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Right in the heart of the Big Sky region lies the Big Sky Town Center, a remarkable master-planned commercial and residential community that is the natural gathering place of the area, where everyone comes together. The Town Center is a 165-acre centrally-located, pedestrian-oriented village core that is becoming the “downtown” and heartbeat of the community. With about 20% of the project now complete, the businesses and residences being built in the Town Center are part of the downtown fabric of Big Sky. It is exciting to witness the progress as the impression of a small mountain town emerges and both residents and visitors gather to identify with its energy. A true ‘center of town’ feeling that has historically been absent in Big Sky has somehow appeared as though it were always there. The feeling of an identity now allows one to imagine how the future ‘Main Street’ might reveal itself with a vibrant retail and entertainment district which will reward the visitor with the excitement of diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment, and the local with a larger sense of pride in his or her community.
It is also exciting to see the success and entrepreneurial spirit of the small business owner flourishing in the community. New restaurants and retailers provide a refreshing authenticity of local color, culture, and casual atmosphere that Big Sky seems determined to preserve and promote.
The atmosphere is not the only facet that is coming alive, as businesses and new retailers report strong sales and increased profits compared to their previous location. You can see the humble smile of success and satisfaction on the faces of Big Sky’s newest proprietors. It is a feeling that comes with the pride of ownership and the payoff of a wise business decision that was not obvious at the time.
It is encouraging to see the model of a true community taking shape, not only to provide goods, services and other retail offerings, or a new ground to set up shop, but a place that locals identify with as their town, where you run into your neighbor at the grocery store or dine with your family.
In the early 1970's, after Chet Huntley announced that his plans for Big Sky included a Meadow Village and a Mountain Village, long-time Bozeman residents Bob Simkins and Jim Taylor bought the Sappington Ranch, a portion of which contains what is now the Town Center project. The families began securing the development rights for the Town Center project in the late 1990’s. The first infrastructure projects were completed in 2001, the first condos were completed in 2003, and in early 2004, the Simkins family gained full control of the project after they and their former partners split up the remaining parcels from the ranch property purchase.
The Town Center has exhibited a long-standing philosophy of sustainable design, and it comes into play in every aspect of the project. From the outset, the Town Center was designed as a very pedestrian-friendly, walkable community with tree-lined boulevards, slightly narrower streets to slow vehicles, trails linking main street to the mountains, and pedestrian crosswalks. The project has a very ‘human scale’ to it that is unique to the area. By taking advantage of these design elements, the Town Center encourages a greater use of bicycles and walking. A new timber-framed bus shelter was constructed to encourage the use of public transportation, and a free Park-n-Ride program was unveiled recently to make getting to the ski lifts that much easier.
The Town Center has also made the most of eco-friendly technology, like solar-powered beacons on the pedestrian crossing signs, and underground drip irrigation to reduce water consumption and evaporation. All of these aspects help minimize the environmental impact of the project.
The Simkins family and the Town Center believe that it is important to contribute to the Big Sky community. As an example, last summer they donated $20,000 and much of the fill material for the construction of the paved community trail along the Spur Road. The Simkins and the Town Center Owners’ Association are also proudly donating land for the non-profit Morningstar Learning Center to bring an 8,500 square foot LEED Certified full-service preschool/daycare facility to Big Sky. This project is proposed on about an acre of the Neighborhood Park, and should begin construction this year. The Simkins’ contribution to the community also included the land under the current and future water and sewer district facilities, as well as the community park, which is also expected to begin construction this year. Years ago, Tom Simkins was an active participant in drafting and implementing the Gallatin Canyon/Big Sky zoning regulations, a nearly 10-year process that included countless public meetings. He served the community for an additional four years on the Big Sky Planning and Advisory Committee, which reviews zoning and land use applicationsin the District. His brother Bill Simkins currently serves the Big Sky community by maintaining a seat on the Committee, which he has held for the last six years. The Committee has been very active in protecting the integrity of the Big Sky development plan, and the zoning ordinance through rigorous review of land use development plans and board-initiated zoning amendments designed to make the ordinance work even more effectively. Bill’s main focus after moving back from Seattle in 1996 has been the management of the development of the Town Center project.
Approximately 50 acres of the mixed-use project is zoned for commercial uses, which include about 335,000 square feet of commercial space, 36,000 square feet for civic uses such as an emergency medical facility, community center, etc., about 120 condos above the commercial district, and 150 lodging rooms. In the 115-acre residential zoning area, the project has been approved for about 370 homes and condos. The Town Center includes approximately 25% open space with trails and park lands, which demonstrates the Town Center’s development philosophy that is sensitive and responsive to the outstanding natural values of the region. Reaching outward from town into the surrounding mountains, access to Ousel Falls Trail will invite exploration and will provide additional marketability for the residents and businesses of Town Center.
Town Center is also emerging as the place to be for community events. The Town Center Owners’ Association has been working very hard to provide entertainment and events at Fire Pit Park on Lone Peak Drive. This season’s event lineup includes a six-event Farmers Market every other Thursday from 5-7PM, the MT Motorcycle Roundup, a Corvette rally, a classic drive-in movie night, a free outdoor concert with Georgia-based jam band Outformation, the Festival of the Arts, Shakespeare in the Park, and a Halloween Bash for the local children. Winter events will include Pancakes with Santa, the Big Sky Christmas Stroll, and others.
With the addition of the recently approved high school, the preschool, a future full-service grocery store, and a future full-service medical facility, Big Sky will have additional amenities and infrastructure that are vital to making it a more liveable, sustainable community for residents and visitors alike. We invite you to learn more about the Big Sky Town Center at bigskytowncenter.com, or by phone at 406-586-9629.
