Bridger View Redevelopment Plan

Like many cities that are experiencing growth, Bozeman Montana would like to create an inclusive community that welcomes residents of all income levels. Bozeman’s natural beauty, and scarcity of non-public land will continue to attract new residents and drive the market values. evolveEA was selected to lead the design for the Bridger View site redevelopment in order to create workforce housing that can become an example for future projects in the region.

Bridger View is designed as a diverse community where people of various income levels, stages of life, and backgrounds can afford to purchase a home. The LEED ND Gold Certified neighborhood features 62 small homes over the 8-acre site. The homes are clustered around common areas, resulting in moderate densities appropriate in the transition zone between downtown Bozeman and nearby large-lot single-family subdivisions.

View of Center Court “shared street” design for Bridger View Redevelopment (courtesy Depiction LLC)

The houses at Bridger View will offer a home ownership option for working residents who find it increasingly expensive to purchase a home in this area of town. Modest sized homes minimize environmental impact, decrease perceived density, reduce construction costs, and fill the “missing middle” niche in the Bozeman housing market.

An assessment of the Bozeman housing market was performed to help define the project objectives for the Bridger View Redevelopment. This assessment exposed opportunities to make a meaningful contribution by producing housing not adequately provided by the free market or existing affordable housing programs. At least half of the homes will be priced so that middle-income locals can purchase a home in this neighborhood. The establishment of a Community Land Trust is being evaluated to ensure permanent affordability.

Housing Market Analysis

Bridger View draws inspiration from Bozeman’s pre-1940’s neighborhoods and is envisioned as a contemporary version of the Northeast Neighborhood. Its walkable streetscape, simple construction, and shared public spaces encourage neighbor interactions. Shared streets minimize the impact of the car and put people first. Situated on the edge of a large public park and connected to local walking trails, the neighborhood will be knitted meaningfully into Bozeman’s urban fabric.

Our sustainable design strategies shape a neighborhood that is cost effective to develop, pleasant to live in, and meets the intent of the City codes. The homes are less expensive to build and to maintain, with durable materials to lower long term maintenance costs. Our LEED Gold certification verified the ecological value as well as the anticipated savings and environmental benefits of these strategies for residents. This includes cost savings from reduced energy and water use, healthy indoor air quality and cost and health benefits of increased walking and biking.