11 Most Endangered
Kootenai Lodge
Year Listed: 2006
Location: Montana
Current Status: Endangered
Threat: Development
One of the most significant historic places in Northwest Montana, the Kootenai Lodge consists of 20 buildings, including a Main Lodge, several smaller lodges, dining halls and various cabins. The buildings range in size from the humble quarters of the hired help to the magnificent lodge and living quarters for residents and guests. Almost all the structures are built of cedar and larch logs, hand-peeled to retain the colorful and delicate cambium layer as a decorative touch, and all nestle into the landscape as if they have been here forever. To compliment the remarkable log buildings, the landscape was designed with a variety of native and exotic trees and shrubs. Man-made elements, such as stone bridges, gravel walks, arbors and seating areas are scattered throughout the property. Designed to take advantage of the open vistas of the meadow and seclusion of the wooded areas, these spaces enhance the visual appeal and natural serenity of the lake and nearby mountains.
Update
A valiant and determined effort to curb the proposed development has persisted since Kootenai Lodge’s 11 Most listing. The Swan Lakers, a grassroots non-profit group, is leading the opposition. Their main goals have been to decrease development density to protect the historic structures and site. However, the developers have been largely unwilling to alter their plans to sensitively address the preservation of the historic character of the site. The Swan Lakers have been pushing for zoning regulations that favor historic preservation. They are also taking legal action over a flawed review process in the subdivision platting. Many buildings have already been dismantled or altered and many of the old-growth trees have been cut down, but the opposition continues to challenge the developers to respect the historic value of this site.
