Development Brings Needed Housing to Montana Resort Town

Low- and middle-income workers power the resort community of Big Sky, Montana, but there’s few affordable housing options for them in town.

The new Riverview Apartments helps fill that need by providing apartments for residents earning 30% to 80% of the area median income. The 25-unit development features six one- 12 two-, and seven three-bedroom homes to serve families.

Developed by BlueLine Development and Big Sky Community Housing Trust, Riverview Apartments arrives at a critical time—about 80% of Big Sky’s workforce commutes into the area, with some employees traveling more than two hours to get to work. It is the first affordable housing community built in the town in about 25 years.

“The success of Riverview Apartments is only possible with strong community support, direct local investment, and a valuable partnership with the Big Sky Community Housing Trust,” says Jason Boal, development manager at BlueLine. “Developing affordable housing in resort communities requires active local engagement, clear communication about who the housing will serve, and community education on funding mechanisms like low-income housing tax credits (LIHTCs) and other critical financing sources. BlueLine is proud to deliver successful affordable housing solutions in resort communities—made possible through strong, collaborative partnerships.”

The development is within walking distance of the town center and near the Social Impact Hub, which provides office and meeting space for local nonprofits.

Funding for the $10.2 million development came from multiple sources, including LIHTCs and a local resort tax that helps fund infrastructure improvements and community programs. Additional funding came from the Capital Magnet Fund and the American Rescue Plan Act. The development is part of a larger housing project led by Lone Mountain Land Co. to house many of its employees.