Board to decide on old high school proposal

The most ambitious and polished plan to have surfaced for the old high school was further illustrated Tuesday to a responsive school board of trustees eager to set in motion the next step in the building's future.

According to the project's developer, Eric Berry of DEV Properties in Kalispell, it's a future of increased engagement with local workers, a larger tax base and a more active community spirit.

Berry's slide show presentation to the board provided a photographic window into his intentions for the Libby Lofts project.

A first-floor office space would feature exposed original brick and some original fixtures.

Fourteen commercial offices would be offered from 234 square feet to almost 1,800 square feet.

A unique cafe or coffeehouse would sit in the middle.

The top floor lofts — nine condos which could be sold, leased or rented — would range in price from $129,000 to $209,500.

"There's a huge demand for urban style living in Montana," Berry said

The building could interest those far beyond Libby and even into Kalispell.

"You may not want them here. But they're looking for a way out of that place," he said. "Too many crowds, too many people. This is a way to…get a tax base back into the city and actually help the town instead of people coming in just to shop and buy their groceries."

The artists live/work space would also spur economic growth and social engagement, Berry said.

"A lot of economic growth in Montana comes from writers, movie screen plays, actors who live here. That is a huge base. It's in the top three of the economic development in Montana and what it actually brings in."

Berry supported his idea with photos of sleek designs in the lofts with corridors adorned by ornate fixtures possibly inspired by the artists themselves.

"When you have the arts all in one floor it becomes a little community," Berry said.

He said his goal is to construct and develop the project using the largest percentage of local resources possible.

"My hope would be 80 to 90 percent. Realistically, it could be 60 to 70 percent."

By almost all accounts, Berry has unconditional support from those who have worked with him in the past, specifically on the EastSide Brick development in Kalispell — his renovation of Kalispell's old General Hospital into contemporary condos, professional space, artists' space and a cafe.

School Superintendent Kirby Maki delved into Berry's references and history, garnering positive input from Kalispell's mayor, city attorney, building department and "anybody in a particular office that would have a view of that building and Mr. Berry."

The board could accept Berry's proposal as soon as Tuesday, Sept 18, though it may wait longer on the issue.