DEER LODGE, Mont. -- Affordable housing is a prominent issue in major Montana cities like Missoula, Bozeman, and Butte, just as it is nationwide. But even smaller towns like Deer Lodge, population 3,000, are feeling the pressure as well.
That's why local leadership believes that 'build-ready' projects, such as the new Beaumont Place neighborhood, are a game changer.
Deer Lodge's newest subdivision, the largest housing project in the city in over 70 years, looks to tackle affordable housing in a unique way.
The 44 acres of land just west of I-90 is capable of housing as many as 240 different units, with roads, sidewalks, and infrastructure all ready for people to move in. All that needs to be built is the house itself.
"We've put in all of the roads, started to put in all of the sewer and the water that needed to be here, the electricity that needed to be here, the internet, and all the such," said Beaumont Place Development president Lin Hicks. "Today, the product that we see is the culmination of all of that. When we say we're 'build-ready,' we're build-ready because we have everything that we need foundationally for someone to come in, pour their own foundation, go vertical, and build a home."
Since the 1970s, Deer Lodge has lost over half its population. City officials point to lack of affordable housing as a main factor.
"If you'd have told me 10 years ago that a median house in Deer Lodge would be $300,000, I would have told you that you're a liar," said Deer Lodge mayor Jim Jess. "My wife and I bought our home in 2000. We paid $62,000 for that house. Now, the county tells me it's worth $400,000. I just never dreamt."
Jess believes that 'build-ready' projects like Beaumont Place can put Deer Lodge back on the map, due to its central location between cities like Missoula, Butte, and Helena.
"We have an incredible opportunity to move families back to the city of Deer Lodge," Jess said. "I've known long-term residents that have had to move away for work or for housing. They can come back here and build a new, affordable house."
"If we can get our population back up again, we can start getting more industry and more business to Deer Lodge," Jess continued. "It can all work together, and I want to get this population back up where it belongs."
According to Beaumont Place, eight lots have already been sold.
Those interested in building a home in the neighborhood can learn about logistics, costs, and financial aid programs at the Beaumont Place website.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.