Missoula Moves Forward with Controversial Million Dollar Green Roof for Missoula Library

MISSOULA — The City of Missoula is moving forward with a controversial $1.25 million living roof project at the Missoula Public Library, now seeking suppliers to retrofit approximately 13,000 square feet of the building’s roof with vegetation and green infrastructure.

The city issued a request for proposals Tuesday for manufacturers and suppliers of living roof modules and plants, with proposals due January 14 and supplier selection expected within five weeks. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2026.

The project drew scrutiny in September when the Missoula Redevelopment Agency approved $75,000 in tax increment financing for the living roof just weeks after the city adopted a budget with a $2.5 million deficit and Missoula County imposed an 8% property tax increase.

Funding and Federal Requirements

The project requires $250,000 in local matching funds to qualify for a $1 million federal grant through the Western Montana Conservation Commission. The local funding includes contributions from the Missoula Library Foundation ($70,000), a state renewable resource grant ($30,000), Missoula County ($75,000), and the Missoula Redevelopment Agency ($75,000).

According to the RFP, the project must comply with Buy America and Build America requirements due to its federal funding source.

Selection Based on Best Value

The city will evaluate proposals based on a 100-point scoring system that emphasizes regional experience and warranty support over price. Regional experience and past performance carries 25 points, warranty and maintenance support carries 25 points, plant adaptation to local climate carries 20 points, while price accounts for only 15 points and schedule capability 15 points.

“The City intends to select one Supplier from this evaluated bid process and then proceed with final design of living roof retrofit based on the selected Supplier’s materials,” according to the RFP prepared by Morrison-Maierle engineering firm.

This approach reverses the typical design-then-bid process, instead selecting a supplier first and then finalizing the design based on that supplier’s specific materials and capabilities.

Original Design Cut for Budget Reasons

The living roof was part of the library’s original design when the facility opened in 2021 but was eliminated “in response to budget restraints,” according to MRA documents. Stone ballast was installed on the roofs instead of vegetation.

Now, four years later, local governments are funding the enhancement that was previously deemed unaffordable during the library’s construction.

The RFP states the living roof’s primary objectives are stormwater runoff reduction, green infrastructure demonstration, energy efficiency, and pollinator habitat. The vegetated surface will span three levels of the building.

Installation Requirements

Selected suppliers must demonstrate capacity to deliver up to 13,000 square feet of plant materials and modules at one installation date, with preference for modules delivered fully vegetated. The system must include a water-retention feature designed to temporarily store stormwater to reduce runoff and support plant health.

Suppliers must also provide trained personnel for pre-construction contractor training, on-site representation during installation, and post-warranty support including one annual site visit and 10 hours per year of phone and email support.

The contract will initially be established between the city and the selected supplier, then transferred to the construction contractor upon project award. The contractor will handle delivery coordination, installation, and final payment to the supplier.

Technical inquiries should be directed to Carly Kittleson at Morrison-Maierle.