in the spot light -
University of Montana
phyllis j. washington school of education

Project Manager: Greg Hebner
Superintendent: Tim Schott
Owner: State of Montana and University of Montana
Architect: OZ Architects
Contract Value: $9,900,000
Website (progress pics): http://www.soe.umt.edu/default.html

Project Summary

Jackson is well under way on the 10 Million dollar state of the Art New Phyllis J. Washington Education Center, which is an approx. 30,000SF addition to the Education Building at the University of Montana Campus in Missoula, Montana.

The Phyllis J. Washington Education Center - the first of its kind in the nation - will house programs and 21st century technology. Highlights of the facility will be the Early Childhood Modeling Center, which will offer indoor and outdoor classrooms and learning spaces; high-tech classrooms and distance-learning studios; and classrooms specifically designed to teach math and science instructional methods. The Learning and Belonging Preschool will be located in the building as well.

The Building components are as unique as the intended use of the facility, utilizing numerous kinds of materials and finishes. The main structure is a 3 story structural steel frame with a cast in place basement. The steel frame features a curved roof atop a 3 story atrium. The exterior is accented with brick, stone, aluminum, large expanses of curtain wall, and CSMU. Interior finishes include poured Terrazzo, Bronze, Glass Handrail, solid mineral profile paneling and many other unique finishes. Construction is scheduled for completion in Fall 2009.