He has said he believes POWDR has the resources and vision to execute, as well as the ethic to do so responsibly, unlike some other organizations that have shown interest in the lodge. View 127 homes that sold recently in Brookfield, IL with a median transaction price of $257,000 at realtor.com. Lawmakers vote down four proposals to make judicial elections partisan. In Montana, liquor licenses can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars. Its a place where many Montanans have spent their family weekends and vacations. The plan is to preserve the lodge, the owners cabin and the barn and winterize the buildings so the facility can operate year-round. Frequent letters to the editor in newspapers across western Montana show voices in opposition to the project. But the memo also alleges a U.S. Forest Service permit in use by Holland Lake Lodge is no longer valid because changes to control of the resort voided the agreement. Some of the hottest neighborhoods near Brookfield, IL are Garfield Ridge, South Maywood, West Village, Seminary District, Old Town North. POWDR already in charge of Holland Lake Lodge, memo alleges This process has been confusing from the beginning, said Bill Lombardi, with Save Holland Lake, the group opposing the expansion and calling for greater scrutiny. In earlier interviews, Wohlfeil has said the property needs significant investment in infrastructure upgrades in order to operate sustainably for future generations. Christian Wohlfeil, the present owner for the last 20 years, has partnered with a phenomenal company to transition the Lodge to the next chapter. Follow Daily Montanan on Facebook and Twitter. email, from realtor.com and, Home buyers reveal: 'What I wish I had known before buying my first home', Selling your home? However, it said corporations regularly try to get around ownership and control provisions, and it alleges the Forest Service has been remiss in its lack of scrutiny of the joint venture and the parties arrangements. And what happens if people responded to a proposal that wasnt totally accurate? Siloti says it didnt take long for requests for copies of the Hands Off Holland sign to start pouring in. So we have 100 years of permits for this thing, and no two permits are really giving us the same layout and acreage.. But the Forest Service later said the permit was for 10.53 acres, and Thursday, MacKenzie said the agency still needs to confirm the acreage in question. The Lodge is currently accepting bookings for the 2023 season, with limited availability. It was an amazing opportunity, said new owner Michael Gardner. The current plan also would winterize the buildings, making Holland Lake Lodge a year-round destination. Grace Siloti and her husband own and operate Mission Mountains Mercantile. She said Thursday she anticipates a decision will be made in the next week or two. So, I guess theres a tradeoff, Parcell says, Do you want to destroy what youre coming to see? Many locals were outraged after they learned of Utah-based resort company POWDRs plan to buy and triple the capacity of the lodge in September five months after the company submitted the plan to the Forest Service. Built in 1924 as a small guest accommodation and rebuilt after a fire in 1947, Holland Lake Lodge currently consists of 16 buildings and structures, including a main lodge building, a. But citing public records, the memo from Corn and Browder identifies changes it alleges already place control of Holland Lake Lodge in the hands of POWDR. Alternatively, these documents can be accessed on the Pinyon Public website: View Documents on Pinyon Public, https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61746. In the case of a change of control, the permit notes an application for a new permit must be submitted, but the Forest Service is not obligated to grant one. The liquor license was transferred for $1,000, according to the DOR record. The current permit identifies Holland Lake Lodge as the holder and lists Wohlfeil as owner of the lodge. I ran operations for the Montana Food Bank Network and then met (local video and internet entrepreneur) Hank Green, he said. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail . Flathead National Forest Supervisor Kurtis Steele indicated that he would probably use a categorical exclusion to approve the project, because the proposal involves construction on a recreation site that already has buildings on it. The fact is: There is wildlife including grizzlies, black bears, wolverines, lynx, bull trout, bats and loons that will surely be affected by the construction of a 13,000-square foot, 3,000 square-foot restaurant, 26 cabins and "bunkies," additional outbuildings and employee housing, parking lots and floating docks. The main lodge (9 guest rooms, restaurant, bar & lounge), 6 guest cabins, gift shop, newly constructed owner's cabin, and two out-buildings School data provided by National Center for Education Statistics, She also said questions about acreage still need to be answered, and figuring out boundaries is not straightforward. A permit provision states specific conditions terminate the permit without any action by the authorized officer, or Forest Supervisor. Due to an increase of people visiting and living in the Swan and Flathead Valleys, it is desirable to upgrade public facilities and enhance access to the outdoors in areas of the Flathead National Forest designated for focused recreation activities, Steele wrote in a Sept. 1 letter to interested parties. In addition, several new buildings will be added, including a 13,000-square-foot lodge with 28 rooms, a 3,000-square-foot restaurant, a 2,000-square-foot welcome center for check-in, 10 650-square-foot cabins, 16 smaller studio cabins and new support buildings for maintenance and employee housing. But the plan has not been popular with the public, in part because the Forest Service said it may not complete a full environmental assessment or more extensive environmental impact statement, or EIS, before approving the project. A career in the insurance industry doesn't exactly sound "sexy," but one Missoula firm is giving its employees generous benefits and career gr. His input and local knowledge and experience was critical to development of the initial plan. Holland Lake Lodge is a rustic lakeside resort nestled between the Swan and Mission mountain ranges, with access to a number of incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. Brookfield Properties is lead by a group of innovative leaders, bringing fresh perspective to the real estate industry. Want to bring a larger group to the Lodge?Book all of our rooms and cabins to enjoy a uniquely private, personalized get-together for $5565 per night. The busiest spot on a recent December day was a gas station and convenience store at the north end of town. Gardner, 39, recently worked with Missoula real estate agent Shannon Hilliard to buy the property from its longtime former owner. Emails: Flathead Forest favored Holland Lake Lodge proposal Its a very healthy business and its in the most beautiful place in the whole world.. The property was listed for sale for $4 million, but the final sale price wasnt disclosed. Gardners plan is to attract investors, starting at $25,000, and to reinvest profits back into the property. Holland Lake Lodge: Book Now My daughter is in the Navy stationed in Okinawa. 'Sad state of affairs' as Forest Service considers Montana resort She also said the Forest Service will conduct some sort of environmental review even if it grants a categorical exclusion. Holland Lake Lodge: Gift Shop The Secretary of State documents are included in a presentation made in Seeley Lake earlier this week by Save Holland Lake and cited in the memo. Voices from Condon: Holland Lake Lodge proposal meets local opposition While we believe there will not be adverse impact to the environment, the mechanism for how to evaluate the impacts against NEPA guidelines has always been less important to us than the conclusion. The memo also notes Utah Secretary of State records show POWDRs address in Park City as the same one listed as the legal address for the lodge by the Montana Secretary of States Office as of April 2021. So we have people going out to do the mapping portion of it, she said. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The lodge was built in 1924 but burned down in 1946 and was rebuilt in 1947. But the memo released this week by lawyers George Corn and Daniel Browder alleges control of the joint venture between Wohlfeil and POWDR terminated the current permit and should have triggered an application for a new permit. Or do you want to come and enjoy what you came to see? Its just a very pristine valley that has all kinds of wildlife, so were just puzzled and concerned why the Forest Service one, would propose a categorical exclusion, and two, didnt tell anyone until September when theyve had this planned until at least April of this year, Lombardi said. The acreage is a complicated one, she said. The old gift shop and cabins would be removed. Early in 2018, VidCon was sold to Viacom. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. Ive seen (mergers and acquisitions), Ive been in nonprofits, Ive been in publicly traded companies, I was the VP of a massive global media conglomerate. Neither the Forest Service nor Wohlfeil or Hutchinson answered a question Thursdsay about when or whether POWDR or Wohlfiel notified the federal agency of changes. Variations of that theme that the proposed expansion is just too big for Condon emerge as I continued my trip through town. Kristine Akland, with the Center for Biological Diversity, said the Forest Services preliminary decision to grant a categorical exclusion doesnt square with a proposal to possibly triple capacity at the lodge. For example, he said hes never waterskied on the lake even though he grew up with the sport, and he could legally rent out jet skis, but he doesnt. Citizen Groundswell Rises Up To Keep A Montana Lake Quaint Its a Catch-22 because we also need tourism in our state that helps our economy., At the public meeting last week, Flathead Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele admitted to the public the Forest Service initially presented the scope of the project as a footprint of 15 acres, same as the current resort, according to, Forest Service: Holland Lake Lodge expansion plan rejected, POWDR already in charge of Holland Lake Lodge, memo alleges, Flathead National Forest: Decision on Holland Lake likely. At the public meeting last week, Flathead Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele admitted to the public the Forest Service initially presented the scope of the project as a footprint of 15 acres, same as the current resort, according to the Missoulian. In the meantime, Holland Lake Lodge is marching forward. In an earlier interview, he said he recently sold minority shares to POWDR, which operates ski resorts and bills itself as an adventure life company. At this point, I wouldnt trust them to walk my dog, Hahn said. Review of Holland Lake Lodge, Condon, MT - Tripadvisor This includes Holland Lake Lodge where guests have been coming for generations.". Right now, the foundation of the lodge is crumbling, and wed like to put it on an actual foundation and preserve it for future generations, Wohlfeil said. After years of searching and considering new owners, Christian selected and partnered with POWDR to continue his vision of inclusivity in a newer and more sustainable Holland Lake Lodge. About 2 Save Holland Lake Hutchinson declined to provide specifics, but said many community members have approached POWDR privately to express support for its plans at Holland Lake. DEQ said if they both are acceptable, they may be used to serve the development in the future. She said an environmental assessment or EIS are still possible. Typically, the exception means no EIS and no environmental assessment. So we have to ask for as much as we want to do now, he said. Recently sold homes in Brookfield, IL had a median listing home price of $330,000. Kalispell mental health clinic closes, leaving 200 patients without care, Racicot: preserving democracy outweighs party politics, House OKs a broadly written 'parental rights' bill. 3 night minimum. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Holland Lake Lodge is about three miles to east of the Montana HWY 83. I had people come up to me after the public meetings I was at in early October and say that they were worried that if they said anything positive in support of our efforts, that their cabin would be burned down, Hutchinson said. If we can do year round operations, it would be at least 20 year round jobs, which we could then do full medical, dental, vision and 401K benefits, Wohlfeil said. We will continue to look into this concern regarding current ownership and if something has changed we will take appropriate action.. Thousands of people are raising objections to a controversial plan to expand Holland Lake Lodge, especially after the U.S. Forest Service admits it made errors at the beginning of the process. And thats a direct quote from a woman in Condon.. Notice of Initiation (09/01/2022) He said the Forest Service needs to confirm the acreage in question. The current nightly rate for two people is $340, including meals. A 2022 report to the Montana . 8 myths about renting you should stop believing immediately, 6 ways home buyers mess up getting a mortgage, 6 reasons you should never buy or sell a home without an agent, Difference between agent, broker & REALTOR, Real estate agents reveal the toughest home buyers they've ever met, Before You Buy, Look for Red Flags in the Neighborhood, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. She said the request from Holland Lake Lodge was for 15 acres the plan notes a wastewater area of 3.8 acres is separate but it appears to be currently permitted for 10.53 acres. Ive been around.. Generally, he said his interest is in increasing overnight guest capacity to an average 130, or more than doubling it, upgrading the infrastructure, including sewer, parking and power, creating employee housing, and potentially running at least some services all year long. Some members of the public have called for him to scale back the project, and Wohlfeil said its possible to downsize, but doing so would mean pushing up rates for the project to pencil out. The 2020 U.S. Census pinned its population at 285. Yeah, I just dont think theyll stay, Shirley Hahn said. Brookfield, IL Recently Sold Homes | realtor.com It cites as one example termination upon change of control of the business entity.. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). For example, Holland Lake Lodge transferred a liquor license to a separate Holland Lake Lodge Restaurant LLC, according to Department of Revenue records. Holland Lake Lodge Next Milestone: "It needs enough income structure here to be a viable, healthy business. The 10-acre site includes a fine dining restaurant, a full bar, six semi-rustic guest cabins and an eight-room lodge. You can cancel at any time. Holland Lake Lodge is a rustic lakeside resort with genuine Montana charm, surrounded by stunning views of two mountain ranges, a pristine lake, and a 100-foot waterfall. Christian Wohlfeil, majority owner of the lodge, said his interest is in selling the property to an owner who has the ability to invest in much needed upgrades and who shares his values of stewardship. Wohlfeil has owned and managed the resort for 20 years, according to the application. New owners propose expansion of Holland Lake Lodge Holland Lake Lodge Facility Improvement & Expansion Environmental risk data is provided by Risk Factor, Take a look through some of the beautiful views and experiences the Lodge offers. The group that formed to oppose the project, Save Holland Lake, has said the Forest Service itself contributed to confusion and public distrust after it misstated the acreage covered in the current permit. Construction, reconstruction, decommissioning, or disposal of buildings, infrastructure, or improvements at an existing recreation site, including infrastructure or improvements that are adjacent or connected to an existing recreation site and provide access or utilities for that site. * We will begin accepting group reservations for our 2023 season this October. The proposal noted owners Christian Wohlfeil and POWDR, of Park City, Utah, had submitted the joint application to expand and improve the resort. However, she said typically, a categorical exclusion doesnt include a second period of public comment, but she said the Forest Service will hold one open in this case even if it grants the exception. Rates include lodging, daily housekeeping, meals (three course dinner, breakfast and lunch), 8% Montana hotel tax, wireless internet, Bonfire wood, and a 20% service charge on all incidentals. It will prioritize renewable energy and precautions to prevent negative water, air, or soil impacts. The MDP proposes to restore the old lodge, add buildings, and upgrade infrastructure within the existing 15-acre permit area. KALISPELL Authorities have arrested a man in connection with a fatal shooting in northwest Montana. We plan to resubmit our plan for future investment and infrastructure improvements at Holland Lake Lodge that is very much in line with our previously submitted Master Development Plan. The original lodge was built on the shore of Holland Lake in 1924 but was consumed by a fire in 1946. Holland Lake Lodge Facility Improvement & Expansion He said the former owner was also a young guy in his early 40s but was looking to pass the torch. Planned upgrades for the wastewater and sewage systems, non-motorized boat docks and employee housing will improve guest experience and ensure that those working at the lodge have clean, safe accommodations. Over the years, he said hes worked 70 or 80 hours a week at the lodge and worn every hat, so its not easy for him to hear impassioned public comment against the expansion. He wants to eventually extend the operating season from 135 days to 220 days, from April 1 through Oct. 30, and to be open the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas. A proposed tuition freeze for Montana students flew past one hurdle this week in Helena. Keep in Touch. For one, a group that formed to fight the expansion on public land noted the number of acres currently permitted 10.53 acres, according to the Forest Service wasnt presented accurately at first. But the proposal and process both have raised the ire of residents of the Swan Valley. buy a gift card items available: Don't neglect these 6 maintenance tasks - or else, Debunked! Construction, reconstruction, decommissioning, or disposal of buildings, infrastructure, or improvements at an existing recreation site, including infrastructure or improvements that are adjacent or connected to an existing recreation site and provide access or utilities for that site. We have gift cards available online! The existing 4,600-square-foot lodge was built the following year and includes nine guest rooms and a restaurant. Flathead National Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele issued a letter in November essentially telling POWDR to try again, citing inaccuracies and inconsistencies within the companys proposal. Something went wrong while submitting the form. Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. and its joint venture partner, POWDR, announced that they have submitted aMaster Development Plan (MDP) to the U.S. Forest Serviceto improve accommodations atHolland Lake Lodge, a rustic lakeside resort located in the Swan Valley, which was originally built in 1924 and last updated in 1947. Another worries a bigger lodge would attract wealthier visitors that could push valley residents out. Holland Lake Lodge, Condon: See 159 traveler reviews, 139 candid photos, and great deals for Holland Lake Lodge, ranked #1 of 2 specialty lodging in Condon and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor.