have been erected from the Rocky Mountains to the eastern seaboard.

Last October, Lester was featured on NBC's "Three Wishes," when Grammy Award-winning singer Amy Grant and a team of assistants built a dairy farm for Amy and Terry Aberson of Sioux Center, Iowa. A fire that destroyed the Abersons' dairy facility started when a short in a tractor alternator ignited the fuel filter.

It's not the first time Lester Building Systems has come to the rescue after a fire. On a March 2004 afternoon in Bear Lake, Pennsylvania, local racer Doug Eck stopped by Chub Frank's shop and realized the back of the building was on fire. Inside, Chub and his father Jerry were unaware of the situation. Eck alerted the Franks and, along with Toby Jordon, helped them remove dirt late models.

Despite the efforts of seven fire departments, the building and all contents of the shop--including a pair of Draime engines, over 100 wheels and tires, tools, parts, trophies, and mementos from Chub's 25-year racing career --were lost.

Frank and his team were determined to get back up to speed as soon as possible, which meant they needed a new shop. Frank determined that a pre-engineered Lester Building Systems construction would be a great way to go.

Frank's neighbor observed construction. Despite being "a guy who never has anything nice to say about any product, he was highly impressed with the quality, fit, and design of the Lester building," says Frank.

Throughout most areas where Lester buildings are available, they are sold and erected by nearly 150 independent, locally owned dealers.

Typically, Lester buildings are pre-engineered post-frames (a modernization of the outdated term "pole barn") that consist of a clear span truss supported by two columns. This primary framing system is supported by an interlocking system of purlins, girts, and sheathing. Compared to other building methods, post-frame is often the fastest, most efficient alternative, taking typically five to seven weeks for construction.

Just about any Lester structure can be altered to feature a rafter-style roof system with only a few engineering modifications.

Despite the high quality, Lester buildings are competitively priced. A general rule of thumb is that simple "box" storage buildings, with a basic package of accessories (like doors and windows, but excluding concrete) typically range between $6 and $15 per sq.ft. The amount of customization can move this number up substantially. Costs for commercial end-use buildings with concrete and interior finishing can cost around $30 to $100 per sq. ft.

If you don't need a shop the size of Chub's, Lester's Town & Country makes a great garage which is available in a minimum size of 21' x 24'. Lester's website features eBuildings--an industry first, which lets you conveniently browse, select, customize, and price out the building that fits your needs, with a few clicks of the mouse.

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