Peaks to Plains Design

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CIVIC PLANNING AND DESIGN

Yellowstone County Veterans Cemetery, Laurel, Montana

Yellowstone County

Peaks to Plains Design was the prime consultant 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 National Cemetery Standards, because the client desires for this to be dedicated as the next National Cemetery in Montana. Peaks to Plains Design worked closely with the Veterans Steering Committee, who assisted in the decision-making and design process. This process included land acquisition, coordination with the FAA (due to its proximity to the Laurel Airport), utility infrastructure and military protocols for veteran interment. The project was funded with a County-wide mill levy and fundraising efforts.

Phase one of construction included over 8 acres of land and has over $1.6 Million worth of improvements. Facilities constructed in phase one included a speakers podium, with electricity for sound system, an assembly gathering area for 200+ people, a flag assembly area and a flag disposal pit. A warming room was constructed house the military honor guard as they wait for a funeral procession, which is also attached to the public rest rooms. Infrastructure in this phase included an irrigation pump station and automatic system, landscaping, roads, fencing and storm water facilities.

The cemetery was dedicated on November 11, 2008 by a crowd of over 500 people. Congressman Dennis Rehberg described the cemetery by stating, “I’ve seen cemeteries from Guam to Normandy, and each has a unique perspective, but none of them have a view like this cemetery.” The first phase was constructed purely with local funds, no federal or state money. It is an example of how good projects can happen with public officials, special groups and citizens come together to share a common goal.

Peaks to Plains Design PC was part of a contractor-led design-build team for the Veteran's Administration Benefit's Office at Fort Harrison, Helena, Montana. Incorporating the principles of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, into the project was a high priority. Among those principles included the re-use of storm water run-off, lawns which need half the amount of water, incorporating native plants and highly efficient irrigation system design were some of the techniques utilized. The project is LEED certified by the US Green Building Council.

Peaks to Plains Design collaborated with a civil engineering firm to develop streetscape concepts for the community of Sidney, Montana. Each concept took into consideration the function of the existing businesses on Main Street, traffic calming techniques and opportunities for outdoor patios. Community advocates were especially interested in transforming the front lawn of the Courthouse into programmable, dynamic public open space. As a part of professional services, the design team provided budgetary cost estimates and graphic illustrations to help visualize and market the plan. Peaks to Plains Design will be developing construction documents for implementation in 2009.

Hardin, Montana is the location of the State’s newest Industrial Park. Anchored by Rocky Mountain Power Plant and Cenex Asphalt Plant, the City of Hardin set aside over 750 acres to be dedicated to a new Industrial Park. Peaks to Plains Design collaborated with the planning team to collect case studies of other similar-sized community industrial parks, evaluate the potential types of industries to be served and then formulate the types of land parcels and infrastructure needed to attract new business.

Peaks to Plains Design utilized the latest in GIS technology to develop potential lot configurations and then worked with engineers to evaluate potential road, water and sewer infrastructure. In addition, Peaks to Plains Design facilitated the public meetings and assisted with phase 1 construction plans.