Montana State University – Northern in Havre, Montana is constructing a new 24,880 SF agricultural and diesel technology building. The landscape design enhances the building’s architecture, while providing visual interest through color, form and pattern. A plaza with seating areas and large shade trees provide an outdoor space for student congregation. A terraced area allows for the direction of pedestrian traffic through an accessible sidewalk, eliminating “cut paths” through turf areas. All plant material is drought resistant and low maintenance that is supported by a water efficient irrigation system.

Peaks to Plains Design developed a natural-appearing, low-water landscape for the new visitor’s center at Pictograph Caves State Park. The firm provided construction documents for the site’s grading plan, pedestrian trails, reclamation plan and irrigation design. Local boulders were integrated into the pavement and placed near the foundation of the building, resembling an emergent rock outcropping – a trait for which the park is established.

The City of Billings and School District 2 identified the need to connect a low-income neighborhood to Ponderosa Elementary School via a multi-use trail, and prepare construction drawings for new sidewalks connecting the school through a residential neighborhood, park and commercial center. As a part of a CTEP-funded project, Peaks to Plains Design led the design and construction administration of an 1800 liner foot, 10-foot wide multi-use path. Peaks to Plains Design led the Client through the CTEP regulatory process, prepared the 404 permit and acted as the Owner’s Representative during the construction process. Peaks to Plains Design led the Client through the CTEP regulatory process, prepared the 404 permit and acted as the Owner’s Representative during the construction process. Peaks to Plains Design led the Client through the CTEP regulatory process, prepared the 404 permit and acted as the Owner’s Representative during the construction process.

Peaks to Plains Design led the planning process and prepared a range of solutions to address resulting infrastructure needs for Hell Creek State Park. Eight areas of concern were identified and sSolutions include policy changes, enforcement programs, compliance with existing codes and regulations and alignment with the strategic vision for Montana State Parks. Infrastructure solutions include increased monitoring, additional tent camp sites, additional electrical service, and replacement of water and sewer infrastructure and redistribution of concentrated uses.

Peaks to Plains Design was commissioned by the City of Casper to address two vacant corners left over from a skewed highway intersection at CY Avenue and Poplar Street. The Wyoming Department of Transportation reconstructed the two roads, and utilized transportation enhancement funds to mitigate the impacts to this busy commercial district. Peaks to Plains Design prepared the layout, grading, planting and irrigation plans.

The Lockwood Pedestrian Safety District (LPSD) was created in response to a disproportionate number of contacts occurring between vehicles and pedestrians throughout an unincorporated, rural urban area. Local roads were built to rural county standards and lack any facilities for non-motorized transportation. Peaks to Plains Design is part of the team serving as the District’s “County Engineers” to develop a non-motorized transportation plan and designing improvements for the area. Peaks to Plains Design continues to serve the district by organizing its non-infrastructure activities. This includes Bike/Walk to School Day, PSA’s, business recognition of installations, distribution of safety materials and working with the County on their annual budgeting efforts. This is a first-of-its-kind District in the State and is setting an example for other communities to address their non-motorized transportation issues.

Legion Park is located across from City Hall in a prominent location in downtown Hamilton. The park is used for many events and small gatherings. The City of Hamilton hired Peaks to Plains Design in 2010 to develop a master plan to help guide the management and new improvements for the park. Peaks to Plains Design formed a working group consisting of elected officials, interested citizens, parks board members and city staff to help guide the master plan process. he new plan addressed a new playground, aquatic spray park, a shade canopy, amphitheater-like seating, a band shell, new sign and right-of-way improvements. In the fall of 2011, the City of Hamilton re-hired Peaks to Plains Design to implement phase one of the master plan.

The City of Casper engaged Peaks to Plains Design in collaboration with the Wyoming DOT on an Interstate 25 interchange enhancement project. Located at the north boundary of the City, this interchange sets the context for community identity. The main feature of the project is a gateway entry monument sign. The final design includes a heavy timber frame, a Corten® steel plate and LED backlit letters that say, “Welcome to Casper.” The materials and design reflect the community’s desire to blend historic context with modern technology as a brand image.

Peaks to Plains Design lead a design team for the construction of two new ADA compliant walkways connecting parking areas to the Rimrock Auto Arena. Funded through the Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP), the upper pedestrian walkway features a curved switchback system that transverses a 32 foot elevation difference. Peaks to Plains Design was responsible for the project feasibility study, the recommendation of the project budget, application for the CTEP funds, environmental documentation, coordination with concurrent consultants and contractors and working with MetraPark staff to continue operations for this regional facility while it was under construction.

Peaks to Plains Design was the design lead for a new, locally funded veterans cemetery, north of Laurel, Montana. Located on over 48 acres of land, the cemetery will have the capacity for over 10,000 veterans and their spouses for the next 100 years. The cemetery was designed utilizing the VA’s National Cemetery Standards, because the client desired for this to be dedicated as the next National Cemetery in Montana. Peaks to Plains Design worked with a Veterans Steering Committee who assisted in the decision-making and design process.

Red Lodge sought to prepare its first ever active transportation plan. Peaks to Plains Design worked with an advisory committee and Red Lodge citizens to create a vision statement: “Red Lodge is a dynamic community with well-connected neighborhoods and an attractive core are where non-motorized travel is safe, accessible and encouraged for people of all ages and abilities. Red Lodge is a community that promotes social interaction, sustainability and economic viability that evokes civic pride from residents and appreciation from visitors.” Inventory of existing sidewalks and trails was completed using GIS technology. A project-specific online “GeoApp” was launched to allow people to identify problem areas and desired connections. A connectivity analysis identified missing sidewalks in the community. The recommendations from the plan include wayfinding for both vehicles to get to trailheads, pedestrian, bicycle and trail wayfinding.

The Rosebud County Healthcare Center encompasses two blocks that houses the local hospital, elder care facility and a medical clinic. The perimeter of the facility had failing sidewalks and the facilities generally lacked accessible entrances. The governing board requested a site master plan that addressed those issues in addition to outdoor activity areas for the elder care facility residents. The elder care facility was strategically planning new additions that would incorporate the “Eden Alternative” philosophy of care. The team prepared the master plan for the site and an activity area.