Brundage Mountain Resort’s ongoing efforts to expand employee housing will take a big leap forward this summer, after the purchase of a landmark building in the heart of New Meadows.

The 10,000 square foot stucco building, which sits at 520 Virginia Street (Highway 55) just east of the intersection with Highway 95, has a long history in Meadows Valley as both a school facility and more recently, a church.

Brundage Mountain Resort closed on the purchase of the building on March 8. The design process for the new site is underway. Brundage plans to apply for zoning updates and building permits this spring, with the goal of housing up to 20 employees there in time for the start of the 2022-23 Winter Season.

“We are attracted to this site for several reasons,” says Brundage Mountain General Manager, Ken Rider. “It’s set up nicely for a conversion to dorm-style housing units, but also has large spaces to use as common areas and for other uses and provides easy access to amenities in New Meadows for employees.”

As Brundage Mountain goes through the permitting process, planners will also look at the potential for park-and-ride shuttle parking to the resort and a small number of tiny homes behind the main building.

“Our employee base consists of many different types of people. Some are single and well suited for dorm-style housing, many have spouses, children, and some have their own RVs but need a secure place to hook up. Our short- and long-term housing plans seek to address all these different housing needs.”

Brundage Mountain first started providing employee housing in 2017 through a partnership with Shore Lodge as well as on-site at its owned Creekside RV Park & Campground. Since then, Brundage has added housing in additional locations and currently houses approximately 40 employees during each winter season. Resort management is pursuing multiple partnerships and initiatives, in addition to the New Meadows School project, with the goal of increasing that number by 100 or more.

“Brundage Mountain has always been a fun, engaging place to work,” says Rider. “As the local housing market continues to tighten, we are keenly aware that offering housing to our seasonal and full-time employees will be a critical step toward remaining one of the best employers in the region.”

Brundage leadership has engaged New Meadows city officials in many conversations about this project to ensure that the improvements will transform the site into something New Meadows can be proud of.

“I am very excited about seeing more housing opportunities in the local community to help meet employee and workforce housing needs,” says New Meadows Mayor, Julie Good. “I’m looking forward to seeing the proposal from Brundage.”