Bozeman High School

Faced with a sprawling complex of aging buildings for its high school, Bozeman School District No. 7 decided to turn an adjoining middle school into the heart of Bozeman High School. The result is a seamless combination of renovated space and new construction that provides an appropriate setting for educating the community’s young people, from the bright cafeteria to the comfortable library to the classrooms wired for modern technology.

As with any high school project, there was a wide range of constituents and stake holders involved in this renovation. Comma-Q listened carefully to students, teachers, administrators, and community members to craft a building that meets needs in a cost-effective solution. Attention was paid to customizing the building in ways relevant to the high school experience, including the school mascot built into the courtyard and the latitude and longitude of the school inlaid in the main hall floor.

Above all, the building was designed to provide a pleasant and welcoming place for the high school community. The library and cafeteria are gathering places for students, staff, and volunteers, providing opportunities for spontaneous learning and debate as well as tutoring and learning in small groups.

Long-term concerns were also addressed. The community has expressed a need for an auditorium and, in anticipation of future funds, the high school is designed to accommodate one. The building’s Energy Star rating, 87, beats the School Board’s requirement of 75 and will reduce energy costs for decades.

• Client: Bozeman School District
• Size: 225,500 sq.ft.
• Budget: $26,500,000
• Contractor: Dick Anderson Construction
• CQ Project Manager: Ben Lloyd
• Location: Bozeman MT (map)