Originally announced in May, construction has now officially kicked off for a new 84 unit employee housing development for the employees of North Idaho ski resort, Schweitzer. The project is a partnership between Schweitzer and real-estate development firm Eastmark Capital Group. The complex will be located near the intersection of Schweitzer Plaza Dr. and Triangle Dr. , in Ponderay, a few miles north of Downtown Sandpoint. The project is to be walking distance to shopping, dining and transportation services including the public shuttle to Schweitzer.
The first phase of the project will see 84 pet-friendly one-, two- and three-bedroom units, and will feature full kitchens, washers and dryers and access to bike and ski storage. The current construction is set to be completed by the Summer of 2023. Future plans for the site include additional housing units, converted picnic areas, outdoor play areas, walking paths, workout facilities, and full-service daycare facility aimed at serving Schweitzer employees with young children in need of affordable childcare.
Schweitzer also continues to make improvements elsewhere around the resort property. In early May, construction began on a new road that will lead to approximately 1400 additional parking spaces and a new chairlift, with the goal of creating more efficient access to the mountain. This new roadway will connect to Schweitzer Mountain Rd. from an existing roundabout. Plans call for having more parking and at least one new chairlift in place by the Winter 2023/24 ski season.
Additionally, Schweitzer opened their new 31 room boutique hotel called Humbird earlier this year with a second phase in the works. The new hotel also features an on-site restaurant called Crow's Bench.
For more information on the offerings of Schwitzer, visit their website at http://schweitzer.com