Montana Business Quarterly recently released their latest edition titled “Facing the Challenge of Affordable Housing.” The lead article notes that the ratio of home prices to median household income in Missoula is 5.5. This ratio is widely used as a measure of housing affordability. In Montana, Missoula County is the 4th least affordable county. The affordability issue for seniors is even more acute. The mini market study indicated a demand for 250 new senior units in Missoula and an additional 97 units demanded each year. In addition, the 55+ population is growing in Missoula at nearly 3 times the rate of the general population.
Skyview is a step in the right direction. The project will bring 39 new affordable senior homes to Missoula. All homes will have an interior entry from the common hall; exterior doors will be secured nightly. Elevator service makes all homes zero step entry. The gathering places and amenities include community room with full kitchen, exercise room, game room with pool table and card table, puzzle room, and a lending library. Outside, a community patio and BBQ area will be available for resident use.
The site is one block east of Reserve St. off of S. 9th St. West. This is in a well-kept-up walkable neighborhood and in close proximity to transportation and amenities. A Mountain Line bus stop is only 2 blocks away and will take the residents to their desired location, including all of the dining, shopping and employment opportunities located nearby.
We are excited to bring this proposal before the Montana Board of Housing on May 20th. If you are interested in supporting this project, please visit us at www.housing-solutions.org.