Habitat for Humanity Flathead Valley will receive funds from the city of Whitefish to purchase two lots on Whitefish Avenue to build a pair of deed-restricted townhomes.

MaryBeth Morand, executive director of Habitat, explained the lot owners, Jack Alton and Zach Pitts, offered to sell 1958 and 1966 Whitefish Ave., at a 33% discount. The land was appraised at $400,000 and they are selling it to Habitat for $279,200. 

She asked the city for $250,000, and the Council approved the request unanimously. 

Habitat plans to close on the deal within days, submit plans by the end of May, and build two, three-bedroom townhouses on the land for families at or below 80% of the area median income.  

The homes are expected to be sold for under $400,000 each. Groundbreaking could happen as early as August, and families could be in the homes by next year.  

“I think the fact that it’s through Habitat, with the discounted land and other contributions ... I think it’s a very good value for the community ... in terms of creating an 80% AMI home, which is almost impossible to make any other way,” Councilor Ben Davis said. “I do find this to be a very effective use of funds.” 

Morand said the Whitefish Avenue townhomes are just the beginning and announced the organization’s Grounded in Whitefish campaign to build 10 houses a year in Whitefish for the next 10 years. 

She thinks the organization might be able to do even more because of the “beautiful intersection” of the government, philanthropists and private sector donors who are giving financial resources as well as in-kind contributions. Companies like Western Building Center, LHC, Inc., and Schellinger Construction have been supporters of Habitat. 

The Goguen family recently donated a lot at 345 Spokane Ave., to Habitat Flathead. The two-bedroom townhouses planned for the site are expected to serve singles, couples and small families. 

“We’re thrilled to receive that lot and we’re designing for five connected townhouses to go on it,” Morand said. “The best fit for that lot would be as many townhouses as we can get on it.” 

“I think this is when civil society is at its best -- when we circle up philanthropy, government and businesses to work together,” Morand said. “For us to develop this stock of affordable housing, and ... keep the price of each of these energy efficient newly built homes under $400,000, we need everyone to pitch in.” 

She said Habitat needs the support of both large- and small-scale philanthropists, the business community and people who want to donate time and/or money. 

Six of the10 citizens giving public comment at the start of the Whitefish City Council meeting last week, Richard Hildner, Karin Hilding, Chris Schrustrom, Rhonda Fitzgerald, Carolyn Pitman and Jamie Goguen, voiced support for Habitat for Humanity’s request. 

“I love the idea that Whitefish can stand up and do the right thing for housing and take the initiative this way,” Goguen said, echoing the sentiments of the other supporters. 

Whitefish City Manager Dana Meeker said resort tax funds would be used to cover the one-time payment to purchase the land.  

The development agreement requires an annual report and a deed restriction that restricts the homeowner’s appreciation share to 25%. It allows the city to audit Habitat’s records related to this project, assures the families served will be at or below 80% AMI, and says the project must be completed within two years. 

Habitat will host an open house for the Grounded in Whitefish campaign at the O’Shaughnessy Center on Wednesday, June 10, from 5-7 p.m. 

The event is an opportunity for the community to learn more about Habitat Flathead and its commitment to building affordable homes in Whitefish. Residents can learn about the application process for owning a Habitat home, how to sign up to volunteer, and hear about other ways community members can support Habitat Flathead.  

For more information or to volunteer, visit habitatflathead.org.

Reporter Julie Engler can be reached at 406-862-3505 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at whitefishpilot.com/support.