Community Development has worked closely and successfully with MSU’s School of Architecture, pairing
student time and energy with the knowledge of expert on-the-ground City staff.
City of Bozeman Planning staff have been working with MSU School of Architecture students to design
several ADUs for community use. Students have created 6 ADU design options and provide helpful resources
for how to get started. ADUs can be a housing option for small families/single people, aging parents, college
students, etc. ADUs can increase property values and be a source of income for property owners. This
partnership between Community Development and MSU's Architectural Design Studio is an investigation of
how ADUs can be functional housing stock in Bozeman.
Community Development staff Courtney Johnson, Danielle Garber, and Matt Madsen worked with the
Director of the MSU School of Architecture Ralph Johnson over many months to conceptualize and then
organize the course protocol and student objectives. Our pilot effort to overlay the EPIC-N model of
collaboration was again streamlined by using a project that was underway, allowing MSU and city
coordinators to learn how project ideas can be actualized using coursework and City subject matter experts.
Six community members were recruited and voluntarily offered their own residential properties as design
sites. Those community members worked with MSU faculty and staff, students, and City staff to create
shared understanding of the needs and special qualities of their sites; giving students real world experience
mitigating the complexities that existing infrastructure, landscaping, and owner preferences can create.
Eight students have designed ADUs that meet zoning and building requirements in Bozeman, as well as
design guidelines and special considerations for the site assigned to them. Final projects will be
presented at the City Commission meeting on the 10 th , with an open house preceding the meeting at
5:00 in the City Hall lobby. Special recognition to Danielle Garber and Courtney Johnson for the many
extra hours they have put into making the student experience successful, and the outcomes excellent!
Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner.
Community-Engaged and Transformational Scholarship (CATS) Program Contact Info
University Faculty Contact
Ralph Johnson
Architecture
ralphj@montana.edu
(406) 994-4650
Local Government / Community Contact
Courtney Johnson
Senior Planner