High-end condos shaping Polson residential growth

By Ethan Smith

and Nate Traylor

Leader Staff

The shoreline of Flathead Lake is dotted with condominium projects, up and down Highway 93, and it seems every time you turn around there's another one going up.

Development in and around Polson and the county overall continues to grow, even as the local housing market is showing some signs of cooling off. But nowhere is that growth more visible than some of the high-end condominiums going up on lakefront property in Polson, and around the Polson golf course.

While the condominium owners will pay their share of taxes to the city, helping improve city services and infrastructure, many residents wonder if real estate in Polson is becoming too expensive for the average family to afford. Over the next few weeks, the Lake County Leader will take a look at some of the high-end development taking place in Polson and other parts of the county, and talk to key players involved, as well as examine the impact on affordable housing.

While it's not news that waterfront property is hot, it is interesting to learn who's buying it. Developers of two high-end projects in Polson say the properties are being sold to "locals" — or Western Montana residents — in contrast to the perception that much of the high-end land is being bought by out-of-staters who are more likely to be able to afford it.

Alberta, Canada based Mill Creek Group is currently working on The Shores of Flathead Lake, across the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge. The 8-building, 16-unit project on Flathead River located at 202 Shoreline Drive is nearing completion and units are already being sold.

"We knew they would sell, but we didn't know who they would sell to," said developer Scott Nelson of Mill Creek Group.

It turns out people from Kalispell and Missoula are buying up the properties, he explained. These people are primarily retired Baby Boomers who want water recreational opportunities right at their front door.

This isn't the Mill Creek Group's first foray in the Flathead. Prior to the river front condominium project, it had purchased 60 acres in Big Arm, subdivided it and sold 17 lots.

"We figured that if we found the right project we'd do more around the area," said Nelson.

Despite their status as "outside developers" Nelson said the reception has been friendly.

"We've enjoyed the business that we've done down there," Nelson said in a phone interview, "and that is one of the reasons why we bought the property. We appreciate the way people have treated us being outsiders."

River Landing, which consists of three four-plex units and eight single family units is located at 602 6th Street West, formerly the location of the Rancho, a once popular dining establishment. It is another riverfront property that is being marketed toward vacation home buyers and active retirees.

River Landing is a sister project of Mission Bay, the large subdivision located on the water near Polson Country Club. River Landing is being advertised as luxury, no-maintenance condominiums to appeal to those who want a "easy, turn key way" to transition from home to condo, explained marketing director David Johnson, who handles marketing for Mission Bay, as well.

Johnson said that the condos are being bought by both in-staters and out-of-staters at an equal rate.

"It's about half and half, people from Montana and out-of-state," Johnson said.

Interestingly, Johnson said he finds there is enough local interest in the high-end properties that they don't need to do much marketing out of state.

"We figure people come here because they want to visit friends or family members and they see how much Montana has to offer and we hook them that way," said Johnson. "The local market [Northwest Montana] has enough people who want to be on the lake with a no-maintenance home."

Despite price tags in the high six figures, they aren't having any problems selling them.

"We're well on our way," Johnson said earlier this year.

Developers are currently building phase two of the River Landing project. In addition, there are will be single family cabins built on the property, separate from the condominiums.

Court yard units are 3,619 square feet with four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and feature a large recreation room and two outside decks. Sticker price is $975,000. Gallery level units are 2,928 square feet with three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, a loft office and an outside deck. Sticker price is $1,000,095.

For an additional $25,000 you can get a dock.