On the Boards: Alpenglow Apartments Phase 2

Cushing Terrell was hired by Housing Whitefish to provide site master planning and conceptual building design for this affordable housing project in Whitefish, MT. Phase 2 of this project is the latest in an ongoing effort to provide additional affordable homes for the people living and working in Whitefish. The city’s population is currently growing at a rate of 5.65% annually, but so is the cost of living: As of June 2022, the median listed rental price for property in Whitefish was $3,000 per month, making it affordable only to those households with an income of $120,000 or more — which is twice the area’s median income. The people who keep Whitefish running — its nurses, teachers, firefighters, and others — need a place to live that isn’t out of their price range.

To help fill this need, the client requested that our design team maximize the efficiency of the site and build as many affordable units as possible. Not wanting to cram renters into tight spaces, of course, quality of life was also a priority. As such, the team designed a plan that includes as much access to natural light and views as possible, along with the inclusion of a courtyard amenity. As the location is ideal for workforce housing, bike shelters were included in the plan to encourage walking or cycling to downtown and up the Wisconsin corridor, which reduces the need for cars. The plan includes 18 deed-restricted units in total: three studios (500 sq. ft.), 12 one-bedrooms (700 sq. ft.), and three two-bedrooms (1,050 sq. ft.). Two units will be reserved for people making between 60 and 80% of the area median income, while the other 16 units will be for people making up to 120% of the area median income. Rent will represent about 30% of a tenant’s income. 

The site featured other apartments nearby, so the team was careful to design in a way that would neither crowd nor diminish existing properties. Materials were selected that would complement but not exactly mimic the other buildings, and that are both cost-effective and durable — the latter of particular importance as special attention is paid to the toll building takes on the local climate. A lower roofline, though larger dormers were added to the top floor, was included to reduce the visual scale of the building. In all, the building allows for a good sight transition with the surrounding buildings and environment.

Sometimes constraints make for excellent opportunities: Because the property is narrow, a central hallway was avoided. Yet the exclusion provided an unexpected benefit for tenants: All units have exposure on two sides, which offers great access to both morning and afternoon light, the ability to capture cross-breezes through the units, and views in two different directions.