Location: 
Columbus, Montana
Total Square Feet: 3,335
Construction Period: Sep 1999 to July 2000

Construction Team
General Contractor: Herb Marchington - P.O. Box 80421, Billings, MT 59108
Structural Engineer: Krivonen Associates, P.C.- 725 Grand Avenue, Billings, MT 59101
Electrical & Mechanical Engineer: cbg architects - 1616 Broadwater Avenue, Billings, MT 59102-5004
Cost Estimator: cbg architects - 1616 Broadwater Avenue, Billings, MT 59102-5004

In the small town of Columbus, Montana, growth has created a lack of usable, efficient office space. Optometrist Kent Brown looked at several options for expansion and then found a small lot that met the zoning requirements and was of adequate size to build a small, handicap-accessible office for his thriving business.

The architect researched the setback requirements and parking requirements, and then designed a building to provide the maximum space allowed while still meeting these requirements. The main level floor plan provided for a waiting area with display for eyeglasses, a reception area, contact lens area, two exam rooms, an office, toilets and a break room/lab. A basement was added for the storage of records. The basement was limited to less than 1,500 square feet to meet the code requirement for eliminating a fire sprinkler system.

The new building was constructed of concrete footings and foundations, pre-engineered wood floor trusses, wood stud walls with pre-engineered wood roof trusses, asphalt shingles and aluminum soffits and fascia. The exterior walls were finished with a brick wainscot on the front of the building and prefinished hardboard siding for finish on the remainder of the exterior walls. Interior finishes included painted, textured gypsum board walls and acoustical lay-in ceiling. The reception area is accented with a gypsum board soffit and lowered ceiling above the reception desk. The cost of construction included concrete paving of the driveway, approach and sidewalks. The owner provided the cabinetry and landscaping.

Manufacturers/Suppliers
DIV 07: Roof Shingles: GAF; Siding: Masonite.
DIV 08: Windows: Pella.
DIV 09: Carpet: Shaw; VCT: Congoleum.