ASK: LONE MOUNTAIN LAND COMPANY

Why is there turnover in Town Center? Are there new businesses opening in 2023?

Retail in Town Center is currently undergoing a significant transition. The success of retail in any town hinges on factors like foot traffic and the availability of workers, especially for labor-intensive businesses like restaurants. LMLC, which owns approximately one third of commercial space in Town Center and controls TCOA, is wholeheartedly focused on offering support to local businesses and committed to prioritizing the success of all businesses in Town Center. The introduction of new hotels in Town Center is expected to drive more business to the area, while an increase in local housing options in Big Sky will enable local businesses to attract and retain talented individuals.

As part of this ongoing transition, several new retailers have either signed leases or purchased spaces in Town Center. This includes upcoming openings of Surefoot, New West KnifeWorks, Bluebird, and LMNT, which are set to open their doors in winter 2023/24. In addition, Cowboy Coffee, Block 3 Kitchen & Bar, and Big Sky Resort have already established flagship retail locations within the past year, while, Ashley Cole and Alden+Rose have opened a temporary “pop-up” store in The Wilson Hotel building for this summer season.

We saw in the news that Moonlight Basin received preliminary plat on a new subdivision, can you expand?

This subdivision is not a recent addition, but rather a part of the original property master plan that was established in 2007. Moonlight Basin has not introduced any new entitlements since 2007; on the contrary, we have actually removed 84 units from the initial plan as part of a Conservation Easement LMLC placed to permanently protect 2,460 acres in 2019. We have a total of 96 units proposed in this subdivision which is now submitted for approval by Madison County.

This subdivision is on 835 acres, of which only 17% will be developed, while the majority of the land will be reserved for outdoor recreation, inclusive of the current 18-hole Golf Course. Our goal is to complete the construction of this subdivision within the next five years. It is important to note that Moonlight is on pace to have protected over 85% of the original 25,000 acre purchase by the original developers in 1992.

What’s the status of Jack Creek Road? Any plans to make the road public?

The status of Jack Creek Road is currently private, and there are no plans to make it a public road. Since 1992, the intention of the owners has been to keep the road private, primarily to protect the critical wildlife corridor between two sections of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. Although the road is private, we do allow our employees that live in the Madison Valley to use it for commuting, as well as Madison Valley contractors and members of the Madison Valley Ski Club. LMLC is committed to allowing public emergency access in the event Hwy 191 is not passable. To further mitigate fire risk, we have undertaken extensive work by thinning the trees on our property along the road to enhance the road as a fuel break and to improve the road as an emergency egress.

Have you solidified any new hotels in Town Center or are you just in discussions for future possibilities?

We are currently in discussions with multiple hotel operators to carefully evaluate the best possible fit for Town Center. It’s important to note that we have not yet confirmed any official partnerships or finalized any plans at this stage.

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