Members Present: Grant Petersen - Chair, Kris Johnson, Brett Gunnink, Alison Harmon, Walter Scheldorf, Kane Urdahl, Danielle Garber, Duane Morris, Evan Greenwood, Robert Mokwa, Sreekala Bajwa, and Kirsten Ostberg

Members Absent: Dean Adams, Michael Everts, Jason Browning, Steve Swinford, Terry Leist, and Thomas Luhrsen

Staff & Guests: Robert Stockdale, Dena Knutson, Jennisse Waters, Elizabeth Pritchard, Ashna Peters, Aaron Pruitt, Jake Steding, and Ara Meskimen


ITEM No. 1 – RECOMMENDATION – Committee Member Appointment (Kirsten Ostberg)

Presenter: Robert Stockdale, Campus Planner

Robert Stockdale introduced Kirsten Ostberg, who had volunteered to serve as a member on the University Facilities Planning Kirsten described her experience working with EJ Hook on various campus projects. She also explained that through her position as a professor of landscape design she is interested in how the campus can be used for education, teaching, research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement. She also noted her past professional role as a landscape designer in Bozeman and San Francisco.


Brett Gunnink motioned to approve the appointment of Kirsten Ostberg to the University Facility Planning Board.
Kris Johnson seconded the motion.
The Vote: 11 Ayes, 0 Nays

ITEM No. 2 – RECOMMENDATION – Rodeo Storage Building

Presenter: Robert Stockdale, Campus Planner

Robert Stockdale explained that the previous building which had been used to store the equipment and materials for the MSU spring rodeo was demolished as part of the expansion of the Bobcat Stadium’s west parking lot. Robert then introduced the proposal for a new rodeo storage building located at the southern end of the Kennedy-Stark Athletic Center. He continued on to describe that the new storage building will be accessed via a service road that is included as part of the Athletic Center project, and that the storage building’s color scheme will match that of the Athletic Center.

Ara Meskimen, the project manager for the rodeo storage building, noted that she had met with the building company to confirm that the color of building will be the same as the Athletic Center.

Sreekala Bajwa asked whether the building is temperature controlled. Ara responded that the building will not be serviced by power or water but will be a simple metal storage building for rodeo equipment.

Danielle Garber asked whether the storage building will be visible from 11th Avenue. Ara replied that the trees along the road mask the area and that the building will sit below the adjacent reservoir, thus further concealing it from the roadway.

Kirsten Ostberg asked whether the grading of the site and its position along the reservoir had been examined. Dena Knutson answered that the issue was extensively addressed to ensure that the entire site will grade down and that the site will be composed of compacted gravel, all of which should prevent there from being any erosion issues.

Brett Gunnink motioned to approve the Rodeo Storage Building.
Sreekala Bajwa seconded the motion.
The Vote: 12 Ayes, 0 Nays


ITEM No. 3 – RECOMMENDATION – “The Vim” On-Campus Hotel

Presenter: Robert Stockdale, Campus Planner

Robert Stockdale explained that The Vim, the proposed campus hotel, is planned to be constructed in the parking lot to the south of Gianforte Hall. Robert stated that the Board of Regents had approved a 40-year lease of this land, with an optional 10-year renewal, to Cross Harbor Capital, which is developing the hotel under its Lone Mountain Land Company subsidiary, and which has entered into an agreement with Marriot Hotels for that company to lead the hotel operations. Robert continued to explain that the agreement between MSU and Cross Harbor Capital requires that the hotel collaborate with the University’s Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts programs to provide internships and learning experiences. Robert then walked the Board through the hotel site plan and design, pointing out the fire lane that is planned to be located along the hotel’s southern property line and which will run from 7th Avenue to the parking lot at the southern entrance to Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.

Kirsten Ostberg asked if the Board’s approval of the site plan also includes the planting plan and the other design details included in the design documents. Grant Petersen replied that the charge of the Board is to provide guidance for the overall direction of campus public space, so they are asked to consider whether the exterior expression of the project is consistent with the MSU’s policies and goals. Kirsten expressed her reservations about the planting plan, noting that the design depicts only ash trees along the property, which is inconsistent with stated avoidance of monoculture planting featured in both the University’s campus landscaping plan and the City of Bozeman’s code. Grant stated that planting scheme is inconsistent with earlier design discussions and coordination and that the issue will be addressed.

Danielle Garber asked how the existing trees would be impacted. Grant Petersen replied that while some trees will be displaced by the project, the plan is to replace them at a one-to-one or better ratio.

Walter Scheldorf asked whether the parking areas for the hotel will be available to students. Grant Petersen explained that the parking lot is within the lease boundary and thus the responsibility of the developer. Grant further explained that parking lot will be gated and reserved for hotel patrons, and, for larger events, the hotel will offer valet parking that will avoid displacing more on-campus parking. Danielle Garber asked if bike parking is included in the plan. Robert Stockdale replied that bike parking is featured in the design documents. Grant followed up, saying that they will make sure that an emphasis on bike parking is communicated to the developer.
Sreekala Bajwa asked if the hotel’s signage will be as bright gold as it appears in the rendered images. Jennisse Waters said that the gold appearance is a result of the backlighting on the sign. Grant Petersen added that the lighting plan is consistent with that used on campus.

Walter Scheldorf asked if the hotel’s ballroom space will be managed by the hotel, or if it will be incorporated into MSU’s Event Services. Grant Petersen answered that the hotel will oversee renting and managing the spaces in the hotel, but that the lease agreement requires coordination with MSU Event Services and the availability of the hotel’s spaces for university uses.

Kirsten Ostberg asked whether any of the outdoor spaces would be available for public use given that the property is contiguous with the campus landscape. Grant Petersen replied that there will be some separation of uses, such as for the dining and seating areas along the southside of the hotel, but the intent is for the hotel to be integrated into the campus and not appear as gated off and separate. Robert Mokwa expressed concern about issues related to parking and students walking though the property. Robert asked for clarification about the decision to choose this site for the hotel. Grant explained that the location was determined, in part, by an academic plan to develop connections with the Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts programs, so there was a desire to locate those academic functions close to the core campus. Grant continued, noting that the potential site for the new Gallatin College building is along 7th Avenue, which would allow for better access between those facilities. Grant added that the hotel location was guided by the President’s desire to bring visitors into the center of campus, a notion that previously influenced the locations of the parking garage and Norm Asbjornson Hall. Alison Harmon commented that other universities have successfully integrated hotels into the center of their campuses.

Robert Mokwa inquired about the building height. Grant Petersen answered that the hotel was designed with five-stories to accommodate the spatial demands of the site and that shade studies were undertaken to determine that it will not cast impactful shadows on the surrounding area.

Danielle Garber asked about the layout of the loading dock and the hotel site’s relation to the North and South Domes. Grant Petersen replied that the loading dock design had been tested to confirm that it could accommodate the turning radius of large vehicles. Grant then explained that the siting of the hotel will help further define the Bobcat Promenade, which runs north from Bobcat Stadium, adjacent to the domes, and into the center of the core campus, and that the hotel will also help establish an east-west corridor between 7th Avenue and Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.

Walter Scheldorf asked if there is guaranteed employment for students in the hospitality and culinary programs and if this project will impact the existing facilities used by those programs. Grant answered that the existing facilities will remain as the hotel will not be used for direct instruction, and that student internship and employment opportunities are included in a memorandum of understanding between MSU and the developer. Alison Harmon added that this developer was selected due to the fact that they play a significant role in Montana’s hospitality industry and that they see this hotel and the partnership with MSU as a way to recruit experienced and trained employees.

Sreekala Bajwa asked about the size of the hotel ballroom and event spaces and how they compare to MSU’s existing spaces. Duane Morris replied that the hotel’s spaces are comparable to the B, C, and D ballrooms in the SUB, which are the most in-demand sized spaces on campus, and that these additional spaces will provide greater flexibility for events and will improve MSU’s ability to compete for conferences and events that the University previously lacked the venue space to accommodate.

Danielle Garber noted that the state statute excluded the campus from zoning review and that it was unclear how private development would be considered in that regard. Grant replied that the legal teams of MSU and the developer have reviewed those issues and that he would share that information with Danielle and the City of Bozeman.

Walter Scheldorf commented that he expected the student body will not be happy with this project, especially because it removes a central parking lot. Walter expressed that there will be a need for extensive communication to explain how this project benefits students outside of the two programs that are associated with the hotel. Brett Gunnink and Alison Harmon both agreed that communication will be vital. Duane Morris added that students’ concerns about parking and the plans for the increased development of the core campus were part of the impetus to launch Cat Tracks and to begin to push for a shift away from parking in the core campus.

Duane Morris motioned to approve the “The Vim” On-Campus Hotel, with the provision that the ash trees in the landscape design be addressed.
Evan Greenwood seconded the motion.
The Vote: 11 Ayes, 1 Nay


ITEM No. 4 – RECOMMENDATION – Montana PBS Visual Communications Building Addition

Presenter: Robert Stockdale, Campus Planner

Robert Stockdale walked the Board through the plans and designs of the Montana PBS addition, noting the central auditorium classroom and the efficient use of space between the Visual Communications Building and the Black Box Theater. Robert also explained that an annex building for Montana PBS is planned to be constructed in the adjacent Gaines Hall service lot, but that the building will be presented to the Board at a later date when its siting is confirmed, and its design is further developed.

Danielle Garber asked if the glazing on the windows will allow for the public to see inside the building. Grant Petersen answered that transparency will be balanced with the energy impacts of the glazing, but that the nature of the winter season often allows for a glazing with greater transparency.

Kirsten Ostberg expressed some concerns about the lack of a setback on the western side of the building along 11th Avenue, noting a lack of space for planting which would make the building appear heavy and large. Grant replied that the site imposed certain limitations, but the design is intended be more attractive than the existing western façade and to bring some urban context to the space, which is consistent with the 11th Avenue Corridor plan. Jake Steding, architect at SMA Architecture and Design, added that the location of the classroom drove much of the design and that the grade was also influential in dictating the building form. Jake explained that he is working with SMA’s landscape architect to find ways to soften the building’s west side and provide a natural feeling along 11th Avenue.

The Board then discussed the appropriateness of prominently featuring a Montana PBS sign on the western and southern facades. Grant Petersen explained that the incorporation of Montana PBS branding had been extensively discussed by the project steering committee and the President as a way to highlight the presence of Montana PBS and its partnership with MSU to people who have already been brought into the campus core. Aaron Pruitt, director and general manager of Montana PBS, stated that the original pitch for the building addition included the goal of bringing awareness to the station’s location and presence on campus and to emphasize it as a resource and opportunity for students. Aaron added that there is precedent at other university campuses where the PBS brand is prominently displayed to invoke the quality of a trusted media brand. Grant noted that the Museum of the Rockies similarly has its own branding despite being a campus facility.

Walter Scheldorf asked if students have been involved with the design of the building and the KGLT spaces. Aaron Pruitt responded that KGLT was a late addition and that the radio station’s staff has been involved in the project. Although there has not been deep student engagement thus far in the designing of the space, Montana PBS would be very willing to work with students on refining the design.

Robert Mokwa asked for more information regarding the planned annex building and its proximity to an academic building. Jake Steding replied that the annex is planned to be a permanent 1,500-1,800 square foot building. Jake clarified that there have been multiple meetings with building occupants, including the Shakespeare in the Park group, who parks their trailers in the lot where the annex will be located. Ashna Peters, project manager, added that there have been constant communications with the faculty and staff to ensure that their needs and those of their students are met during the construction phase.

Duane Morris motioned to approve Montana PBS Visual Communications Building Addition.
Alison Harmon seconded the motion.
The Vote: 12 Ayes, 0 Nays


ITEM No. 5 – INFORMATIONAL – Grant Street Pedestrian Mall, Phase 2

Presenter: Robert Stockdale, Campus Planner

Robert Stockdale provided the Board with an update on the latest phase in the Grant Street Pedestrian Mall project. Robert explained that this second phase covers the Grant Street corridor from Romney Hall to 7th Ave. and includes a redesign of the Veterans Park, a reconfiguration of the parking loop in front of the SUB, and a roundabout at the intersection of Grant St. and 7th Ave. Robert also showed the board the planned road and pathway closures and pedestrian detours that will be implement as the project progresses.

Brett Gunnink raised the issue that a flagger must always be present and active as large trucks are moving through the campus. Dena Knutson replied that they have communicated this requirement and that the need for those large trucks should be finished in the coming week.

Kirsten Ostberg asked if this project will alter the use of the vehicle access route between the SUB and AJM Johnson Hall, an area that appears hazardous to pedestrians. Grant Petersen answered that design changes are being implemented to discourage the use of that corridor, while also working with the impacted users of the space. Kirsten then asked about the purpose of prominent use of the stormwater ponds in the design given that the region does not receive heavy rainfall. Grant replied that those areas will be depressions with native grasses to improve stormwater management in the case of extreme rainfall. Kirsten recommended that the landscaping incorporate signage to educate users of the space.

Walter Scheldorf asked whether the design of this project was planned along with the renovations to the SUB. Grant Petersen clarified that there has been forethought given as to how to integrate the two projects, but that the plans for the SUB improvements are at a very early stage in their development.

Danielle Garber asked how the bus circulation will work in front of the SUB and if there is a chance to install a bus shelter for Streamline users. Grant answered that the SUB loop will feature a separate, distinguishable area for buses and that, while there has been a need for cost-saving measures for this project, there is always the flexibility to add to the design in the future as funding may come from other sources.


ITEM No. 6 – INFORMATIONAL – American Indian Hall Outdoor Classroom

Presenter: Robert Stockdale, Campus Planner

Robert Stockdale next spoke about the plans for the construction of an outdoor classroom along the northside of American Indian Hall, a feature that had been included in the final plans for the building, but which was delayed due to budget concerns. Robert described the design of the space and noted the safety precautions related to the planned outdoor fire pit.

Kirsten Ostberg asked whether the furniture for the space will be fixed or movable. Elizabeth Pritchard answered that the only permanent seating will be the boulders situated throughout the space, but that tables and chairs could be requested from Event Services. Kirsten then inquired about the lighting of the space. Elizabeth responded that the space will be illuminated by lighting from the American Indian Hall building and outlets will be available as part of the arbor, but there will not be any special lighting, in part to be respectful to neighbors and the natural landscape.


ITEM No. 7 – INFORMATIONAL – Cobleigh Hall Exterior Repairs

Presenter: Robert Stockdale, Campus Planner

Robert Stockdale introduced the meeting’s last item by describing the deteriorating quality of the concrete window shade “eyebrows” on Cobleigh Hall that led PDC and the state’s Architecture and Engineering Division to decide to remove them due to safety concerns. Grant Petersen explained that safety was the paramount factor for this project and that extensive due diligence was employed to evaluate the possibility of salvaging the concrete pieces, but it was determined that they are beyond their useable life.

Robert Mokwa asked whether there is a communication plan in place to help work with the building’s occupants during the disruptive removal of the concrete window shades. Brett Gunnink replied that there already are plans in place to help relocate faculty and staff during the demolition over the summer.

The meeting was brought to a close at 5:00 PM by Grant Petersen