HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-24-20 Downtown URD Minutes
Downtown Urban Renewal District
Board Meeting Minutes
November 24, 2020
Attending: Bobby Bear, Cory Lawrence, Tony Renslow, Angie Rutherford, Bill Stoddart, Nick
Zelver, Chris Naumann, Emily Cope, David Fine
Absent: Marley McKenna, Bill Stoddart
Minutes
ACTION: Cory Lawrence moved to approve the October minutes as presented.
Tony Renslow seconded the motion.
All voted in favor.
Financial Reports
Chris presented the FY21 finance report as of November 18th, 2020 (included below). The
previous month’s expenses were as follows: $95 to Christie Electric for streetlamp repair, $ 434
to Greenspace Landscaping for Soroptomist Park landscaping, $275 to Sunshine Lighting for
streetlamp bulb replacement, $306 to Windspill Direct for banner arm purchases, $950 to TD&H
for the North Rouse streetscape engineering, $1,954 to Sanderson Stewart for part one of the
transportation SOW, $743 to DHM design for the alley concept planning, $5,000 to MTA for
Bozeman Creek planning, $1,230 to Groundprint & Intrinsik for UDC edit consultation, $100 to
Intrinsik for the downtown 3D model sketch up, $75,000 to Wallace-Babcock LLC for the South
Wallace asbestos project.
Executive Director’s Report
Downtown Plan Projects
Here are some updates regarding other projects proposed in the 2019 Downtown Plan.
Bozeman Creek—the Downtown Partnership is working with Mountain Time Arts to identify opportunities
to enhance and improve Bozeman Creek. Their initial work was completed with Intrinsik Architecture and
partially funded with a Downtown URD Technical Assistance Grant. MTA has created a project website
that will be updated as more work is completed: https://mountaintimearts.org/see-bozeman-creek
To advance the opportunities identified in the grant report, MTA is now convening three working
committees made up of community organizations and citizens: Landscape & Water Resources; Art &
Placemaking; and Communications & Funding. November board meeting discussion agenda item.
Soroptomist Park—the Downtown Partnership has entered a MOU with the MSU Community-Engaged
and Transformational Scholarship (CATS) program that will provide opportunities for MSU professors
and students to due coursework related to concepts in the Downtown Plan. This semester a senior-level
landscape design class will be working on improvement concepts for Soroptomist Park. The DBP will be
coordinating with professional mentors to add value and expertise to the student’s work. The students
gave their final presentation on November 10th for professional mentor critique. A final report will be
compiled before the end of the semester.
Alley Improvements—staff is continuing the work with DHM Landscape Architects to refine the
improvement concepts for the alley adjacent to Bridger Park Garage between North Black and North
Tracy. Three design options have been developed that phase in a wide variety of enhancements in the
public and private realms. With specific input from the adjacent property and business owners, and in
consultation with the City and utilities, the final concept plan has been published with a press release to
soon follow. Alley renderings will be printed and installed at either end of the alley with a QR code linked
to the final plan on the DBP website.
https://downtownbozeman.org/uploads/2020-11-12_Bozeman_Alleyways_-_Report_Reduced.pdf.
Transportation & Mobility Analysis—the URD board approved the final scope of work (SOW) on June 16,
2020 and the City Commission subsequently approved the corresponding Task Order on July 20, 2020.
The Sanderson Stewart team is working on the Part One deliverables which should be completed in
November.
Structured Parking Planning—major impediments have been discovered with the two preferred sites for a
second garage. Therefore, DBP staff is looking at other sites and reconsidering different types of
structured parking. The consulting team is going to look the options to install simple decks above existing
surface lots as a simpler more affordable way to create more spaces. Two financial garage analyses are
also being prepared: 1) Sources, Uses, Debt Service scenarios; and 2) Short- and Long-Term
Operations and Maintenance projections.
City Parking Policy Updates
The Parking Commission introduced the parking engagement plan to implement parking strategies in
downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The plan aims to inform constituents through a series of
engagement sessions and outreach to produce a consensus on parking topics. The stakeholder
outreach and public engagement will begin in January. Here is the link to review the draft engagement
plan: http://weblink.bozeman.net/WebLink8/0/doc/227693/Electronic.aspx
Downtown Plan UDC Recommendations
Since the board meeting in October, maximum building heights has been removed from the December
UDC revision schedule and has not yet been placed on a future date. The December schedule does
include floor-to-ceiling heights, definitions of front setbacks and entryways facing the street. For each of
these topics they will aim to provide clarification for language and definitions. Rob Pertzborn and Susan
Riggs will continue to track these conversations as they are discussed at the zoning commission and city
commission meetings.
https://www.bozeman.net/government/planning/udc-discussions
South Wallace Asbestos Remediation
OSM has completed the construction of the 101 Wallace Building and recently upgraded the sewer line
from the site to Main Street. The URD Board pledged $75,000 in FY2020 to help offset the asbestos
remediation costs associated with the public infrastructure upgrades. That funding is encumbered in the
FY21 budget. Staff drafted a legal agreement for the disbursement of the funding and the City Attorney’s
office finalized the provisions. The payment was made in November.
MDT Rouse Project
The URD contracted with MDT’s Rouse Avenue construction company, Missouri River Construction, to
install the underground electric conduit and pull-boxes for the future installation of downtown streetlamps.
Following the completion of the Rouse reconstruction, MDT will review and provide final location
approval for over 24 new downtown streetlamps between Main and Lamme Streets. The URD will
release an RFP for the installation of the lamps which will most likely take place next summer once
school is out of session.
Truck Traffic Study
The new Main Street Truck Traffic Study has been completed by the Western Transportation Institute
(WTI). Staff is preparing a summary memo that will be distributed to the board in the coming weeks.
Here is the link to the study:
https://downtownbozeman.org/uploads/2020_WTI_Downtown_Bozeman_Truck_Study_Final_Report_7-27-20.pdf
Planning Updates
In this section, I will provide update about several ongoing City planning processes.
Community Plan (City Growth Policy) Update
The Planning Board has completed their draft of the Plan and is advancing it to the City
Commission. The draft Plan, appendices, and future land use map can be downloaded
here: https://www.bozeman.net/city-projects/bozeman-community-plan-update
Remaining Community Plan Schedule:
• September 16th - Community Meeting on Community Plan text - Virtual
• September 23rd - Community Meeting on Community Plan Future Land Use Map - Virtual
• September 30th - Community Meeting on Overall Plan and open Q&A - Virtual
• October 6th – First City Commission public hearing
• October 20th – Second City Commission public hearing with direction of amendments
• October 28th to November 12th – Revisions to text and map as needed to implement City
Commission direction
• November 17 – Final City Commission hearing and resolution of adoption for final
action – passed 4-1
The URD Board’s involvement unequivocally better aligned the Community and
Downtown Plans. The Planning Board ultimately incorporated all 18 edits and additions
requested by the URD Board.
Bozeman Climate Plan
The draft Bozeman Climate Plan has been released for public review. The plan is the City
of Bozeman’s effort to create a comprehensive roadmap to reduce the community’s
greenhouse gas emissions and build resiliency to the impacts of climate change.
A City Commission work session to review the draft plan was held on September 22, 2020
in anticipation of the City Commission’s adoption hearing on December 8, 2020. As a part
of engagement on the project, City staff hosted a community-wide virtual workshop on
October 1.
Here is the link to the Draft Climate Plan:
https://bzncloud.bozeman.net/s/tfKoBH8ATaNsRk5#pdfviewer
Homeless Working Group
Members of the group currently are made up of Emily Cope, Chris Naumann, Susan Gregory (Bozeman
Public Library), Susan Neubauer (Fresco Café owner), Amy Kirkland (Altitude Gallery owner), Erica
Brubaker (Wild Joes Coffee owner), Marek Ziegler (Bozeman PD), and Heather Grenier (HRDC). The
first version of the business resource toolkit was sent out to downtown property and business owners on
November 11th. This toolkit will be revised as new resources and information become available. The
group is compiling a letter to the mayor and city manager asking to set up meetings to discuss desired
next steps.
Technical Assistance Program Update
Two grants awarded in FY2020 remain open. One grant remains from FY2018 for the Osborne Building.
No grants have been awarded thus far in FY2021.
Other Financial Program Updates
Streetscape Grants: None
Life-Safety Grants: None Fiber Connectivity Grant: None
Building Projects
Osborne Building (233 East Main) 4-story mixed use building with 2 floors of restaurant use and
2 floors of offices. Construction began October 2018. See https://www.theosbornebozeman.com/
101 Wallace “OSM” Building 5 story mixed use building on southwest corner of Babcock and
Wallace—construction began Spring 2019. https://www.101wallace.com/
One 11 Lofts (corner of North Willson and West Lamme) 50-unit apartment building with 53
parking spaces. Construction began spring 2019.
Merin Condos (on North Bozeman across from Dave’s Sushi) 28 units of owner-occupied
housing. Under construction.
Veranda Apartments (111 South Church) proposed new construction of 6 units.
AC Hotel (5 East Mendenhall) 6 story 140 room full-service hotel. Site Plan approved in
November 2019. Under construction.
East End Flats (240 East Mendenhall) 6-story mixed use project. Development review completed
and final site plan approved. Property and project are currently for sale.
Strata Building (106 East Babcock)—former BSW Bank—3 floor (46,000 SF) office building.
Construction projected to be complete January 2021.
Carin Townhomes (northwest corner of W Beall & N Grand)—5 townhome condos currently
under construction.
New Businesses
• Tanoshii—113 East Main—formerly Corx—renovations underway
• Smoke, Fire & Coal—303 East Main—formerly Fire Pizza—renovations underway
• Fabers Bakery & Deli—33 South Willson—formerly Delicious Bakery—renovating
• TBD—16 South Tracy—formerly 9 Round Kickboxing (possible makerspace opening)
• The Montana Scene—126 East Main—formerly Bozeman Running Company (moving
locations in December)
• Wild West Local Foods—326 East Mendenhall—formerly Montana Provisions—OPEN
Date Project Name Project Address Applicant Professional Type Value Completed
4/16/2018 Osborne Building 233 East Main Street Casey Durham Locati Arch Plan/Façade 10,500$
Total 10,500$
Technical Assistance Program FY2018 Report
Date Project Name Project Address Applicant Professional Type Value Completed
10/7/2019 Gallatin Laundry 137 East Babcock St Robert Lateiner Think Tank Plan/Façade 10,500$ YES
11/1/2019 9 E Main Street 9 E Main Street Robert Lateiner Think Tank Façade 3,000$ CANCELED
1/30/2020 Bozeman Creek Watercourse of Bozeman Creek Jim Madden Intrinsik Planning 7,500$ YES
1/30/2020 DA Davidson & Co 529 E Main St Randy Scully Intrinsik Planning 7,500$
1/30/2020 102 E Babcock Street Parking Lot102 E Babcock St- Block B Lot 12ARandy Scully Intrinsik Planning 7,500$
Total 36,000$
Technical Assistance Program FY2020 Report
Date Project Name Project Address Applicant Professional Type Value Completed
10/5/2020 107 E Babcock 107 E Babcock Randy Scully Intrinsik Planning 7,500$
10/5/2020 104 E Main 104 E Main Randy Scully Intrinsik Planning 7,500$
Technical Assistance Program FY2021 Report
• TBD—27 East Main—formerly Crossroads—to be redeveloped as a restaurant(s)
• TBD—402 East Main Suite 3—The Montana Scene (moving locations in December)
• TBD—411 East Main—formerly Knife Bistro
• TBD—424 East Main—formerly Sage Spa
• TBD—424 East Main—formerly Yellowstone Wild Gallery
• TBD—544 East Main—formerly Heeb’s—building improvements underway for a tenant
• TBD—137 East Babcock—formerly Gallatin Laundry
• TBD—19 South Willson—formerly Barley & Vine
Discussion and Decision Items
URD Interim Administration (memo attached)
Chris reviewed the memo that he sent to the board on November 17th. The memo suggested
designation Emily Cope, DBP District Manager, as the interim administrator of the URD until a
new DBP Executive Director is hired. Emily would be responsible to process accounts payable,
board meeting facilitation, strategic project management and basic communications regarding
URD business.
ACTION: Cory Lawrence moved to designate Emily Cope, DBP District Manager, as
the interim administrator of the Downtown Urban Renewal District until such
time that a new DBP Executive Director is in place. Interim administrative
roles shall include, but not be limited to, managing district communications;
accounts payable; board meetings; and project implementation. This
designation will be effective December 15, 2020.
Bobby Bear seconded the motion.
All voted in favor.
MTA Bozeman Creek Planning Project (memo attached)
Chris provided an overview of the status of the MTA Bozeman Creek project. He spoke with Jim
Madden from MTA and they both decided it would be best to put this project on pause while
both organizations hire new Executive Directors. Part One of the SOW has been completed, the
decision to continue on to Part Two will be decided at a future board meeting.
Downtown Plan Building Height Recommendations Discussion (packet attached)
Chris stated that Maximum Building Heights has been removed as a topic from the UDC
December revision schedule. This topic has not yet been rescheduled for a future date on the
UDC schedule. Chris provided an explanation that floor-to-ceiling heights is still on the
December schedule.
Public Comment: Linda Semones gave public comment and thanked the URD board for their
time and intelligent conversation regarding building heights. She looks forward to the
conversation continuing in the coming months.
December Board Meeting Discussion
Cory Lawrence commented he would like the board to hold a work session to help prioritize the
projects the URD tackles in the future for the remaining life of the district. Chris Naumann
commented that he is finalizing the implementation matrix with Sanderson Stewart on rough
cost estimates and should have that available to the board soon. The board will hold will decide
over email if they will hold a December board meeting or turn it into a work session.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:45 pm
TO: Downtown URD Board
FR: Chris Naumann
DA: November 17, 2020
RE: Interim Administration of the URD
As I continue to transition towards my last day at the Downtown Partnership, one issue that
needs to be addressed is the continued administration of the URD during the Executive Director
vacancy. I anticipate the vacancy lasting from December 18, 2020 until sometime in March
2021—approximately three months.
Below is a list of the URD functions that need to be carried out during the interim.
• Basic communications regarding URD business (e-mails, phone calls, voicemails)
• Accounts payable processing (review of invoices, staff signature, submittal to COB)
• Board meeting facilitation (preparing materials, coordinating platform, meeting admin)
• Strategic project management (maintaining progress on select implementation)
In my May 6, 2019 memo to the Partnership Management Committee about expanding the
DBP’s organizational capacity, I stressed the importance of “success(ion)”:
“Having a manager for each organization will create critical “institutional knowledge” and
potential leadership succession when a current director leaves the organization. Considering the
paramount importance of our organization’s role in shepherding downtown’s evolution, the
Partnership needs experienced and capable employees that are prepared to either assume
these roles or maintain basic functions during a leadership transition.”
Over the last year Emily has gained the necessary experience, and she is certainly more than
capable, to “maintain basic functions during a leadership transition”.
I will be asking the board to consider the following motion for action at URD meeting on
November 24, 2020.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: I move to designate Emily Cope, DBP District Manager, as the
interim administrator of the Downtown Urban Renewal District until such time that a new DBP
Executive Director is in place. Interim administrative roles shall include, but not be limited to,
managing district communications; accounts payable; board meetings; and project
implementation. This designation will be effective December 15, 2020.
TO: Downtown URD Board
FR: Chris Naumann
DA: November 24, 2020
RE: MTA Bozeman Creek Update and Next Steps
The FY2021 Work Plan and Budget includes directive to begin working on Bozeman Creek:
DBIP: Bozeman Creek Project the URD intends to continue planning for a variety of enhancements to
Bozeman Creek as suggested in the 2019 Downtown Improvement Plan with $30,000 of funding. An
additional $50,000 is budgeted for creek improvements that could include a combination of public art,
education elements, culvert improvements, furniture (benches, picnic tables), stream restoration, and
bank stabilization.
Back in July 2020, we contracted with Mountain Times Art to begin convening stakeholders, engaging
community partners, and developing programs and projects to enhance Bozeman Creek as
recommended in the 2019 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan. The contract stipulates that the work
be divided into two distinct parts.
The pages included below document the Part One’s completed work. Highlights include establishing
three working committees (Communications & Funding, Placemaking & Art, Water Resources); initial
branding and public awareness campaign (#seebozemancreek, Instagram, Facebook); and engaging
important community partners (GVLT, Gallatin Watershed Council, Trust for Public Lands, MSU, City
Parks Department). In addition to this completed work is a 39-page technical report prepared by Intrinsik
Architecture in conjunction with MTA and the DBP (not included here but available upon request).
The idea was to evaluate all the Part One work done to date (the report below and the technical report)
and develop a scope of work and deliverables for Part Two. Once developed, the details of Part Two
would be presented to the URD board for feedback.
Due to the factors outlined below, I recommend we postpone proceeding with Part Two until second
quarter of 2021.
• The DBP and MTA are in the process of hiring new executive directors. The next leaders of both
organizations will play important roles in the long-term improvements to Bozeman Creek. Therefore, it
would be beneficial for the new EDs to review the Part One work and develop the Part Two scope
together, so they have ownership over the next steps.
• The COVID pandemic has and will continue to make stakeholder collaboration difficult and public
engagement extremely challenging. The ultimate success of the Bozeman Creek project depends on
creative, hands-on interaction and robust community involvement.
The hope is that by April or May of 2021, both new EDs will be in place and meaningful participation will
be possible.
Improving Bozeman Creek has been a goal of every downtown plan since 1995 and our partnership with
MTA has resulted in more tangible progress than any efforts in the past. I am confident that this spring
will provide the opportunity to continue this important project with the right people at the right time.
2019 DOWNTOWN BOZEMAN IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Building Heights Excerpts
Entire Plan available here:
https://downtownbozeman.org/uploads/Pdfs/2019_DBIP_with_Appendix_FINAL_ADOPTED_4-15-19.pdf
Guiding Principles: MORE THAN MAIN STREET
• Reinforce Downtown as the city center, through new and existing buildings of urban density,
considerable height and a diverse mix of uses.
[DBIP p. 30]
ALIGN HEIGHT WITH EXISTING ZONING AND COMMUNITY PLAN
Currently, building heights Downtown are limited by the B-3 zoning district to a maximum of 55 feet in the
“Core Area” (defined as Main Street and one half block north and south to the alleys from Grand Avenue
to Rouse Avenue) and 70 feet in the rest of the B-3 zone. Recently codified transition language further
limits the height of buildings on the edge of the B-3 District when they are adjacent to some residential
zoning districts.
The Downtown core area contains a mix of buildings that range from one-story storefronts to the seven-
story Baxter Hotel and the nine story Armory Hotel. The diversity of building heights across the district
adds interest and visual relief to the street, creating a rhythm of change and variation that is an important
ingredient of dynamic downtown urban design. While height or density minimums are not regulated, in a
downtown like Bozeman’s where affordability and vibrancy are values, it is also important to avoid
underdevelopment. Appropriate scales of development are essential for future projects so that the
community can meet its goals of sustainable infill, affordability, and a dynamic street life.
Many Downtown buildings are designated as “storefront blocks” to promote retail and frequent entries
that also add rhythm and walkability to a street. This comes with a requirement for a minimum height of
13 feet for the first floor, to add flexibility to all buildings in this zone to accommodate public uses like
retail or lobbies. Improved diagram better illustrating current transition code requirements.
[DBIP p. 114]
The Community Plan update proposes that the Bozeman will have a diverse skyline with
buildings that range from three- to seven-stories.
Today’s Downtown height limit of 70 feet does not allow new buildings to reach seven stories due to the
needed floor-to-floor heights for urban development, active ground floors, and contemporary building
practices. Some buildings surpass this limit, like the historic Baxter or the new hotel and adaptive reuse
project at the Armory which obtained a height deviation. Seven stories are already permitted by building
conventions in other districts across the city when certain accommodations are made by the project.
The 2009 DBIP decreed that Downtown should be home to buildings of the greatest height across the
city. Bozeman has evolved since that aspiration, with many other districts carrying height and density as
well. Still, to support a lively and vibrant Downtown for the long-term buildings in Downtown should
continue to achieve comparable height to other mixed use districts across the community.
To accomplish this, the Downtown height requirements should be considered in context of the
Community Plan’s aspirations and zoning across the city. Downtown’s height limits should be adjusted to
enable buildings of seven stories outside of the historic core, rather than specifying 70 feet which more
usually results in five-story buildings.
For buildings with seven stories, urban design guidelines could be put in place to shape and break down
the massing while still enabling the density needed for a vibrant, inclusive Downtown.
For example, the floor plates on levels five through seven can be designed to step back from the building
edge to break down the form. A height increase to seven stories could also be an opportunity to address
long-term affordability by incentivizing smaller units through height bonuses. Guidelines that are specific
to the B-3 zone should build on ideas in Article 5, tailoring them to Downtown specific issues.
[DBIP p. 115]
Encourage a Mix of Scales
SENSITIVE TRANSITIONS
Downtown is in the unique position of needing to both continue to promote redevelopment and
to ensure that there is a careful balance between adjacent residential scale neighborhoods and new
Downtown projects. Density is an important element to these projects in order to foster desired traits like
Downtown vibrancy and broader housing affordability. Still, there are concerns that future development
will be too tall, bulky or close to residential single family homes.
Babcock and Mendenhall Streets both have many surface lots and underutilized sites that are likely to be
developed in the coming years. As the “outer core” of Downtown, this “halo” around Main Street is a
logical - and important - place to locate buildings of greater height and mass, up to seven stories. It is
walkable to transit connections and employment and away from single family housing. However,
adjacent to the surrounding residential zones, buildings should begin to taper down and gradually adjust
downward. This is the intent of the transition language today.
Recent revisions to the UDC included the addition of standards requiring a more gradual transition
between new buildings and existing residential properties. This transition language applies in places
where B-3 zoning is immediately adjacent to residential zones. It includes provisions for new B-3
development that require a setback from the property line and a stepped back building form for upper
stories, supporting the needs of both Downtown and nearby neighborhoods.
Although the B-3 zone allows for development up to the lot line (zero lot line), new buildings within the
transition zone are required to be set back five to ten feet (depending on the adjacent zone) and are
limited to an initial 38 feet in building height from the property line adjacent to other zones. From there,
the building form is held to a 45 degree step-back rule for zone edge development, up to the B-3 building
height limit. Going forward this language will be tested on actual projects of varied size, each of which
will have unique characteristics of site and design.
[DBIP p. 116]
From DBIP [p. 114] Note: this DBIP diagram was later incorporated into the City of Bozeman
UDC to illustrate B3 transition requirements.
From DBIP Code Appendix [p. 9]
Discussion
The current UDC maximum building height in the downtown B3 zoning district is 70 feet except
in the ‘core area’ (Main Street between Rouse and Grand) which is limited to 55 feet. There are
allowances for elevators towers and parapet features to extend a short distance above the
height limits.
As shown in the chart above, in certain situations buildings can exceed 85 feet in the UMU and
B2 zoning districts. The 2019 Downtown Plans states:
“The 2009 DBIP decreed that Downtown should be home to buildings of the
greatest height across the city. Bozeman has evolved since that aspiration, with
many other districts carrying height and density as well. Still, to support a lively
and vibrant Downtown for the long-term buildings in Downtown should continue to
achieve comparable height to other mixed use districts across the community.”
As we begin to consider additional building height, one important distinction that needs to be
consistently applied throughout the UDC is utilizing the term (and corresponding dimensions for)
floor-to-floor heights. Currently there are some references to floor-to-floor heights and other
references to floor-to-ceiling heights. Not only does this create confusion but it makes
determining total building height a challenge if they are used interchangeably.
Floor-to-floor heights is used exclusively or the following narrative and renderings to illustrate
the potential building height revisions.
In the Downtown B3 zone the UDC requires the ground floor requires to be 15 feet. Considering
modern construction types, typical upper floors are approximately 12 feet. Using a 15-foot
ground floor 12-foot upper floors would yield a total building height 87 feet. As a starting point,
the proposed height increase outside the ‘core area’ would equate to an additional 17 feet of
total building height; from 70 to 87 feet.
Below is a chart showing the building height progression using this typical floor-to-floor height.
FLOORS FLOOR HEIGHTS BUILDING HEIGHT
1 floor 15’ 15’
2 floors 15’ + 12’ 27’
3 floors 15’ + 12’ + 12’ 39’
4 floors 15’ + 12’ + 12’ + 12’ 51’
5 floors 15’ + 12’ + 12’ + 12’ +12’ 63’
6 floors 15’ + 12’ + 12’ + 12’ +12’ + 12’ 75’
7 floors 15’ + 12’ + 12’ + 12’ +12’ + 12’ + 12’ 87’
The Downtown Plan suggests requiring an upper floor step back of 10 feet above the fourth floor
“to shape and break down the massing while still enabling the density needed for a vibrant,
inclusive Downtown”.
Jan Gehl, renowned urban planner, noted in his seminal book Cities for People that contact
between buildings and people at street level is only possible from the lowest floors and quickly
dissipates beyond 45 vertical feet. He said, “the challenge is to build splendid cities at eye
height with tall buildings rising above the beautiful lower stories”.
Building off the rendering in the Downtown Plan and now included in the UDC, the diagram
above shows an example of a 7 floor building with a 15’ ground floor and 12’ upper floors.
Current Downtown Building Heights
The information below demonstrates that total building heights and the floor-to-floor heights
within a given building vary. So, there is no ideal total building height and no exact floor-to-floor
heights.
For example, the US Bank building is 64’ and has 4 floors while newly constructed One11
apartment building is also 64’ but has 5 floors. There are five 5 floor buildings described below
and their total building heights range from 60’ (Black Olive) to 72’ (Element).
Building Floors Height
Armory Hotel 8 91’
Baxter Hotel 7 81’
AC Hotel 6 72’
Element Hotel 5 72’
One11 Apartments 5 64’
US Bank 4 64’
Merin 5 63’
5 West 5 61’
Black Olive 5 60’
Osborne 4 60’
Below are the same buildings with more details about their floor-to-floor heights and
construction types to further demonstrate the amount of variability.
Armory Hotel – 8 floors 91’ Approx. Total Height
12’-0” First Floor FTF
15’-0” Floors 2-3
10'-6" Floors 3-8
Construction: Steel Frame – steel pan poured concrete floors
Baxter Hotel – 7 Floors 81’ Approx. Total Height to front parapet; 72’ sides; Sign 100’
AC Hotel – 6 Floors 72’ Approx. Total Height including parapet
16’ First floor FTF
10’-4” Floors 2-4
11’-0” Floors 5-6
10’-8” Floor 6 to roof structure
Construction: 5 floors of wood over post tension concrete podium
Element Hotel – 5 floors 72’ Approx. Total Height including stair towers
18’ First Floor FTF
10’-6” Floors 2-5
Construction: 4 floors of wood over post tension concrete podium
US Bank – 4 Floors 64’ Approx. Total Height not including stair tower
12'-10" First Floor FTF (Mezz)
10'-3" Mezz-2
11'-0” Floors 2-4
10’-8” Floor 4-roof deck
Construction: 4 floors steel framing and poured concrete
ONE11 – 5 Floors 64’ Approx. Total Height
15’ First floor FTF
10’-8” Floors 2-5.
Construction: 4 floors of wood over post tension concrete podium
Merin – 5 Floors 63’ Approx. Total Height
15’ First floor FTF
10’-8” Floors 2-5.
Construction: 4 floors of wood over post tension concrete podium
5 West – 5 floors 61’ Approx. Total Height (not including stair tower)
14’ 8” First Floor FTF
12’-6” Floors 2 & 3 (originally both office)
10’-6” Floor 4 & 5
Construction: 5 floors of post tension concrete slabs
Black Olive – 5 Floors 60’ Approx. Total Height
15’-0” First floor FTF
10’-8” Floors 2-4
9’-2” Floor 5
Construction: 4 floors of wood over steel pan poured concrete podium
Osborne Building – 4 Floors 60’ Approx. Total Height including parapet
SoBo – 4 Floors (B-2M) 52’ Approx. Total Height including parapet
14’-6” First Floor Commercial
10’-6” 2-4,
Construction: 4 floors of wood
Cannery Flats - 4 Floors (B-2; PUD) 57' Approx. Total Height to peak
14'-2" First Floor FTF
11'-0” Floors 2-4
Construction: 4 floors of wood
This information was compiled by Chris Naumann (Downtown Bozeman Partnership) with
input from Rob Pertzborn (Intrinsik Architecture) and Susan Riggs (Groundprint Consulting).