COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - A Colorado Springs construction company has been awarded a $17.4 million contract to build an Army National Guard readiness center north of Colorado Springs.

The Defense Department announced Friday the contract was awarded to Roundhouse PBN.

The 63,000-square-foot center will be on the eastern edge of the Air Force Academy. The military said previously the center will be home to Company A and the Headquarters Company of the Army Guard's new 1st Battalion.

Work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2013.

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