Bristlecone Development
Building the future of MHA
In 2011 the Missoula Housing Authority started Bristlecone Development — its own construction and development arm — as a way to better manage the design, costs and delivery of construction projects.
Bristlecone Development provides construction management for a variety of new construction projects as well as the rehabilitation and renovation of properties currently owned by the Missoula Housing Authority.
Bristlecone’s relationship to the MHA ensures that projects will not only be built in a cost-appropriate manner, but will strive to lower long-term operations costs by building projects with modern energy efficiency improvements.
Bristlecone Services
Bristlecone Development is authorized by the MHA Board of Commissioners to act as a general contractor, an owner’s representative, a project manager, or a physical needs assessment consultant for its own projects, and under limited circumstances for others. See the Bristlecone Policy for more information.
If you are interested in exploring a project with us, please contact Sam Oliver at (406) 549-4113 x133 or soliver@missoulahousing.org
Recent Projects
The Palace Apartments
In 2011, Bristlecone renovated the 60-unit Palace Apartments in downtown Missoula.
This project featured a top-to-bottom renovation of two historic buildings that included a full-scale interior renovation, as well as an extensive exterior rehabilitation of both buildings.
Specialized contractors from around the region worked with MHA and the Montana State Historical Preservation Office to adhere to historic preservation guidelines while modernizing the buildings for maximum energy efficiency and longevity.
The Phoenix
In the spring of 2013, the Vantage Villa Apartments were extensively damaged by an arson fire. Bristlecone Development was able to step in as the general contractor for the rebuilding process, assuring that the Missoula Housing Authority’s interests were well-represented.
The resulting rehabilitation replaced many of the building’s outdated HVAC and plumbing systems and added many elements of energy efficiency (new automated HVAC system, new windows, added insulation and building membranes). The resulting product was a building with modern finishes and much-improved energy efficiency. After the rehab, Vantage Villa was renamed The Phoenix.
River Street Duplex
In a collaborative effort with the Missoula College of Technology, MHA helped fund the construction of a duplex on city of Missoula surplus property.
Under the guidance of MCOT teachers, a group of two-year students in the Construction Curriculum built the duplex at 1230 River Street. Bristlecone Development acted as a liaison between MHA and MCOT to coordinate the tasks performed by the students, as well as those tasks that were contracted to private contractors.
This handsome property features advanced energy efficiency measures (ground-source heat pumps, state-of-the-art sealing and insulation practices, water-saving measures and reduced-load electric fixtures).
River Ridge Apartments
This 70-unit senior living complex underwent a complete interior and exterior renovation, with additional improvements to the grounds.
During this rehabilitation project, we were able to achieve large gains in energy efficiency through building envelope improvements (new windows and doors, building sheathing and membrane replacement, and added insulation), and systemic upgrades (new high-efficiency boilers, water heaters, LED light fixtures and elevators).
Post-rehab analysis shows that this property realized wonderful reductions in operation costs due to the measures taken during the construction, as well as a significant increase in tenant comfort.
Blue Mountain Clinic
In 2018, Bristlecone Development partnered with Blue Mountain Clinic to help guide them through an extensive remodel of their building.
Helping maximize the funds available, Bristlecone assembled a group of local contractors to renovate the clinic’s reception, administrative and medical spaces.
This renovation helped ensure that Blue Mtn’s clients receive the safest and most comfortable care possible into the future. Bristlecone Development uses a variety of procurement methods to find the right team for every job.
Let’s Build Something Great
If you are interested in exploring a project with Bristlecone Development, get in touch! Contact Evan Hauser at (406) 549-4113 x133 or ehauser@missoulahousing.org