UFPB Meeting Minutes - May 19, 2026

Proxies: Durward Sobek (for Robert Mokwa), Ian Godwin (forLuke Schalewski), Dale Huls (for Alison Harmon)

Members Absent:Dean Adams – Co-Chair, Sreekala Bajwa, Brett Gunnink,Benjamin Wilson – ASMSU Representative, Kirsten Ostberg

Staff & Guests: Robert Stockdale, Jennisse Waters, Ara Meskimen

ITEM No. 1 – Approval of Minutes from April 21, 2026

The April 21, 2026, meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

ITEM No. 2 – ACTION – Lewis Hall Life-Safety & ADA Upgrades

Robert Stockdale explained that Lewis Hall is home to the University’s Ecology Department and Microbiology and Cell Biology Departments, but its instructional spaces and offices do not meet ADA accessibility requirements. Robert added that 39 classes had been relocated from Lewis Hall since 2016 to accommodate student needs due to the building’s accessibility issues. Robert then introduced the proposed building upgrade project, which would construct an annex and elevator tower with accessible restrooms that would serve both Lewis Hall and Cooley Laboratory. Robert noted that the elevator tower would provide an accessible point of entry from Centennial Mall by replacing the existing annex building. Robert presented architectural plans and renderings of the annex and elevator tower, highlighting the selected brick and metal materials which refer to those used for Lewis Hall and Cooley Laboratory. Robert described how the design’s small footprint minimizes the visual impact to Lewis Hall and the wider campus setting. Robert added that the preservation of the spruce trees at the southwest corner of Lewis Hall is a project goal, but that they may need to be removed to provide proper emergency access to the building. Robert stated that, pending Board approval, contractor bidding would begin in October 2026, with construction starting as soon as it is practical.

Wendy Guido asked whether there would be an ADA-compliant restroom on each floor of the elevator tower. Richard Rudnicki confirmed that each floor would have an accessible restroom.

Thomas Luhrsen asked if the new annex would alter the entrances to Cooley Laboratory and Tietz Hall. Richard Rudnicki stated that the new building would serve as a connection space for the three buildings, but it would not alter their existing entryways.

Thomas Luhrsen asked when the project is anticipated to be completed. Ara Meskimen replied that the current construction time estimate is 18 months.

Wendy Guido asked if the restrooms would feature ADA push plate buttons, or whether it would be possible to have doorless access. Richard Rudnicki responded that the restrooms would be single occupancy due to space constraints and that the doors would meet ADA specifications, but that they will not feature a push plate button.
Durward Sobek asked why black brick was selected for the façade despite none of the adjacent buildings featuring that material. Richard Rudnicki answered that the Montana State Historic Preservation Office requests that additions to historic buildings be distinct and not attempt to present themselves as being of the same period as the original structure. Richard noted that this approach was taken with Romney Hall, where the addition is a modern construction of metal and glass featuring elements that tie back to the historic building. Richard added that other materials can be considered. Durward replied that he appreciated the explanation and stated that he felt the tower may draw attention from Lewis Hall.

Michael Everts commented that the tower’s flat roof contrasted with the pitched roofs of Lewis Hall and Cooley Laboratory. Richard Rudnicki explained that the tower was designed to be below Lewis Hall’s gable so as to not detract from its silhouette.

Danielle Garber asked how the tower’s attachment to Lewis Hall would impact the historic facade. Robert Stockdale replied that the tower would be attached to Cooley Laboratory and would be structurally independent from Lewis Hall. Robert explained that an expansion joint would be used to connect the elevator tower to Lewis Hall, which will minimize the damage to the building. Danielle asked if the existing breezeway entrance to Lewis Hall would be utilized. Robert responded that the entryway would be covered with a textured copper panel, and that a new entrance would be constructed utilizing the central window opening on the third floor.

Thomas Luhrsen asked how the existing internal staircase on the west side of Lewis Hall would be addressed. Richard Rudnicki answered that the staircase would be removed and the corridors in Lewis Hall would be extended to the elevator tower.

Michael Everts asked about the need for the existing elevator on the east side of Cooley Laboratory. John Howe replied that the elevator tower will allow individuals to navigate through Lewis Hall and between Lewis Hall and Cooley Laboratory more seamlessly, while the Cooley elevator would be available for internal travel. John added that an internal elevator was considered for Lewis Hall, but that it would have impacted nearly a sixth of the building’s existing footprint. John compared the elevator tower to the addition of Romney Hall, which allows greater access to the building while also preserving its historic integrity.

Durward Sobek moved to approve the exterior design of the Lewis Hall Life-Safety & ADA Upgrades project.

Duane Morris seconded the motion.

The motion was approved unanimously.

ITEM No. 3 – ACTION – Bobcat Stadium Scoreboard Signage

Robert Stockdale presented the design for signage commemorating the MSU Bobcats football team’s national titles for installation on the side of the Bobcat Stadium scoreboard that faces the intersection of Kagy Boulevard and South 11th Avenue. Robert explained that the Bobcat logo and text will be made of aluminum and that the method of attachment was reviewed and approved by the engineer involved with the installation of the scoreboard. Robert noted that the final design will be slightly altered with changes to the size of the various elements to improve the visibility of the text.

Thomas Luhrsen asked whether there would be space to accommodate additional championship wins. Ara Meskimen replied that the letters and numbers will be able to be moved to provide space for more text.

Danielle Garber asked if the sign would be internally lit. Ara Meskimen answered that it would not be internally lit or illuminated.

Durward Sobek asked if any city sign ordinances applied to this proposal. Richard Rudnicki stated that no sign ordinances or codes apply.

Durward Sobek moved to approve the design of the Bobcat Stadium scoreboard signage.

Duane Morris seconded the motion.

The motion was approved unanimously.

ITEM No. 4 – OPEN DISCUSSION

Michael Everts asked if the demolition of the Westside Housing buildings was on schedule. Richard Rudnicki replied that the power lines and houses will be removed in July to accommodate the construction of a new student housing facility. Richard added that the tiny house project constructed by the School of Architecture would be moved. Michael replied that he is scheduled to meet with HRDC about their possible use of the house. Robert Stockdale noted that the State Historic Preservation Office was consulted on the demolition of the houses and an agreement on mitigation was reached.