Conference Schedule
Monday, October 12th
(Various Locations in the Missoula Area)
PRE-CONFERENCE TOURS
Join a small group of architects, developers, planners, landscape designers, community members and more for an in-depth look at some of the area’s most interesting new projects. Each tour will be limited to 26 people. A small additional fee applies. Pre-registration is required and slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Downtown Missoula Revitalization – A Walking Tour
Downtown Missoula is a story of dynamic revitalization that has continued for decades - and much remains to be done. Join Missoula Mayor John Engen for a tour of key downtown sites, a look at what the new downtown master plan might bring, and a discussion of what it will take to bring downtown to the next level. The tour will include projects that are slated to be developed as well as completed projected that have contributed to the making downtown Missoula a model of small-city development in the West. This tour is a walking tour, 1pm – 4pm. This tour is currently full. To be waitlisted, email .Meets at Caras Park.
The Untapped Market of Butte’s Historic Preservation
The walls and streets of Butte tell an amazing tale of Western architectural history, and can also tell a tale of what’s to come. Discover the story of Butte through its buildings with local historians. Investigate what incentives and plans the city of Butte has in store for historical redevelopment. And discuss with local redevelopers what potentials, challenges, and treasures are found in Butte. Get an in-depth tour of the Metals Bank building and other restored structures at the heart of this landmark town. This tour includes transport from Missoula and lunch, departs at 8am, returns at 4pm.Meets at Hilton Garden Inn.
Green Commercial and Infill Developments: Missoula’s Savvy Places
This tour will look at Missoula’s best examples of sustainable commercial and infill developments. Visit the new LEED-certified Missoula Federal Credit Union building. Stop by Home Resource and discover the potential richness of refurbished and sustainable building materials. And get a briefing directly from the developers and architects on some of Missoula’s most innovative infill projects. This tour includes transportation, 1pm – 4pm. This tour is currently full. To be waitlisted, email . Meets at First Interstate Bank parking lot.
Monday Evening Keynote & Opening Social
(MCT Center for the Performing Arts)
4:30 P.M.
Keynote: Christopher Thornberg, Beacon Economics
The real estate downturn has left many professionals wondering what’s next for builders, developers, architects and everyone involved in this critical industry. At the first NewWest.Net Real Estate and Development in the Northern Rockies conference in 2006, Christopher Thornberg predicted a dramatic downturn in real estate across the country - long before most economists and industry analysts saw what was coming. A dynamic speaker and prescient economist, Thornberg will offer his analysis of the current state of the markets in the Northern Rockies and what we might expect over the next 18 months.
6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Conference Opening Reception and Networking Social
Sponsored by First Security Bank
Tuesday, October 13th - Morning
Concurrent Seminars
(Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center)
Session One
Concurrent Seminars. Choose one of three seminars.
(8:30 A.M. — 10:00 A.M.)
SEMINAR 1: Place-Based and Sustainable Design
Designing and Developing in Rocky Mountain Communities
A well designed space has the power to energize. Future-focused space needs to serve a community today and tomorrow. Coburn Development focuses on creating great places for people, for communities rooted in the place they exist. The company’s portfolio includes new homes and renovations, affordable housing, urban infill and mixed-use centers. Hear how place-based design can work. how active involvement in principled land use and zoning policies can work to everyone’s benefit, and how sustainable, environmentally sound structures enhance a place.
- John Koval, Coburn Development
The Case for Civic Architecture in Rural Environments
This presentation will focus on architecture and infrastructure that encourages a knowledge of sustainable concepts as they relate to architecture, community interactions, sense of place, and an understanding of the unique design conditions of civic work in rural environments in the West. Case studies will range from the Remote Studio projects of Artemis Institute to Carney Architects Rockefeller Preserve Center in the Grand Tetons.
- Lori Ryker, Artemis Institute
SEMINAR 2: Resort Market Trends and Analysis
Emerging Trends in Resort Development: A Research Snapshot
Retirement, resort and second-home consumer behavior is changing as a result of the financial crisis. This session will feature the results of a research project involving over 400 industry professionals and their views on the timing of a market recovery; the extent of real property devaluation; and changing consumer attitudes towards green design, house size, community amenities, and exclusive clubs. Learn how the development industry and its professionals need to adapt to meet changing consumer requirements.
- Christopher Kelsey, Steeplechase Development Advisors
Creating Great Resort Communities
This presentation will provide examples of projects and places that have developed appealing new amenities and gone beyond the traditional mix of resort services. Zimmermann is widely recognized for her work with resort communities, including visitor services analysis, market definition, positioning and tourism planning, and real estate economics.
- Rebecca Zimmermann, Design Workshop
SEMINAR 3: Public Policy and Land Use Law in Montana
Montana’s Land Use Law: A Legislative Update
Land use law in Montana continues to evolve with the times, and the 2009 Montana Legislature once again made numerous changes to the land use statutes. Montana Supreme Court and District Court decisions will continue to define what it all means to practitioners on the ground. This presentation will explain the recent legislative changes and take a look at the important recent court decisions that affect land use throughout Montana.
- Alan McCormick, Garlington, Lohn & Robinson
What’s Next on the Legislative Agenda
Several major legislative initiatives, including one on state-wide streamside setbacks, failed to win approval this year, but will likely be back in some form. What will be the key land-use issues for the next legislative session? And how are the political dynamics evolving?
- Glenn Oppel, Montana Association of Realtors
- Tim Davis, Montana Smart Growth Coalition
- Hal Harper, Chief Policy Advisor, Governor Brian Schweitzer
- Bill VanCanagan, Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind
ADAPT Poll: What Missoulians Really Think of Local Gov’t Approaches to Land Use
The Missoula Area Development and Preservation Team (ADAPT) commissioned an extensive Poll to determine the important issues facing Missoula area residents. The findings give a unique perspective from the average resident on issues such as transportation, development, jobs and attitudes towards local government.
- Zane Sullivan, Sullivan, Tabaracci & Rhoades
- Ruth Link, Missoula Organization of Realtors
Break
(10:00 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.)
Session Two
Concurrent Seminars. Choose one of three seminars.
(10:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.)
SEMINAR 1: Energy-Efficiency
Design Implications of the 2030 Challenge
Just three years ago Ed Mazria issued the 2030 challenge – achieving net zero carbon emissions from new and existing buildings by the year 2030. The challenge has been embraced by the AIA, the USGBC, ASHRAE and the Department of Energy. It looks great on paper but the discussion is really just beginning. A 30 percent reduction of building energy use requires some new thought and communication on design process. A 50 percent reduction requires a focused process and discussion of integrated strategies and technologies. What happens when we move beyond 50 percent? This session brings a logical and informative approach to the 2030 challenge discussion.
- Tom Wood, Montana State University, School of Architecture
High Performance Preservation: Increase Efficiency and Maintain Vibrancy of Historic Buildings
Learn about High Performance Preservation and how to approach historic restoration, which honors these aged buildings value while decreasing their energy consumption and increasing their durability and comfort. See alternative cooling systems that function for the Northern Rockies climates for both new and older buildings. Discuss lessons learned from installation of energy efficient lighting and water conserving fixtures.
- Jeff Medanich, Colorado Chautauqua Association
SEMINAR 2: New Models for a New Economic Environment
New Market Tax Credits: Getting a $14 Million Building Off the Ground
The new Garlington, Lohn & Robinson building, now under construction in the heart of downtown Missoula, was the first project in the state to benefit from a valuable federal tax credit program. Learn how this complex undertaking came together - and what types of projects might benefit in the future.
- Barb Callaghan, First Security Bank
- Rosalie Cates, Montana Community Development Corporation
- Doug Maves, Garlington, Lohn & Robinson
- Marty Noyd, OZ Architects
Reinventing a Business for the Stimulus Era
Discuss the topsy-turvey world of starting a new “Green Collar” business during world-wide recessions and admist massive stimulus funding aimed at the green energy industry. This presentation will focus on the sustainable building industry as a whole and the massive upheaval and change that it is currently undergoing.
- Jeff Crouch, Kibo Group Architecture/ Sustainable Building Systems
SEMINAR 3: Changing Approaches to Neighborhood Design
Preservation and Evolution in Transitioning Small Towns
The state of California added approximately 670,000 residents each year through 2006. Much of this growth, coupled with transitioning economic conditions, shifting demographics, and auto-oriented development patterns resulted in significant change for many of California’s small towns and unincorporated rural communities. Since 2003 Opticos Design has focused on visioning efforts, revitalization strategies, and implementation tools for many of these communities that have sought to strike a balance between preservation and evolution. This presentation will discuss their common problems and issues, successful strategies for growth, revitalization and preservation, and consider questions about the future of small towns in the context of a rapidly urbanizing nation.
- Stefan Pellegrini, Opticos Design, Inc.
Downtown Revitalization: Planning Civic Infrastructure for a Vital Downtown
Changing demographics and housing trends are creating renewed interest in our traditional downtowns. Careful attention to the way we invest in civic infrastructure can create great public spaces that foster growth, redevelopment, and revitalization of our downtowns.
- Jeremy Keene, WGM Group
Innovative Examples of Small-City Development: Believing that it is about more than just real estate, it’s about honoring a historic community or place, and building for the future.
- Blair Williams, Urban Mountain Development
Lunch
(12:00 P.M. — 1:00 P.M.)
Tuesday, October 13th - Afternoon
Plenary Session
(Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center)
1:00 P.M.
Luther Propst, Executive Director, Sonoran Institute
- Creating Successful Northern Rockies Communities in a Changing Time
The triple punch of an economic recession, volatile energy prices and the collapse of the housing bubble sets the stage for new directions and clear-headed thinking about how to create successful communities in Montana and the Northern Rockies. Our sprawling and highly inefficient land-use patterns are costly and unsustainable. The changing times require a fundamental shift in how we envision, plan and execute future development.
1:40 P.M.
The Future of Conservation Development
Over the past decade, innovative developers and conservation organizations have been developing new land use models that preserve habitat and open space while still enabling development. But the economics of conservation development have never been easy, and the real estate slump has made such efforts even more difficult. What are the current financial realities of conservation development? What are some of the latest tools and techniques? Who are the current leaders in this field, and how can those models be replicated? Roger Lang of the Sun Ranch will give a presentation on lessons learned from that pioneering project, to be followed by a discussion.
- Roger Lang, Sun Ranch
- Sima Muroff, Blackhawk on the River
- Luther Propst, Sonoran Institute
- Jonathan Schechter, Charture Institute
2:40 P.M.
Community in the New West: Commons or Balkans?
In today’s world, the idea that one can separate identity from the sociopolitical landscape is untenable. As a result, effective leaders–-whether they serve in the public or the private sector–must consider the complex interplay and public implications of building community across difference. As we face a future of technology-enabled mobility, what does community look like in the New West? How does design contribute to or inhibit the development of community? And what of the metaphorical commons of public education, public spaces and public lands?
- Michelle Sullivan, Sullivan & Associates
3:00 P.M.
Break
3:20 P.M.
What’s Hot and What’s Not: Key Trends in Northern Rockies Real Estate
The Great Recession has had an enormous impact on the regional real estate market, but amid the general downturn some segments of the business, and some places, are much stronger than others. This panel discussion, featuring four leading professionals from different fields and different parts of the region, will focus on what kinds of projects are getting done, and what they portend about future trends. Are greenfield subdivisions and big resort developments a thing of the past, or is there simply a pause in demand for these kinds of products? Will future development be more focused in cities, or smaller towns and rural areas? How can creative approaches to design, and creative approaches to financing, enable real estate professionals to meet the needs of our still-growing region?
- Andy Erstad, Erstad Architects (Boise)
- Eric Ossorio, Ossorio/Prundential Montana (Big Sky)
- Keith Simon, Investor and Developer (San Francisco and Kalispell)
- Mark Woolley, BuildTec Solutions (Salt Lake City)
4:20 P.M.
A Conversation with Sam Byrne: The Yellowstone Club and the Future of the Second-Home Market
- Sam Byrne, principle of CrossHarbor Capital Partners, is one of the nation’s leading leading real estate investors and the new owner of the Yellowstone Club. In this exclusive on-stage interview, Byrne and NewWest.Net CEO Jonathan Weber will discuss the future of the club, the evolution of the high-end real estate market, and the new economics of development in the region.
4:50 P.M.
Closing Remarks
5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Closing Reception and Social, Featuring Music by Shane Clouse and Tom Catmull
Sponsored by WGM Group in support of Montana Matters
