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04 Project & Departure Narrative
March 12, 2021
Community First Griffin Place
Site Plan Application
The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) is a non-profit community action agency
that exists to instill hope, develop resources, design solutions, and change lives in our
community. HRDC envisions “a place where poverty has no impact because opportunity and
quality of life are equally afforded to everyone.” Current facilities that house several critical
community programs are undersized and inadequate and the many negative economic and
housing impacts of COVID-19 will unfortunately last beyond the distribution of a vaccine.
The project presented in this site plan application, Community First Griffin Place (CFGP), is a
vital step toward improving access to critical resources for our families, friends and neighbors.
This project needs to be evaluated as an essential service similar to services like city water,
sewer, police and fire; HRDC views the City of Bozeman as a partner in this endeavor.
Community First Griffin Place is planned to house a plethora of HRDC’s programs inside two
buildings. The Food Resource Center, referred to as the North Building in this application, will
house the Gallatin Valley Food Bank, the Fork and Spoon, additional HRDC offices and
programs, and a commercial kitchen to support programs like KidsPack, Summer Lunch, and
Senior Groceries. The Year-Round Emergency Shelter and Resource Hub, referred to as the
South Building, has a resource hub on the first floor and 170 emergency shelter beds on the
second floor, including a family suite. The Resource Hub will provide a home for HRDC and its
partner organizations to offer critical services to those experiencing homelessness including
medical check-ups, housing navigators, counseling and addiction services, classes, showers,
laundry, and other community support. The services provided on this stie will act as a
resiliency center for our community and will help more people from crisis to stability.
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Site Narrative
Site Design:
Community First Griffin Place (CFGP) is a 5.24-acre property south of Griffin Drive and east of
the railroad. The property is zoned M-1 (Light Manufacturing). This site plan application
proposes two buildings, internal vehicular circulation, pedestrian circulation, parking, and
several landscaped areas, plazas, courtyards, and open spaces. The North Building (Food
Resource Center) addresses Griffin Drive, while the South Building (Year-Round Shelter and
Resource Hub), is intentionally more insulated in the central portion of the site and does not
directly front a city street.
The primary organizing feature of Community First Griffin Place is a central pedestrian
corridor that parallels the primary vehicular access lane. The pedestrian corridor connects the
bus stop at the north end of the site on Griffin Drive to the two buildings, parking and open
spaces. Pavement patterning, plant material themes, site amenities, lighting, and signage will
work cohesively to promote easy wayfinding along this corridor. Secondary circulation within
the parking lots will have related landscape themes and materials to aid in directing staff and
clients to the appropriate facilities. A secondary vehicular route will access the donation drop-
off site, loading area, fleet and staff parking and trash enclosures. These areas will feature
more basic paving patterns and simple landscaping to screen and soften the service areas.
During the informal review, Community Development clarified that the property has “No
Frontage” which defaults to “Other” which defaults to “Mixed” which allows for “Landscaped”
block frontage designation along Griffin Drive and that no other frontage requirements were
required for other sides of the site. There is an existing overhead powerline in the boulevard
strip between the sidewalk and back of curb which requires the use of small ornamental trees
with a 25’ on-center spacing in lieu of more typical street trees.
All landscaping will comply with the mandatory landscaping provisions of the Bozeman UDC
including the use of drought tolerant plants, use of appropriately sized landscape plant
material, street frontage landscaping, parking lot landscaping, coordination with utilities, and
use of permanent irrigation. All service areas and utility equipment will be screened, as
necessary.
While the North Building is exempt from open space requirements (based on its M-1 zoning),
the south building is required to provide a minimum of 37 square feet per person. This
requirement will be met by the landscaped areas south of the South Building as detailed on
Sheets A1.2 and L306.
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Trauma Informed Design:
Trauma-informed design principles promote health, safety, and welfare and were
incorporated in every element of the building and site design. These design principles have
shaped the site design, circulation paths, as well as the orientation and location of both
buildings within the site.
The flow of customers has been carefully considered. Open lines of sight, clear wayfinding
and distinct paths of travel create a safe site. Main entries are clearly identified and connect
to the primary north south pedestrian corridor. Over-sized circulation and open space help
to avoid the sense of overcrowding and scarcity.
The customers of the Year-Round Emergency Shelter and Resource Hub may especially be in
crisis situations that warrant the need for more privacy and security. This building is located
on the southern half of the site, which is more private in nature. Customer spaces inside the
building face the south and open to two safe outdoor spaces for guests.
Phasing & Concurrent Construction:
Two phases are noted on the site plan that generally correspond to each building. HRDC is
closely coordinating with the City and the City’s engineer regarding upcoming improvements
to Griffin Drive.
Please see Section 06 in the Documents folder for a detailed response to Section 38.270.030,
the proposed project schedule and a detailed construction sequencing plan. If approved, the
required additional paperwork will be submitted.
Parking:
In summary, 136 spaces are required and 136 spaces are provided for this project. Preliminary
parking calculations are included on A0.1 “Cover Sheet” of the Drawing Set. Note that one
parking reduction (10%) is proposed in exchange for a covered bus stop on Griffin Drive.
The parking is proposed to be broken into several smaller lots rather than one large lot. All
parking lots provide logical pedestrian circulation connecting to the primary north-south
pedestrian corridor fronting both buildings. The north parking lot will primarily serve clients
and staff of the North Building. The south parking lot will primarily serve clients and staff of
the South building. Staff for both facilities will share the central parking lot between the two
buildings. Additionally, there are six spaces located near the loading area for HRDC fleet
vehicles. Eight accessible parking spaces are proposed to be evenly distributed throughout
the lots. Parking calculations are provided on A0.1 “Cover Sheet.”
Bicycle Parking:
The project anticipates a higher than average need for bicycle parking and plans to provide
more than the required bike parking at appropriate areas dispersed throughout the site.
Bicycle parking calculations are provided on A0.1 “Cover Sheet.”
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Lighting:
Site and building lighting will be provided in accordance with city code requirements at
parking lots, open spaces, and along pedestrian walkways creating safe access to and from
each building. Please see the ES Sheets in the Drawing folder for details.
Sanitation:
A central trash enclosure area is proposed to serve both buildings. The enclosure is located
southeast of the North Building with access along the East-West Service Drive, between the
two buildings. This will allow convenient access for both buildings. The orientation of the
enclosure will accommodate trash service vehicles. The enclosure will include standard trash
dumpster(s), recycling bins, and compost bins. The enclosure will comply with Bozeman UDC
requirements and standards. Please see Sheet A101 in the Drawings folder.
Building Narratives
Both buildings will comply with the 2018 International Building Code and the 2010 newly
amended 1991 ADA Standards for Accessibility Design. The buildings will be designed to meet
the International Code Council's International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 Edition,
referred to as the International Energy Conservation Code, as implemented by the State of
Montana Department of Labor & Industry, or ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010.
A level of coordination is intended to create cohesion between the two buildings with regards
to exterior building materials and finishes. Specific details for each building are noted below.
North Building (Food Resource Center)
The North Building consists of a new 38,242 square foot, two story mixed-use building
intended to serve a variety of commercial uses, which includes the new home for the Gallatin
Valley Food Bank, a new location for the HRDC’s Fork & Spoon restaurant, and additional
HRDC office space. The design of the building will respond to the overall project site and
complement the new Year-round Emergency Shelter and Resource Hub building sharing the
site to its south. The building design will also take its cues from the surrounding industrial
context while reflecting its various uses. The Fork & Spoon will activate the northwest corner
of building and engage with Griffin Drive, while the Food Bank warehouse and store shape
the overall form of the building on its east and south aspects, respectively. The building is
sized to accommodate the growing need of the greater Gallatin Valley community for many
years to come, while providing the flexibility to respond to new needs as they arise.
Proposed Uses:
The building will be flexibly designed to accommodate a variety of uses. There will be an
entrance on the west façade of the building to facilitate wayfinding both from the pedestrian
corridor and the various parking areas dispersed throughout the site. An additional entrance
will front on Griffin Drive and provide access to the second level as well as to the Fork & Spoon
restaurant. The building includes the following primary program areas:
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Ground Floor Spaces:
· Main Entry Stair (serving Level 1 and Level 2)
· Secondary Entry Stair (serving Level 1, and Level 2)
· Reception/Client Services
· Waiting Areas
· Interview Rooms
· Store
· Fork & Spoon Restaurant
· Commercial Kitchen and Food Processing
· Warehouse
· Receiving
· Sorting
· Mechanical, Riser, Data/Comm Rooms
· Restrooms
Level 2 Spaces:
· Reception/Client Services
· Mixed Staff Offices and Meeting Space
· Community Room
· Learning Space
· Rooftop Garden & Terrace
· Restrooms
Building Design:
The design of the North Building responds to its purpose and is consistent with Section
38.530.030. Rooted in the context of Griffin Drive and the industrial nature of the area, shapes
the resulting design of the North Building. Part warehouse, part mixed use building, the
design utilizes regionally appropriate materials and architecture to compose a pragmatic and
utilitarian design aesthetic.
Building Massing & Articulation:
The building is large given its inherent use, yet the overall design of the building employs
strategies to break down its size to an appropriate scale and add visual interest which meets
the intent of Section 38.530.040. Changes in material siding, weather protection features,
structural expression, and building modulation come together to effectively reinforce a
human-scaled building design.
Building Materials:
As mentioned previously the North Building design aesthetic is taken from its context both,
readily adjacent and the large western community as well. In collaboration with the South
Building design, the exterior materials were chosen to complement each respective design
while also combining to form a consistent and cohesive, campus like effect. Similar to the
South Building, the primary siding material of the North Building is to be corrugated metal
siding in a Galvalume finish. The corrugated profile of the material not only reduces the overall
reflective nature of the material, but also evokes the agriculture heritage of food storage
buildings as well as surrounding industrial uses. Perforated corrugated siding will be utilized
in areas on the warehouse to provide additional visual interest: breaking up large wall
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expanses by providing transparency while otherwise appearing seamless with the adjacent
siding to reinforce a singular formal aesthetic. Transparent polycarbonate panels are
proposed as a secondary siding material. This material is chosen for its ability to create a
dynamic relationship between the interior and the exterior of the building; providing
transparency and lightness to contrast with the opaque corrugated skin elsewhere. Naturally
weathered steel is proposed as an accent material to reinforce the separation of main building
massing and to emphasize the main building entry. This material was chosen for its contrast
in both color and texture from the primary and secondary materials and are consistency with
nearby projects.
South Building (Year-round Emergency Shelter & Resource Hub)
The South Building consists of a new 28,600 square foot, two-story commercial building
intended to serve as an emergency shelter with accessory and complementary uses. The
design will address Section 38.360.135 Transitional and Emergency Housing and will
incorporate cohesion with the design of the North Building and the overall site. The building
form and design will consider and respond to the industrial character of the surrounding area
while immediately responding to the function of the proposed uses.
As a budget-driven alternate, the design may include two south-facing exterior courtyard
areas, using the building as a backdrop. The southwest courtyard space will be fully enclosed
serving as an accessible and secure exterior space for overnight clients, while the southeast
courtyard will be partially enclosed serving as a covered bicycle parking area. The design of
these two courtyards is illustrated on Sheet A1.4 - Site Details.
A primary goal of the design is to allow for flexibility of use over the life of the building by
considering structural grids, fenestration, and vertical circulation. The building orientation
responds to solar exposure, adjacent exterior open spaces, pedestrian circulation, and the
overall site.
Proposed Uses:
The building is designed to accommodate numerous uses and allow for flexibility. The
building’s main entry faces south, oriented to be recognizable and welcoming from the main
pedestrian corridor, with an adjacent exterior plaza area. This entrance will primarily serve
clients using the shelter. The secondary entrance will serve clients using the resource center
and staff and is located on the southeast side of the building adjacent to the parking lot. In
addition to entry plazas at each entrance, the building design proposes to incorporate two
exterior spaces adjacent and accessible directly from the interior of the building. Pending
further construction pricing, the enclosing of these spaces may be eliminated from the
immediate design and designated as potential future additions. The building includes the
following primary program areas:
Ground Floor Spaces:
· Main Entry Stair (serving Level 1 and Level 2)
· Secondary Entry Stair (serving Level 1 and Level 2)
· Toilet and Shower Rooms
· Custodial Rooms
· Reception and Intake area
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· Client Storage Rooms
· Client Laundry Room
· Staff Offices
· Client Dining & Commons Area
· Client Kitchen and Pantry
· Donation Storage
· Meeting Rooms, Conference Room, and Classroom
· Private Meeting Rooms for Clients
· Small Exam Suite: Exam room, storage, and toilet room
· Mechanical Room at Level 1, and Mechanical Mezzanine Space
· (2) Elevators & Elevator Equipment Rooms
· Building Storage, Mechanical, Electrical, Riser, Data/Comm Rooms
Level 2 Spaces:
· Common & Lounge area(s)
· Multi-User Toilet and Shower Rooms
o Single-User Toilet/Shower Rooms
o Staff Office Area
o Staff Laundry Area
· Client Locker Storage
· Sleeping (Bunk) Rooms (vary in size)
· Family Bedrooms / area
· Family Suite Kitchenette & Laundry
· Kennel Room
· Custodial / Storage
· Exterior Smoking Terraces
Building Design:
The intent of the South Building’s design responds to the building design intent as described
in Section 38.530.030. The design reflects regionally appropriate architecture based on
human scale, materiality, and sustainable design measures, all while responding to the micro
context of its site along Griffin Drive, and the greater Bozeman area. The simplicity paired
with functionality of this building create a high level of design and efficiency. The design is far
from generic or corporate and promotes future adaptation by implementing a flexible
structural grid, a footprint that takes full advantage of solar orientation, and a number of
transitional spaces that promote connection between interior and exterior spaces.
Building Massing & Articulation:
While the comprehensive design of the building implements strong, yet simple design
strategies to create a unique, subtle, and visually appealing form – the design also meets the
intent of Section 38.530.040, B., needing only one articulation feature as described in
Exception B (M-1 District). Fenestration, entries, and weather protection features around the
building address the intent of this section.
Maximum Façade Width (Section 38.530.040.E) is applicable to the building’s north and south
elevations, which are approximately 210 feet long. The south elevation includes several
strategies to address this design requirement including recessed areas at the ground floor
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level and recessed alcoves at Level 2 serving as exterior terraces, screened with a perforated
corrugated material. There is also a recessed wall above level 2 that serves as a sustainable
solar wall preheating ventilation air. The combination of all these features at the south
elevation address the intent of this section.
The north elevation is adjacent to the service drive between the two buildings and may not
be subject to the maximum façade width design criteria. If, however the north elevation is
subject to these design criteria, see the following departure narrative describing how the
north elevation’s proposed design meets the intent of this section by alternative design
methods.
Building Materials:
The South Building design proposes corrugated metal siding as its primary exterior material.
The finish will be galvalume. The corrugated profile of the material reduces the overall
reflective nature of the material. This material finish was carefully chosen due to its vernacular
richness, authenticity, and for the way it interacts with natural light. A secondary material,
corrugated and perforated aluminum panels, will complement the primary material while
providing subtle contrast and transparency at key locations. This material will have an
aluminum mill finish which will naturally patina over time, becoming less reflective. The
natural patina process is intentional, and addresses concerns regarding highly reflective
finishes. The exterior windows will have a clear anodized aluminum storefront frame,
emphasizing the contrast between the glazing material itself and the frame/exterior metal
siding materials.
Departure Narrative (if needed):
Building Massing & Articulation: Maximum Façade Width (Section 38.530.040.E) The South
Building is proposing one departure related to Maximum Façade Width, specific to the
building’s north elevation. The north elevation is 210 feet long; however, it has no block
frontage designation and faces an internal service drive. The internal program and Trauma-
Informed Design warrants more privacy at this elevation. The proposed design of this
elevation creates alternative means of interest by incorporating a composition of small
windows at both levels which provides a pattern inherent to the structural grid, allowing for
natural daylighting into spaces that do not necessitate large areas of glazing. This is balanced
by limited large windows serving internal spaces that benefit from more transparency and
connections with the exterior. Vertical modulation would not benefit the regular structural
grid, nor the layout/function of the interior spaces. The design intent of the building also
strives to create a cohesive uniform design through form and materiality, minimizing the
overall number of exterior materials. Change in materiality is limited at only a few locations
specific to function, and not merely for aesthetic appearance. The result is a more honest
design much like the surrounding vernacular of the region. The design, through a variety of
alternative approaches addresses the primary intent of the Building Massing and Articulation
code requirements by instituting a high level of site-specific design responses rather than
generic design changes in modulation and materiality at each elevation.