Bozeman Build Report #16
June 4th - June 10th
Howdy folks of Montana!
Happy to see you back where we cover blue collar/build topics in Montana, we also zoom out and talk about what’s happening around the rest of the US. Today we’re stepping into the shoes of a Big Sky Builder, opening the natural gas valve, switching back on the Beartooth highway, and talking train trestles. Enjoy the next 5 minutes of blue collar updates.
“A mixed use block” involving a condo, early 1900s garage, residential home, and storage
When, what, and who is the Bozeman Build? The BB is a 1x/week free email newsletter delivered every Monday morning focused on mountain West trades with an emphasis on Montana. The author Daniel Z has a background in accounting, commodities, construction, trucking, and operates a small business called blockbiome. Daniel is not a financial or building advisor.
In-house of the week
https://www.blockbiome.com/blog/tetonpass
Shadowing a builder in Big Sky
Last week, the Bozeman Build was invited out to Big Sky to check out three different new residential builds around Spanish Peaks. We made a brief write up covering commute, population growth, construction, filled with great photos from the jobsite tours. Read the full article here. The three biggest challenges experienced by this builder is:
Weather
Having enough people
Managing expectations
Terrain
Proximity to materials
We made five album categories including interior/exterior under construction, completed homes, craftsmanship, vehicles, and neighborhood.
Internet sales of the week
Montana commodities
Large swings last week
Natural Gas - Experienced a 12% increase for the week, driven by expectations of increased cooling demand due to warm weather forecasts for June.
Local, State, US Wide Trade Pulse
Bozeman trade pulse
Three new Development Review Applications last week
All posted June 3rd.
24257 - Demo of existing accessory structure. Construction of new garage with ADU above - Capital Hill
23314 - Fairfield by Marriott - Phase II - Project scope includes the construction of one commercial hotel building, parking lot, curb & gutter, sidewalk and surrounding hardscape - Eastlake Professional Center Subdivision
24254 - Salvation Army Site Plan SP - This project will include a two-story building, a parking lot accessible from North 19th street and a private drive North of the building - Homesites Sub
Overhead Bozeman
June 3, 2024 - Changes to Building Inspection Scheduling - City of Bozeman
June 5th, 2024 - Train caused a small brush fire between Three Forks and Manhattan afternoon of June 5th
New Builds
New Apartment build progress off W Babcock constructed by Arco Murray
Old Vehicle Appreciation
Aluminum kayak atop an old truck in South Bozeman
Montana trade pulse
Digital Camo pattern formed by wheat fields in Montana’s Golden Triangle - R/Montana
Beartooth Highway
Beartooth pass was expected to open May 24th but was delayed to June 1st.
MDT News
Dated June 03-06 2024. - MDT
20240606-135819 | York Road Helena Pavement Preservation To Begin
20240606-082608 | Beartracks Bridge Inspection
20240603-071718 | Temporary Closure Of 6th Street Underpass
Weird pavement stretches between Cardwell and Three Forks
I’m not certain if this is a temporary fix, work in progress, or how its supposed to be. There’s a handful of Asphalt resurface strips on I-90 East Bound around Cardwell hill that seem a bit off (rough transitions, not straight, etc). I’m happy for everything our road workers do however this work reminded me of the movie cars when lightning McQueen went to repave the Route 66 through Radiator Springs. I feel like Doc Hudson in saying - “Now Scrape it off! Start over again.
Eastbound I-90 pavement up Cardwell Hill
Bio Squeeze tech
At Montana Fest, Mark Ranalli CEO of Bio Squeeze was invited to speak. This company uses naturally occurring soil bacteria could form crystalline calcium carbonate that would readily attach to rock, cement, and steel to form a permanent bond. This solution is used in the oil fields to seal oil and gas wells against cracks formed from sustained casing pressure.
Missoula Urban Camping Resolution
June 5th the Resolution will be heard and June 10th it will be voted on. - City of Missoula
USA wide highlights
Bozeman Builds top picks from the Construction Dive
June 7, 2024 - Disney eyes $17B worth of work in Florida The entertainment company may construct a fifth theme park in Orlando, following an initial agreement with the local oversight board.
June 6, 2024 - Hilton bets big on lifestyle category, plans to double hotels in 4 years Former Graduate Hotels President Kevin Osterhaus will lead the growth of the company’s lifestyle portfolio, which is expected to increase to 700 hotels.
June 6, 2024 - Jacobs adds $479M job to collaboration with Atkinson The new design contract, part of the $2.68 billion Puget Sound Gateway Program in Washington state, covers five new bridges, a bridge modification and stormwater facilities.
June 5, 2024 - New construction technology releases: June 2024 New tech tools on the market include AI-powered delay forecasting, a smart antenna to better control equipment and a detailed GIS map integration.
June 4, 2024 - Vistra, ENGIE, other developers move to tap $5B Texas Energy Fund for 41 GW of gas-fired projects The fund will provide low-interest loans for new generation. “Our plan is to expand this program in the upcoming legislative session,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
History - Corbin Train Trestle
“The tall steel train trestle overlooks the town, a powerful reminder of the connection between the rails and mines. It is part of the historic Montana Central line, first built as a wood trestle in 1888 and then replaced with the steel structure found today in 1902.” - Carroll Van West from Montana’s Historic Landscapes
