UM FLAT vision

The UM FLAT ecovillage is a concept to develop a student-driven community of student, departmental, and community groups to occupy the University homes between 5th and 6th Street East. While there will be many interests represented, an ecological thread would be woven throughout the homes making for an active and engaged community of students who are each implementing and modeling sustainable living practices in their homes. We are aware of the University long-range building plan to move or demolish the existing homes and build a new foundation, alumni, or administrative building (or all three). We believe these plans are years away from being implemented and this gives us an opportunity to provide a compelling reason to reinvest in the existing infrastructure of homes that currently exist where they do. We currently have 19 homes, 6 garages, and tremendous potential to create a valuable experiential resource for anyone who chooses to be associated with the program. This model community of students will be the ambassadors of the student-body while physically representing the gateway (or entrance from the Madison Street Bridge) to the University of Montana. We regard UM as a leader in moving beyond the concept of being sustainable and representing a model institution that is helping to create a better future for our students and the greater community.    

- Derek Kanwischer