Developers propose affordable housing complex on Appleway Drive in Kalispell

Yahoo

2 days ago

Jun. 5—Kalispell may see a new workforce housing complex located alongside the Parkline Trail and within walking distance of downtown.
Mach LLC, an affordable housing developer, is proposing a 24-unit apartment complex off Appleway Drive just south of U.S. 2.
Known as the Outpost at Kalispell, the development will boast a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments geared toward households making from 50% to 60% of the area median income, which is roughly $102,000, according to government-sponsored enterprise Fannie Mae. The apartments — one-bedroom units will encompass 714 square feet while two-bedroom units will come in at 954 square feet — will be rented at roughly 30% below the average market rate.
"Really hitting the workforce income level," said Matt Belles of Mach.
Three of the units will be set aside for veterans, victims of domestic violence or young people aging out of foster care, according to Mach.
The apartments will be fitted with electric kitchen appliances, in-unit washer and dryers, and a balcony or patio.
But before the development can come to fruition, Mach is asking for $8.5 million from the 2026 Montana Housing Tax Credit program, overseen by the Montana Board of Housing to support the construction or preservation of affordable homes.
The awarding of the tax credits will be announced in October, according to Mach's Grant Schnell. The entire project is estimated at around $8.7 million.
While the program is competitive, Schnell is optimistic. Mach is the only applicant in Flathead County. Other developments are proposed in Anaconda, Missoula and Billings.
Mach and co-developer TE Miller are both behind previous developments in Kalispell but have never built affordable housing in the city.
"Basically, our focus is on affordable housing in the state of Montana as well as the Mountain West," Schnell said.
The Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana is partnering with the developers on the project. The nonprofit connects individuals with community programs like heating and rental assistance.
Partnering with a nonprofit ensures that rents remain affordable, and Director of Project Development Cassidy Kipp said that Community Action Partnership will engage residents with services it provides that promote self-sustainability.
"We will do everything in our power to support responsible growth of affordable housing," she said.
Kalispell is a tough place to develop in because of high construction and land costs, but workforce housing is a necessity in the Flathead Valley, Schnell said.
He plans to go through the city approval process after the funds are awarded.
"We want to be good stewards of the community and know we're going to need to be good neighbors as well," Belles said.
Reporter Jack Underhill may be reached at 758-4407 and [e-mail].