Drummond
Drummond, MT · Real Estate
Whitefish Pilot
Bank stabilization required for new townhome along Whitefish River
A new development adjacent to Whitefish's Veterans Memorial Bridge is slated to be a three-unit townhome after undergoing an atypical permitting process. The developing building is on the west bank of the Whitefish River across from Kay Beller Park at 1 W. Second St. The project is part of a larger planned unit development that was originally approved in 2004 with the subdivision approval granted in August 2006. The property owner of the 1.3-acre river-adjacent lot is Fifth Avenue Partners, LLC of Tallahassee, Florida. Whitefish city code designates a 20-foot setback along the Whitefish River. There is also a buffer zone of 75 feet or the top of the bank, whichever is greater. However, according to city of Whitefish planners, the project was exempt from the city's water quality protection requirements because the lot was created during a specific approval window, dated April 3, 2006 to March 3, 2008. While exempt from the city's water quality protection, the developers were required to obtain a 310 permit from the Flathead Conservation District. The Montana Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act of 1975 mandates 310 permits with the intention of protecting streams and rivers and the lands adjacent. The law requires any
Char-Koosta News
SKHA Opens New Transitional Supportive Housing in Ronan
PABLO — The Salish & Kootenai Housing Authority (SKHA) cut the ribbon on its newest Transitional Supportive Housing facility Aug. 20, celebrating the opening with staff, contractors and the families who will live there. The facility builds on the model of SKHA’s Transitional Living Center in Pablo, offering a...
Hungry Horse News
Most homeowners will see city tax decrease
Owners of primary residences in the city of Columbia Falls should see their property taxes go down this year, while owners of second homes and short-term rentals will see their taxes go up. That was the message last week as city council continued its review of the 2026-27 budget. A primary residence assessed for $600,000 this year will see an estimated city general fund tax bill of about $777, a decrease of about $359 over 2025. That’s due to the resort tax rebate and changes in state property tax formulas. A $600,000 second home, or short-term rental, will see a tax increase of $558.54. The state Legislature in 2025 changed the tax formula, which lowered the tax rate on primary residences, but increased it on secondary homes and short-term rentals and other income producing properties. Long term rentals also enjoy a lower tax rate. But there are other city taxes in play. The city’s medical levy, for example, amounts to $207 on the same home, the lighting district about $14 and street maintenance about $104. The street maintenance levy falls far short of what the city needs to maintain its streets, City Manager Eric Hanks noted to council, and it
commongoodnews.org
Ex-Guard Opens New Facility in Montana, Boosts Local Economy and Jobs
In Montana, vehicle-animal collisions are a common concern, making it fitting for a company specializing in durable grille guards to set up shop there. Iowa-based Ex-Guard recently inaugurated its new manufacturing and logistics facility in Kalispell with Governor Greg Gianforte. “We needed access to the West Coast and Canadian markets, and Montana was a very attractive place to move part of our company to expand the business,” said Ex-Guard manager Ryan Holt.
Daily Montanan
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte joins Ex-Guard for Kalispell ribbon-cutting
For many Montanans, colliding with animals on the roadway is not a when, it’s an if, and it’s only fitting that a company that specializes in high-end grille guards for semi-trucks and pickups would manufacture them in Montana. On Thursday, Iowa-based Ex-Guard held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Gov. Greg Gianforte for its new manufacturing and logistics facility in […]
explorebigsky.com
Building from the ground up with Whitefish Credit Union
What to know before buying land and financing your dream home. For many people, building a custom home is the ultimate dream. It is the opportunity to create a space that’s designed specifically for the way they want to live, but unlike purchasing an existing home, building from the ground up requires careful planning long before construction begins.
onekindesign.com
This lakefront house connects with its serene setting on Whitefish Lake, Montana
Olson Kundig Architects has created this stunning lakefront house that feels rooted in the traditions of lake living, yet subtle enough to blend into its surroundings on Whitefish, Montana. Oriented in parallel to Whitefish Lake, with views to nearby ski trails and the peaks of Glacier National Park, Montana Beach House encourages deep immersion within the landscape. Deliberately quiet in its surroundings, this lakeside retreat provides a flexible gathering place to comfortably host family and friends.
The Western News
State awards Farm to Market Bridge replacement contract
A Belgrade construction firm has been selected to build the new bridge across Libby Creek on Farm to Market Road, south of Libby. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) announced in a July 9 press release that Battle Ridge Builders was selected to do the work on the $4.7 million project. The bridge was one of many structures and roads that were damaged in the December 2025 flood that caused millions of dollars of damage across south Lincoln County. “Our team has been working on restoring access since before the flood water receded and has done everything possible to fast-track project delivery,” said John Schmidt, MDT Missoula District Administrator. “We have designed the new bridge to be more resilient to future flood events.” Officials said work is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks and will include demolishing the current structure, installing bridge pilings and beams and pouring concrete. The bridge will be 28 feet wide and 303 feet long. The destroyed structure was 150 feet long. The project is scheduled for completion in late February 2027, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting. Farm to Market Road will remain closed to traffic until construction is complete. Officials asked those using
The Western News
City OKs zoning change at former Asa Wood property
Minor reservations aside, the Libby City Planning and Zoning Committee recently approved a rezoning request by a local developer for the old Asa Wood School property. Ohno, LLC’s Chris Noble made the request in March to rezone Parcel B, a 4.28 acre parcel of land in what is now known as the Flower Creek Development. The parcel was previously zoned Residential A and Noble sought a Residential Business designation. The old school was recently demolished and equipment operators continue work to make the ground suitable for development. At the Monday evening city council meeting, councilors unanimously approved the request without any discussion or public comment. Council president Brian Zimmerman made the initial motion to approve the request while councilor Gail Burger seconded it. Kristin Smith, Zoning Commission chair, wrote in a July 6 memo to city councilors that the primary concern was the speculative nature of the request. “The applicants do not have an overall development plan to envision the build out and anticipated mix of uses,” Smith wrote. Noble Investment Properties’ Tina Oliphant was present at the Zoning Commission’s June 22 meeting to answer questions. “The zoning approval is an important step in repositioning the old Asa Wood property
KPAX
Two Montana nonprofits help Kalispell mobile home residents own their land
Whitefish Pilot
Why resilient commercial buildings are becoming a community priority
Focusing on more resilient commercial buildings means protection for workers by reducing accident risk. These spaces are also safety refuges during emergencies such as local grid failures during heatwaves or temporary shelter from storms, in part due to backup solar generation and reinforced entryways. When businesses don't have to shut down for extended periods by being in more resilient buildings, it also protects the local economy. The Center for Sustainable Systems reports that by 2050, commercial floor space is expected to reach 143 billion square feet, a 38% increase from 2024 . Warehouses have the most space, and such buildings can include gymnasiums, hospitals, and retail, making them ideal candidates for resilient design. Why Is There a Greater Focus on Sustainable Architecture? Secure community infrastructure is a necessity as extreme climate events occur more frequently and at greater intensity. These events include longer, more severe heat waves and larger hurricanes, which can be highly destructive through shattered windows, blown-off roofs, and flooding. In other words, traditional building codes are no longer enough to guarantee safety in a structure. More commercial properties must be able to withstand the impact from fierce weather events since they are part of the urban ecosystem
NBCMontana
New housing community aims to boost homeownership in Kalispell
KALISPELL, Mont. — Hayden Homes officially celebrated the grand opening of its new Aspen Creek community in Kalispell on Wednesday. The project aims to address the gap between local incomes and rising housing costs in the valley and provide more attainable homeownership opportunities for local families and workers. The...