The PROJECT INTENTIONS embody a shared vision of the City, Downtown Development Authority, and Old Yellowstone (redevelopment) District as the centerpiece of the downtown revitalization efforts.  The project – David Street Station – is a year-round outdoor events-driven plaza conceived as a public-private partnership.

Informed by a community charrette, the PROGRAM emphasizes “engaging cultural activities” in a region focused on outdoor activity, while the visual identity celebrates the connection to place: the local energy industry, the American West, and proximity to abundant natural beauty – combining to create a community hub.

The DESIGN ACHIEVEMENT is a solution that transcends the immediate site boundaries inviting approach from all directions and offering glimpses into the plaza from the streets through treed berms that offer a continuous connection to nature.  The architecture – by its arrangement – defines the exterior spaces and is clad in distinct traditional regional materials used in not-so traditional applications.

The plaza grid is reinforced with string-light covered promenades that internalize   circulation, provide effortless wayfinding and a location for donor recognition in the form of an on-going art installation, all while supplying power for farmers market and festival tents. Ranch-inspired entry gateways support changeable sponsor banners and frame views into the site from street intersections.  Two main programmatic areas are mediated by the promenade – a performance pavilion with terraced concert lawn on one side and an ice rink (in winter) which converts to a splash pad (in summer) on the other – whose orientations play upon the adjacent street grids, sun angles and wind for maximum shelter.  Analysis of extensive daylighting tests performed on a scale model informed the orientation of the buildings on the site.

The support facility occupies a central locale for convenience and includes restrooms, ticketing, and maintenance on the main level; an overlook deck above offers panoramic views and a V.I.P. area for major events; and sustainable filtration equipment for the splash pad on the lower level. The minimal footprint of the building maximizes space for the plaza.

The splash pad offers dramatic views of the water spray during the summer and in the winter a city holiday tree occupies the same space – protecting the fountain – and forming an island within the skate rink that evokes an illusion of skating on a pond. A locally salvaged rock cone crusher provides a hand warming fire pit; and other serendipitous gathering areas ring the site to enhance connectivity with the outside and encourage social interaction.

Coordination with local first responders during the design allows for intermittent expansion into the adjacent streets for larger events and festivals.       

Cowboy “branded” onto wood columns, the logo celebrates the place identity with graphics of the seasons and programmed events and features a subliminal smile reflective of the happiness created here.

The COST DATA includes an overall project budget of $9.2 million, which includes land acquisition, soft costs, and a $1 million endowment.