Missoula, Montana

JWT was engaged by Tom Maclay, a fifth generation rancher to provide a master plan for Maclay’s 2,000 acre family ranch which was established in 1893. Working with Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners who provided the plans for the ski infrastructure and with Tom Weiskopf, JWT created plans for the resort, along with a transit oriented (TND) traditional neighbourhood development down in the valley. JWT envisioned a tightly knit collection of small hotels and lodges centered on a legacy ponderosa pine which is preserved right in the heart of the villages. Site lines are closely cherished and exploited both out to the valley and up onto the mountain with its unique rocky features. The architecture envisioned and illustrated here is of a resort romantic style with an emphasis on local materials, and developed to create shaded and protected walkways and outdoor spaces protecting the occupants for both the hot Montana sun in the summer, and the snow and rain in the shoulder seasons. The site is located just above the world famous Bitterroot River j now for its exceptional fly fishing.  The master plan places the golf, real estate and residential village down on the Maclay Ranch lands and the skiing extends up past the ranchlands onto forest service lands and onto Lolo Peak. James was no stranger to this site as his design thesis for his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Guelph) was creating a feasibility for such a resort on Lolo Peak, only with the base are located on the back side close to Missoula.