Opportunity Zone Real Estate Investment Planning
Montana’s 25 Opportunity Zones are spread across the state, in communities that cover a broad range of population densities and economic growth. As we heard at the Bozeman seminar on the 11th, these Opportunity Zones have great potential for real estate investment when approached with the right mix of planning and design. Here are the key phases of preparing a site for urban infill development or an economic development project in rural Montana.
Environmental Cleanup
Many of the parcels in Montana’s Opportunity Zones are on or near former industrial sites where chemicals, petroleum products, and other contaminants have leached into soils. Environmental cleanup is the first step to getting these locations ready for development. In order to help clients transform a blight on the neighborhood into a thriving development our team starts projects with an environmental site assessment (ESA) grounded in solid data and scientific results. Based on that detailed analysis we provide clear remediation and redevelopment alternatives. In recent years, we have transformed brownfields like the former Bonner Mill into to urban infill developments like the Old Sawmill District that connect communities and drive economic growth.
Planning
Good planning is the next step in a successful real estate development, and the true foundation for a great project. We take a comprehensive approach from site evaluations to infrastructure planning to make sure our clients are creating vibrant spaces for living, working, and playing. Understanding zoning regulations, growth policies, and a community’s core values helps us guide a public involvement process that gains local support. Transportation planning ensures we are accounting for the movement of cars, bicycles, and pedestrians that keep commerce flowing through an area.
Design/Engineering
Understanding how a community will evolve allows us to design and engineer projects that serve current and future generations. Our LEED Accredited Civil Engineers are meticulous about water resource management and energy efficiency practices that create sustainable developments for the northern Rocky Mountain region’s unique conditions. A thoughtful, innovative design ensures your real estate investment will pass the test of time in terms of its aesthetic appeal and functionality in a growing community.
Landscape Architecture
Landscape architecture creates the places that bring people together and enhance communities. A well thought-out landscape design adds value to your property and conserves resources. Our Land Planning and Design Studio team can create a master plan for your real estate investment that optimizes efficiency from irrigation system design to trails and greenways.
If you are considering an Opportunity Zone real estate investment we would be happy to discuss your best approach for a profitable project. Send an email to wgm@wgmgroup.com or call 406.728.4611 to get the conversation started.