Members Present: Dean Adams – Co-Chair, Grant Petersen – Co-Chair, Lenny Triem –  ASMSU President, Brett Gunnink, Kane Urdahl, Danielle Garber, Evan Greenwood, Dean Adams, Michael Everts, and Kirsten Ostberg

Members Absent: Jason Browning, Steve Swinford, Terry Leist, Robert Mokwa, Sreekala Bajwa, Thomas Luhrsen, Duane Morris, and Alison Harmon

Staff & Guests: Robert Stockdale, Jennisse Waters, Ashna Peters, and Chelsie Shults

ITEM No. 1 – Approval of Minutes from April 15, 2025

The April 15, 2025, meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

ITEM No. 2 – RECOMMENDATION – Montana PBS Broadcast Logistics Building

Presenter: Robert Stockdale, Campus Planner

Robert Stockdale presented to the Board the site and design of the proposed Montana PBS Broadcast Logistics Building. Robert explained that the selected site is in the northeast corner of the facilities service drive behind Gaines Hall and the Visual Communications Building to allow for proximity to Montana PBS. Robert highlighted that location of the building would help screen the mechanical equipment in that area. Robert then showed the elevations of the Broadcast Logistics Building, noting that the materials used will match those of Gaines Hall to create a visual cohesiveness between the two buildings.

Michael Everts asked about the color and material for the roof of the building. Chelsie Shults, SMA Architecture and Design,replied that the roof would be constructed of galvanized metal and would match the color of the metal used on Gaines Hall. Michael commented that the sloped roof is a major visual element of the building and galvanized metal may not be the best choice. Grant Petersen stated that a brushed metal in a darker color may help the building recede into the background. Chelsie said that they will incorporate that feedback into the design.

Kirsten Ostberg asked whether the building will be adjacent to the existing retaining wall. Chelsie Shults replied that the building will replace that wall and act as a retaining wall itself.

Michael Everts asked how the Broadcast Logistics Building will be used. Grant Petersen answered that it is to be a shop space that will service the broadcast equipment Montana PBS employs throughout the state.

Kirsten Ostberg asked whether there had been considerations for a green roof. Grant Petersen answered that this project has involved a balancing of design with budget constraints, which has prevented the incorporation of some more progressive features. Brett Gunnink commented that university building projects typically involve facilities services at an early stage to determine how responsive and innovative design can be incorporated, and that all campus buildings are built to a high standard with both longevity and sustainability in mind.

Michael Everts asked how the area between the Broadcast Logistics Building and the Gaines Hall mechanical equipment was being addressed. Grant Petersen answered that there had been consideration for maintenance access and air flow through that space.

Dean Adams motioned to approve the Montana PBS Broadcast Logistics Building.

Brett Gunnink seconded the motion.

The motion was approved unanimously.

ITEM No. 3 – OPEN DISCUSSION

Michael Everts announced that a second tiny home project on Fox Street had been completed by students. Michael added that the building has received a certificate of occupancy and will be turned over to the university.

Brett Gunnink asked about the status of the new Gallatin College building. Grant Petersen explained that the Montana Architecture and Engineering Division is currently developing a timeline for all its projects, so the progress on the Gallatin College building will begin once the State has completed its prioritization process.

Dean Adams asked about the timeline for The Vim Hotel. Grant Petersen replied that the developer is planning to begin work in the fall, and that there are continuous conversations on determining how to mitigate the impacts of construction during the school year.

Brett Gunnink asked if there is an estimated completion date for Jones Hall. Grant Petersen answered that the contractor is on schedule to finish construction in the spring of 2026, but that there would be additional work necessary to prepare the building for its occupants.

Kirsten Ostberg asked if the American Indian Hall landscaping project would continue into the fall semester. Grant Petersen responded that work would continue into the semester as the arrangement of the boulder seating is anticipated to be a slow endeavor, but that the project ought to be completed prior to winter break.


The meeting was brought to a close at 3:56 PM by Grant Petersen.