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New high-density development proposed in North Kalispell

JACK UNDERHILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 week, 1 day AGO
by JACK UNDERHILL
Daily Inter Lake | March 11, 2025 12:00 AM

The Kalispell Planning Commission on Tuesday will hear a proposal to build a high-density, mixed-use neighborhood in North Kalispell.  

The Planning Commission meets on March 11 at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.  

Named the Reserve at Johnson Ranch, the development would see 186 single-family lots and two multi-family lots, one of which contains 237 units (the other is still unspecified). The nearly 92 acres of land sits at the northwest corner of the intersection of Stillwater Road and Old Reserve Drive. 

The subdivision would also include commercial space intended for neighborhood grocery stores, convenience stores, banking and small boutique shops, read the project proposal. The plan calls for 10-foot-wide pedestrian path through the subdivision and about 10.5 acres set aside for stormwater detention and open space/parkland.  

A commission meeting on the development was first held on Feb. 11, but more information was needed before it could be presented in a public hearing. Following Tuesday night’s work session, a public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for April 8. 

The developers, Spartan Holdings LLC and Whispering Trails LLC, are requesting annexation, a growth policy amendment, initial zoning of residential, residential apartment and neighborhood business with a planned unit development overlay and preliminary plat approval. The property is currently undeveloped.  

The subdivision is intended to facilitate further growth and provide additional business and housing opportunities in the area, which has also seen construction of the West View Estates and Owl View subdivisions, according to the project plans. 

The subdivision is expected to be built in multiple phases over the next 12 years, with construction intended to start in the fall of 2025, according to the developer’s plans. 

THE COMMISSION will vote to put before City Council a request by Renaissance Senior Care to expand its assisted living facility.  

The senior care facility that sits off Liberty Street needs a conditional use permit to expand from 13 to 15 beds.  

The commission will also discuss work on the city’s preliminary draft of its land use plan. Last legislative session, the Montana Legislature passed Senate Bill 382, requiring that Kalispell and other larger cities rework their land use plans to be in accordance with the bill.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and junderhill@dailyinterlake.com.  



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