Pub. 7 2019 Directory

18 THE MONTANA ARCHITECT | 2019-2020 | www.aia-mt.org Sweetgrass Commons Apartments Missoula, Montana MMW Architects Merit Award S weetgrass Commons is a 27-unit affordable apartment building in the core of Missoula. The project occupies the western boundary of the Old Sawmill District, an area of transition. Historically, the Champion Sawmill was the heart of the city and the center of industry. Left in decay, it is now being revitalized as a dense, walkable, mixed-use neighborhood of three and four-story condominiums and townhouses. Most of the development thus far has been high-end; Sweetgrass Commons is the first subsidized housing and will serve residents below 60% Area Median Income. To the north and west of the project site is an existing neighborhood of small homes, gardens, and storage units. Many Missoula amenities such as the Clark Fork River and trails, the Good Food Store, Ogren Stadium, and McCormick and Silver Park are nearby. The distinct multi-gabled design of Sweetgrass Commons breaks down the scale of the project and provides an architectural transi- tion from the denser, more urban buildings of the Sawmill District to the existing lower density neighborhood to the south and west. The colors reference the lichen-covered boulders found in the sur- rounding mountains. Industrial steel and wood slat detailing pays homage to the site’s heritage as a working mill and provides clear focal points at the entries. The protruding wooden rain screen porch walls were a result of local zoning that required a third-floor setback on the streetside. Special care was taken in designing the building with Universal Design principles. Ten of the units are fully accessible, and the rest are adaptable. Each unit has a simple, open floor plan and a private balcony providing views and connection to the landscape. Oversized windows and 9’ ceilings fill the rooms with light and make the small floor plans feel generous. A photovoltaic canopy in the rear courtyard provides both electricity for the building and shaded outdoor space for residents to enjoy. Below grade parking for 21 cars and 24 bicycles was a key strategy to allow green space and other amenities on-site while maintaining the residential density that was practical for the project. Sweetgrass Commons was designed and built for Homeword, an affordable non-profit housing developer based in Missoula. Home- word believes that affordable housing can be a beautiful, sustain- able, and strong contributor to the city’s urban design. With these guiding principles in mind, we’ve developed a project that provides a safe, healthy, dignified place for its residents while forming a new neighborhood landmark and becoming a positive catalyst for devel- opment. In true Missoula spirit, Sweetgrass Commons blends single and multi-family housing typologies, mixes historic patterns with future uses, and promotes a diverse, inclusive community. Design Team: MMW Architects Don MacArthur, Sarah Ayers, Kurt McGrane Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering: Morrison-Maierle Inc. Owner: Homeword, Inc. b