Lonepine
Lonepine, MT · Real Estate
Flathead Beacon
Rental Assistance – Bridge not Band-Aid
Recently I’ve received feedback from a few community members that the Workforce Rental Assistance Program run by Housing Whitefish is a band-aid program. Using the term “band-aid” gives the impression that it isn’t worth it; why give a band-aid when you broke your arm, for example. Or, for housing, why provide rental assistance when we need a new supply of homes people can buy and rent.
Whitefish Pilot
Council rejects zone changes for lots next to The Lodge
The Whitefish City Council denied a request by Averill Hospitality for a zoning map amendment at 1350 and 1352 Wisconsin Ave., from WR-3, low-density, multi-family residential, to WRB-2, general resort business district. The zoning change would facilitate future development and align existing use with the appropriate zoning district. Currently, the properties are developed with single-family structures and accessory structures. Averill Hospitality co-owner Brian Averill told Council there would be “clear public benefit” to developments that come after a zone change for the land abutting The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, including an indoor facility for late night parties to minimize the noise on the lake. However, he has no plans prepared nor a timeline for the project. Whitefish resident Toby Scott spoke in favor of the zone change, calling it a “no brainer” and said the Averills have “the best of intentions” for the use of the properties. Parkway Drive resident Marcia Sheffels said she and the neighboring homeowners have found it difficult to work with The Lodge for nearly 20 years. "We have tried and have not gotten responses. Unfortunately, they have not been good neighbors,” Sheffels said. “I would strongly like to go on record that I opposed this
Hungry Horse News
Zoning changes essentially purge exclusive single-family home developments
Like most other cities in the state, Columbia Falls will see some significant changes to its zoning and subdivision laws in the next few weeks in order to comply with the Montana land Use Planning Act, which is designed to streamline housing starts in the cities. The city planning commission went over the changes with city planner Eric Mulcahy and City Manager Eric Hanks last week. Some notable changes include the public participation process. Under the new regulations, there is no public hearing on a new subdivision or housing project if it complies with the zoning and is inside the city limits. If there’s an annexation or zone change that doesn’t comply with the city’s land use plan, there would be a public hearing, but only at city council, not the planning commission, though the planning commission would likely examine the application. Not all annexations require a hearing. For example, the city will annex a piece of property on Meadow Lake Boulevard for light industrial use, but the county zoning closely matches what the city has in place, so there is no public hearing on the annexation. For subdivisions and housing projects that conform with zoning, the city plans on
Flathead Beacon
Columbia Falls Planning Commission Approves 421-Unit Residential Development on Former Aluminum Company Land
Columbia Falls planning commissioners late Wednesday night unanimously approved a series of three measures to begin clearing a path for the development of Teakettle Heights — a 421-unit subdivision on former Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. (CFAC) land being backed by local developer, Mick Ruis. The decision came in the...
Flathead Beacon
Whitefish Has Lost the Benefit of the Doubt
In the last month, Whitefish decision-makers have erupted over the concept of following state laws intended to create more affordable housing. Three op-eds appeared in the Flathead Beacon this month, all decrying these developments as an assault on local control. They make a similar argument: Whitefish knows best, Helena is overreaching, and state housing law is an insult to a town that has “succeeded” through foresight and planning. There is a striking incuriosity about why that power structure is being challenged by the state.
onekindesign.com
This breathtaking riverside log cabin in Montana is the ultimate wilderness escape
This wilderness riverside dream home, called ‘River Dance’, was crafted by Timber Forge, together with Mindful Designs, perched on a bedrock cliff 100 feet above the serene Flathead River in Whitefish, Montana. The design of this home is an exceptionally thoughtful nod to past log cabins that made the Pacific Northwest famous.
Flathead Beacon
Building Height Legislation Out of Touch
At the latest legislative session in Helena, Senate Bill 243 was passed which mandated that small towns across Montana allow by-right development of 60 foot (six story) tall buildings in all downtown and heavy commercial zoning districts, ostensibly to help lower housing prices. Here in Whitefish, at every City Council meeting, I walk into city hall past the old grainy photos of our historic downtown that still has some of the same facades it did decades ago, with a vibrant downtown carefully stewarded over generations. As we work through our Vision 2045 land use planning process, you can imagine how hard it is to square this latest mandate out of Helena with some of the realities of what small Montana towns really are, and unique aspects of Whitefish specifically.
NBCMontana
Kalispell couple challenges tax deed in Flathead Co., claiming they never got notice
KALISPELL, Mont. — A Kalispell couple is asking a judge to void a tax deed they say could cost them the home they have lived in for more than 20 years, arguing they never received proper notice before the property was transferred to a private company. Shanon and Anita...
Whitefish Pilot
Building height legislation out of touch
At the latest legislative session in Helena, Senate Bill 243 was passed which mandated that small towns across Montana allow by-right development of 60 foot, 6-story tall buildings in all downtown and heavy commercial zoning districts, ostensibly to help lower housing prices. Here in Whitefish, at every City Council meeting, I walk into city hall past the old grainy photos of our historic downtown that still has some of the same facades it did decades ago, with a vibrant downtown carefully stewarded over generations. As we work through our Vision 2045 land use planning process, you can imagine how hard it is to square this latest mandate out of Helena with some of the realities of what small Montana towns really are, and unique aspects of Whitefish specifically. For downtown, there are unintended consequences for such a tall building policy. The reality is it’s not economically feasible to build a large volume of rental apartments in downtown – the land is too expensive, the lots too small, and there is nowhere to park. Unique to Whitefish, we manage our short term rentals (STRs) by zoning district, and downtown commercial is one of the few areas in town where STRs are
Hungry Horse News
City looks to tighten short-term rental regs, but will not require owner occupancy
The city of Columbia Falls will have a more robust way to regulate short-term rentals in the next year, but stopped short of requiring owner-occupancy of the property as the city’s planning commission had recommended. The tweaked regulations, which the city will try out for the next year, will focus on regulating short-term rentals more closely so they comply with city and county codes. Here’s a look at some of the highlights: • Under the new regulations, there would be no cap on the number of short-term rentals and all rentals would undergo the same review and compliance process regardless of zoning. • In addition there would be strict enforcement of short-term rental permits, management and compliance standards, and resort tax collection requirements. • Short-term rental permit numbers must be displayed on hosting platforms and other advertisements. The city has contracted out with Deckard Technologies for software that will help staff manage short-term rentals in the city. The platform uses data mining to collect data while automatically cross-checking with the city-provided Short-Term Rental permit records for compliance. Provides notification to the city and the non-compliant host. It also collects data on occupancy rates, nightly rents, revenue generation and other data.
Flathead Beacon
Columbia Falls City Council Opts Out of Owner-Occupied Short-Term Rental Permit Restrictions
The Columbia Falls city council this week opted to pass on the planning commission’s pitch to limit future short-term rental license distribution to only property owners with primary residences within the city. After months of discussion among both the planning commission and city council about crafting a new short-term...
NBCMontana
Homeword expands in-person homebuyer classes to Flathead Valley
KALISPELL, Mont. — Residents in northwest Montana will have new opportunities this spring to get face-to-face help navigating the homebuying process and building financial skills. Homeword has begun offering in-person homebuyer and financial education classes in the Flathead Valley, expanding access to in-person learning in the region. The organization...
multifamilybiz.com
Fourth Avenue Capital Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of Two Newly Built Apartment Communities in Oregon and Montana Markets
SEATTLE, WA - Fourth Avenue Capital (FAC) announced the acquisition of Spring Woods, a 174-unit Class A apartment community in Salem, Oregon, and Silver Star, a 72-unit Class A community in Kalispell, Montana. These acquisitions expand FAC's portfolio to 30 properties. Spring Woods – Salem, Oregon: Completed in May 2025,...
Flathead Beacon
Realtors ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ as Rising Mortgage Rates and Inventory Impact Flathead Valley’s Housing Market
Despite relatively flat year-over-year sales and another spike in mortgage rates, realtors in northwest Montana are anticipating a busy summer as the real estate market shifts out of the slow winter months. “My realtors – at the moment – are cautiously optimistic for a good summer,” Northwest Montana Association of...
montanian.com
Historic Libby High School For Sale – Owners Seek Path to Community-Focused Redevelopment
A prominent historic building in the heart of Libby may soon have a new future and its owners say community support will play an important role in shaping what comes next. Local residents Zach and Tracy McNew have recently acquired full ownership of the former Libby High School building, often referred to as the Libby Lofts property, located at 101 E. Lincoln Blvd. Constructed in 1916 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is one of Libby’s most recognizable historic landmarks. The structure includes approximately 30,000 square feet of space on a 1.7-acre site near downtown.
Flathead Beacon
Reconsider Policies That Disproportionately Impact Local Homeowners
I’m writing as a local resident who feels increasingly punished for trying to do the right thing. My husband and I work hard. Between us, we manage two full-time demanding jobs, and a part-time job, all while supporting two children currently in university. Like many families, we’ve made sacrifices and planned carefully for the future. Part of that planning included purchasing two additional homes here in town. Homes we see as long-term investments for retirement, family stability, and possibly a place for our kids to land when they return from college and need help getting a start.
The Western News
Demolition work begins at old Asa Wood school
Demolition work at the old Asa Wood school brought an onslaught of questions from local residents if remediation work to clean it was complete. Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program’s Mandy Harcourt said the only parts of the building that haven’t been cleaned are the concrete masonry units in the west wing. “I’ve had several calls since the work began,” Harcourt said. “Everything else was abated through the Brownfields program.” Libby Public Schools received a $388,000 remediation grant in 2021 from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfield Program. This grant money paid for the clean-up and oversight of the area, but the discovery of new materials raised construction costs over budget, school superintendent Ron Goodman said in a Nov. 22, 2022, story in The Western News. The additional $139,000 in clean up was to be paid for by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Vermiculite, a mineral historically used for insulation which can contain asbestos, was also found in concrete blocks located in the school. Harcourt said there is no time table for when the rest of the work might be done. Attempts to reach the owner of the property for comment, Darren Smith of Compass Health, were not successful. Asa Wood
gritdaily.com
Wolfgang Croskey, Co-Founder of Crane: The Community Helping Property Managers Achieve Freedom of Time
Wolfgang Croskey, Co-Founder of Crane, is at the forefront of a movement redefining professional development and networking for property management company owners. Based in Kalispell, Montana, Wolfgang has dedicated the past two years to cultivating a unique and impactful community within the real estate industry. Crane provides a distinct platform for serious operators looking to elevate their businesses and achieve freedom of time, as detailed on their website.