The East Yards development subdivision in Anaconda continues to distance itself in dramatic fashion from the days when businesses were leery of landing there because of historic smelting-related pollution
Including highly toxic stuff like beryllium.
Today, few would question that the remediation and revitalization of the East Yards is a shining success story among regional federal Superfund sites.
The latest project to break ground is the East Yards Business Center, approved last year by commissioners for Anaconda-Deer Lodge County and under development by KP Development LLC.
KP Development purchased 3.36 acres in the East Yards from the city-county for $1,000 an acre, a transaction that has strings attached to encourage ongoing development in the East Yards. For example, if a venture fails to gain traction the land reverts to Anaconda-Deer Lodge County.
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As envisioned, KP Development’s East Yards Business Center will offer new spaces for offices for businesses and medical practices, as well as retail space. Â
The company said the project will feature a U-shaped design, with buildings arranged around a common area. Initially planned for five buildings, the project might adjust to construct as many as six or as few as three buildings, depending on demand, KP Development said.
The first building is under construction by Northcon, a Native American-owned general contractor in Idaho.
Bill Everett, chief executive of Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, has helped shepherd redevelopment of the East Yards. He described the East Yards Business Center as a significant step for economic development.
“The business center will create a new tax base, attract jobs and welcome new businesses to Anaconda,” he said. “Interest has been high, especially from the medical community, engineering firms and orthodontists seeking high-end office spaces.”
Members of KP Development and contractor Northcon also completed the renovation of the former Alpine Apartments building on Hickory Street. The building now houses the Parks Place Historic Condominiums. The three-story Alpine Apartments, circa 1915, offered a host of attractive furnishings and features, including Murphy beds and steam heat, when it opened. Â Â
Recent real estate listings show the price for a one-bedroom, one-bath unit to be $199,000 and a three-bedroom, two-bath condo to be $305,000.
Current businesses or nonprofits in the East Yards subdivision include The Forge Hotel, which houses the Barclay II steakhouse, the Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply, an O’Reilly Auto Parts store and AWARE’s Center for Excellence.Â
Everett said Wednesday that a high-speed car wash will soon break ground in the vicinity of the Murdoch’s store.
A news release about the office project quoted Patrick Volkar of KP Development.Â
“Anaconda has a unique charm, and this project aligns perfectly with the town’s future direction,” Volkar said. “It’s a much-needed boost for the local economy and a rejuvenation of this part of town.”
On March 7, 2023, commissioners for Anaconda-Deer Lodge County voted 3-to-1 to award the East Yards parcel to KP Development. Commissioner Tom Gallagher was the lone opponent, a familiar position for him. Minutes from the commission meeting cite Gallagher’s complaint that the developer failed to provide an in-person presentation.
Everett responded, according to the meeting’s minutes.
“No, I was embarrassed as to what you might say to him. I try to bring these people in and I didn’t want to insult him,” Everett said.
Gallagher, who has been chided for sometimes combative speech during meetings, wondered about focusing on restoration of historic buildings instead of building new structures.
Everett said modern office buildings must comply with federal laws about accessibility, noting that most existing commercial buildings in Anaconda are about 100 years old.
Commissioner Steve Gates expressed support for the office project, observing that the site’s former Superfund status made it off limits to development for decades.
“After 40 years of nothing, this is a welcome sight,” Gates said. “I applaud the CEO and commission for all the action they have taken. I would like to see this project go forward.”
Northcon’s website provides background on the construction company.
“Northcon Inc. was founded by owners Randy and Renay Smith in 1977. The newly formed Native American-owned company quickly grew from subcontract work…to operating as a general contractor focusing on commercial and residential projects,” the website reports.
Everett said development in the East Yards is a big plus for Anaconda.
“It’s phenomenal,” he said.
