Come Home to Better! Mountain View Meadows: Summer 2022

Summer 2022

Believe in Better:

Trees!

Downtown Helena is beautiful this time of year! Enjoy a walk down Broadway and take in the cool, fresh air made possible in part by thoughtful city planning decades ago. It’s all about the trees. Trees provide many benefits to us, every day. They offer cooling shade, block cold winter winds, attract birds and wildlife, purify our air, prevent soil erosion, clean our water, and add grace and beauty to our homes and communities. But trees take a long time to grow. That’s where the vision of city planners kicks in. The city oversees the planting of trees in street rights-of-way, public parks and other city owned properties with Helena’s Urban Forest Division responsible for the care of over 10,000 trees. When it comes to boulevard trees, Helena City Arborist Chris Daly once said, “if there is room, plant a tree.” Developers also play a key role. As the largest developer in the City of Helena, Mountain View Meadows developer Mark Runkle recognizes the value of trees to both the homeowners and the greater community. Covenants and Design Standards stress the need for trees not only in boulevards but also in carriage lane alleys and within condo areas and private pocket parks. In the past 6 weeks alone, nearly 75 trees have been planted in and around one group of six condo buildings. “We see it as our responsibility to create not only a beautiful community to make the city proud, but also to prepare for the future to ensure a quality of life for our residents,” said Runkle. “Trees play an essential role in that goal.” Runkle gives tons of credit to homeowners who also see the role trees play in both property values and quality of life. “As we continue to grow, new buyers will join our nearly 400 current residents in planting new trees,” said Runkle. “That’s quite a commitment to the future! We can’t thank our homeowners enough for sharing in our vision to build a better community.”

Building a Better Community:

Family Fun Fest is Back In-Person!

Talk about creating opportunities for great – and healthy – family fun! After taking a break due to COVID, Helena’s premier health and wellness event for kids is back on Saturday August 13 from 8:30 AM till noon at Helena’s Centennial Park and Great Northern Town Center. “Our mission is to provide a free day filled with fun events and activities for families and kids in our community,” said event coordinator Shari Hagengruber. “The day begins with a one-mile fun run in Centennial Park followed by a health and wellness fair in the Great Northern Town Center.” Brought to you by St. Peter’s Health and PacificSource Health Plans, the health fair features over 30 outdoor booths with games, activities and prizes. “Those who register online by August 1, will receive a free t-shirt allowing them free admission into the Great Northern Carousel and ExplorationWorks during the event,” said Hagengruber. “Those who haven’t pre-registered are still invited to join in on the fun!” To register go to sphealth.org.

On Topic:

The Cooling Power of Trees

Summer heat is hard to beat but a hedge against hot temperatures could be standing outside your door. According to the Arbor Day Foundation “Trees properly placed around a house can save you money and help cool your house in the summer…Go outside and stand in the sun for a few minutes. Then walk over to your nearest tree and stand in the shade. I bet you will notice that the shade the tree provides is much cooler than standing in full sun.”

The US EPA provides a slightly more technical explanation: Trees and vegetation lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade and through evapotranspiration.

According to a 2019 study Trees are crucial to the future of our cities. This study, supported by the National Science Foundation, Long-term ecological research (DEB-1440297); the National Science Foundation, Water sustainability and climate (DEB-1038759); University of Wisconsin-Madison Vilas Trust (for MGT); National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada doctoral fellowship (to CZ), offered insight into the value of trees to urban environments.

According to the study, the right amount of tree cover can lower summer daytime temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Impervious surfaces -- like roads, sidewalks and buildings -- absorb heat from the sun during the day and slowly release that heat at night. Trees, on the other hand, not only shade those surfaces from the sun's rays, they also transpire, or release water into the air through their leaves, a process that cools things down.

"Tree canopy cover can actually do more than offset the effects of impervious surfaces," said lead study author Carly Ziter. "During the day, an equivalent amount of canopy cover can cool the air down more than pavement will warm it up.” But it’s not enough to just go out and plant trees, says Ziter. “We really need to think about how many we're planting and where we're planting them. We're not saying planting one tree does nothing, but you're going to have a bigger effect if you plant a tree and your neighbor plants a tree and their neighbor plants a tree."

The study points to the importance of urban landscaping and development in making neighborhoods more livable in the future. “From the town square to Times Square, if we want the places we live to be more comfortable and resilient in future climate scenarios, stakeholders will need to work together when it comes to their trees.”

“It's important that we start to get on the same page,” says Ziter because "the trees we plant now or the areas we pave now are going to be determining the temperatures of our cities in the next century."

Benefits and Updates:

MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS

1. GALAXY ROASTING RIBBON CUTTING 9:00 AM AUG. 2. Not just because we love coffee, but because we know you’ll want to check out Aspen Park residents Kevin & Renae Schulte’s new business, “Galaxy Roasting.” After selling their Bagel Company locations in Helena, they’ve purchased a building at 10 W. Main St. in East Helena where they roast coffee for a long list of shops as well as their own, which is typically open in the morning till about 11 AM for your early morning boost. Show your support to your neighbors at the ribbon cutting on August 2nd and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee & a bagel. Yep, they still have them!

2. TRIM THOSE SUCKERS!... along the lower trunk of your boulevard trees, that is. Sorry to sound like a broken record, but homeowners are responsible for caring for the trees in rights-of way and easements adjacent to their homes. Most of you do an awesome job! But a few have boulevard trees with those pesky suckers--vegetative growth that stem from your tree’s root system--sapping energy away from the main branches. To keep your trees healthy, remove tree suckers as quickly as possible.

3. CHECK YOUR TREE DEER PROTECTIVE BARRIERS. If you haven’t noticed, the trees in your neighborhood get bigger by the year. If you aren’t careful, your boulevard trees will start to grow into the mesh barriers and cause damage to the trees while making it nearly impossible to remove the barriers. If your trees have reached a 2 ½ - 3” caliper please remove the barriers. You may donate them back to the office if you’d like for use on new trees going into the ground.

4. LOST AND FOUND. If you dropped your phone on a run on the Fun & Fitness Trail or are missing a set of keys, you might want to check with the MVM office to see if they’ve been turned in. Interestingly enough, those kinds of items do get turned in from time to time along with things like gloves and sunglasses.

New Homes For Sale:

Plans to Build and Build to Suit

Due to the current building environment, pricing for most new single-family homes and condos at Mountain View Meadows will be available 60-90 days before completion. The homes and condos included here are only a sampling of over 30 currently under construction ranging in size from 1016 SF to 2500 SF. Now is the time for you to add your name to the list of interested buyers who will be contacted when pricing is available. If a price is shown or available, ask how you can submit an offer today. Stop by our office anytime during regular business hours or make an appointment to learn more about your favorite home or what other home plans are in the works. And remember, realtors are always welcome!

Homes at Mountain View Meadows

2816 Alyson Rain: “The Getaway”. With nearly 2500 SF, this 4BD/3.5 Bath home with unobstructed mountain views will be ready for you in November! The Getaway comes with upscale finishes throughout and special features from a covered balcony off the main floor and patio off the fully-finished walk-out basement to vaulted ceilings and a fireplace in the great room. In the kitchen you’ll find a raised breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and walk-in pantry. You’ll love all the closet and storage space and find plenty of room for your tools in the oversized 2-car garage. With this much square footage, amazing views and upscale finishes, The Getaway will be gone before you know it so don’t wait! Call Rebecca at 406-431-7680 for a private tour today. $599,900.

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2828 Alyson Rain: "The Explorer". Wow! Check out those views! Ready for move in mid-summer, this 1713 SF single-level floorplan features huge windows facing the mountains to the south and west with a 10’x16’ covered deck looking out over city lights and the mountains to the northwest. The owners’ suite features unobstructed mountain views, a tray ceiling, walk-in closet, double vanity, a 4’x5’ tiled walk-in shower, linen closet and lots of room to move around. The open floorplan provides tons of space for relaxing, dining and entertaining. Of course, this 3BD/2BA Weatherall Builders home comes with all the quality finishes you deserve from granite countertops to soft-close cabinets, stainless-steel appliances and tiled baths and laundry room. You won’t find a better home with a view priced under $499,900. But don’t wait! There’s still time to choose your exterior colors. Call Rebecca at 406-431-7680 for more details.

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2868 Jeannette Rankin: "The Aster". Don’t let its size fool you. This 2BD/2BA home lives large! The 1016 SF Aster features an inviting front porch, attractive archways, tall ceilings, an owner’s ensuite, a side patio and an attached 2-car garage. You’ll enjoy granite countertops, tiled baths and soft-close cabinets. This home is currently being framed so don’t hesitate! Call Dawn now for additional information. 406-439-6380.

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2836 Travis Ave: "The Outlaw". This 1445 SF 3BD/2BA home feels just right! Spacious without wasting space, efficient while maximizing comfort, don’t be surprised if you fall in love at first sight. This new Weatherall floorplan features an inviting front porch, large kitchen island, a walk-in tiled shower, sliding glass doors that open onto a covered rear deck and an attached 2-car garage. It’s early so pricing will have to wait, but not you! Call 406-431-7680 now for more information or to add your name to a growing list of interested buyers.

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2811 Travis Ave & 2872 Jeannette Rankin: "The Sierra Settler". Will 1646 SF fill the bill? Looking for a home with a fireplace? Then wait no longer to check out this nearly competed Sierra Custom Home at 2811 Travis Ave. Call Dawn Purvis at 406-439-6380 for information. If you miss this one, then be the first to throw your name in the hat for the next Sierra Settler under construction at 2872 Jeannette Rankin. The Settler features Sierra’s signature archway between the great room living space and the kitchen with a café that opens onto a rear porch. You’ll love the granite countertops, soft-close cabinets and tiled baths. Located in the newest phase of the Craftsman Village neighborhood just north of Mountain View Park. Call now!

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2834 Jeannette Rankin: "The Marshall". Announcing a brand-new Sierra Custom Home floor plan. If you enjoy living just steps from a 5-acre park with tennis, basketball and volley ball courts, a great playground and room to rock n roll, then you’ll want to check out the site of this 1858 SF home. Located off a carriage lane in the vastly popular Craftsman Village neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows, you’ll enjoy relaxing on your front porch, grilling on your rear patio or hanging out next to your fireplace in the gathering room just off the front entry. It’s early, but if you want at the top of the list, call Dawn at 406-439-6380.

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395 Elouise Cobell: "The Bannock XL". We supersized the Bannock adding a dedicated main floor office and a third garage bay turning an already comfortable 3BD/2.5BA 2-story home into the perfect work-from-home dream come true. To be built on one of the few remaining lots in The Uplands neighborhood south of Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Bannock XL will boast some of the best mountain views from the upstairs owner’s suite of any home in Mountain View Meadows. Drop by the office at 431 S. Alice St. and we’ll show you the site for this 1873 SF home by Weatherall Builders.

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2840 Jeannette Rankin: "The Senator". This 1908 SF home currently under construction located at the corner of Jeannette Rankin and Teagan St. has what it takes to win your heart. From the rear load garage, drop off your shoes in the owners' entry then slip into your private bedroom ensuite or continue through the arched entry into the kitchen and unpack your groceries into the corner walk-in-pantry. Sierra Custom Homes is well-known for the special touches that turn a beautiful home into a luxury home. Call Dawn to learn more about all the outstanding features this home has to offer. 406-439-6380.

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2824 Alyson Rain: "The Banker". Surround yourself with comfort, class and style! With 1939 SF, this beautiful open floorplan provides you all the room you need to spread your wings. But you won’t want to spend all your time inside when the unobstructed mountain views start calling you from your covered rear patio. With so many upgrades, from a fireplace to a tiled walk-in shower, trey ceilings and office flex room, you’ll want to get your name first on the list for this brand-new Sierra Custom Home. For more information call Dawn Purvis at 406-439-6380.

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2887 Alpine View Loop: Custom at its best in upscale Aspen Park. Every home built by Sierra Custom Homes is built for quality and comfort. Aspen Park homes take it one step further with their concrete tile roofs, natural timber features and stone accents. Need a dedicated office? This home has it. Want a bigger garage? Will a tandem 3-bay garage work for you? What about a covered rear porch in back with a huge patio? I bet a fireplace in the great room would be awesome, too. Talk to Dawn today and she will tell you how you can capture this nearly 2200 SF custom home for yourself. 406-439-6380.

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Condos at Mountain View Meadows

2940 & 2942 Aspen View Loop: 1334 SF Single-level Condos. $399,900. New plan and only two available this year! Guess that makes now the right time to buy. One unit is designed in grays with quartz countertops, the other in tans, cream and ivory with granite countertops. Each of these 2BD/2BA condos come with an attached 2-car garage, an inviting covered front porch and an awesome rear covered deck with unobstructed mountain views. Stop by the office at 431 S. Alice St. for a tour of the new condos across the street from the upscale Aspen Park neighborhood.

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2975 Aspen View Loop: 1464 SF Single-level Condo. Priced at $415,000, this 3BD/2BA condo will wow you with volume! The owner’s bath features a double vanity, walk-in tiled shower, and private water closet while the roomy 2nd bath boasts linen shelves and a wall perfect for a vanity or full-length mirror. The 3rd bedroom/office/flex space opens onto a covered outdoor living patio with a short concrete walkway to the driveway. You’ll love the convenience of the 2-car attached garage off the private street and the front courtyard with sidewalk connectivity to neighboring condos and additional off-street parking. Come see for yourself what comfortable condo living is all about. 406-431-7680.

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2922 Aspen View Loop: 1687 SF Single-level Condo Priced at $469,900. These beautifully designed 3BD/2BA floorplan offers the feel of a single-family home with the convenience of a condo lifestyle. But don’t take our word for it -- Call Anna Havranek at 406-438-1141 for a tour today! Along with all the fine finishes you expect from a Weatherall built condo, this home comes with stunning mountain views easily enjoyed from inside the home or from the covered rear deck.

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2932 Aspen View Loop: 1845 SF Single-level Condo. Yeah, it’s that big and so are the views! Luxury 3BD/2BA condo with vaulted ceilings, granite countertops, beautiful laminate flooring, tiled baths and laundry and everything you need to enjoy a comfortable, convenient lifestyle. Take note: the adjoining unit is already under contract so this is the only opportunity to buy one of these elegant floorplans till next year. Pricing available soon. Call Rebecca at 406-431-7680 for a private tour today.

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2970 Aspen View Loop: 1285 SF Single-level Condo. Priced at $374,900, zero barrier, vaulted ceilings, front porch views, a private street, an attached 2-car garage and a covered outdoor living space truly set this condo apart from others similar in size. The ever-popular gray-tone interior will work beautifully with your decorating touches. Upscale finishes include quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, soft-close cabinets, laminate flooring, tiled baths and laundry, and cushy bedroom carpeting. This 2BD/2BA condo will be ready for move-in soon. This is the only 1285 SF condo available till next year. To take a tour, call Rebecca at 406-431-7680.

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Craftsman North Walk-Out Lots: New walk-out building lots in Craftsman North. Unobstructed mountain views! It’s time to plan your move to Mountain View Meadows with a home design that fits your style on the lot of your choice. But call now before someone else reserves the one you want! 406-431-7680.

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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows

ASPEN PARK: Now is the time to take a drive through beautiful Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows to see for yourself if this upscale neighborhood is right for you. Homes in Aspen Park typically range from 2,000 SF to 5,000 SF with custom details inside and out. Stop by the office at 431 S. Alice Street to discuss the lots and your ideas. We're here to assist you in whatever way possible to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience. Contact Mark at 406-449-0800 or email info@mvmeadows.com for additional information.

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Visit our website

The Best in Our

Neighborhood:

A Living

Work of Art

As Mountain View Meadows continues to grow in popularity among new home buyers, it’s impossible to overlook your contributions to creating the most beautiful neighborhoods in the entire city. And though there are example after example of just what that means in every one of our neighborhoods, we can’t help but send out kudos to a real stand-out in the community. Located next to Sunrise Park at the corner of Alice and Runkle Parkway in the Antelope Trace neighborhood, Dick and Brandy Johnson show what results come from creative vision and hands-on hard work. Now, granted, it helps when you start with an understanding of vegetation and plant growth and the willingness to put in the extra time to keep your landscaping well-groomed, pruned and weeded. But with an eye for color and design, beautiful landscaping becomes a work of art, proving once again that art isn’t confined to a painting on a wall or a statue in a museum. Thank you Dick and Brandy for giving us a living sculpture to enjoy. It’s truly among the very best in our neighborhoods!

And here’s a quick shout out to Madi who has her own “best in our neighborhood” to share. Madi, who says she loves Mountain View Meadows, thinks the Pergola Park is the best of all. “This park is my favorite park,” said Madi, “It's so relaxing."

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Pamela Kroll

After her first visit a few years ago, Pamela now enjoys living in her Aster dream home.

Kelsea Kimerly &

Jonathan Jensen

Are ecstatic with the comfort that was built in to their Sierra Custom Home.

David Martinelli &

Anthony Yost

Are delighted with their low maintenance and charming single-story condo.

Patricia Tuffield

Has just recently moved here to be closer to family and the warmth of her inviting condo makes it that much better.

Christine Denny

Is thrilled with her brand new home in Craftsman North.

Barbara & Manny Hoag

Are making their lovely home by Casteel Construction come to life.

Helen Higgins

Is so excited with her beautiful home by Weatherall Builders.

Stephon & Elizabeth Owens

Are enjoying their stunning home with amazing views of the Sleeping Giant and beyond.

Jessica & Noah Vallincourt

Absolutely love their beautiful Sierra Custom Home in The Uplands neighborhood.

Dawn Braach

Just recently closed on her single-level condo with gorgeous mountain views of the Elkhorns.

Suzan Johnston &

Douglas Peterson

Are ecstatic with the quick find of their Aspen View condo.

Congratulations! And Welcome

to the Neighborhood!

Fun & Fitness

Surprising Benefits of Horseshoes

If turn-out is any indication, the Friendly Horseshoe Tourney during the recent 4th of July Community Celebration showed just how few people realize the fun and health benefits of playing the game. With two regulation-size horseshoe pits in Mountain View Park in the heart of Mountain View Meadows, it’s time to take full advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a round or two with family, neighbors and friends while enjoying the fun and surprising health benefits it provides.

As Tom Herrin wrote in his piece for Joint Chiropractic on Joint.com, “…playing horseshoes may be on the list of those things that many people have not done. It could be time to add it as a family activity with its surprisingly good benefits to physical health."

Herrin goes on to explain:

It Is Actually A Little Exercise especially for someone who has not been tearing up the treadmill. People have to start somewhere, and even horseshoes is cardio for a couch potato. There is some standing, walking around, and bending involved. Tossing the horseshoes provides a small amount of activity and is likely to raise the heart rate in someone who is sedentary while providing a little warm-up time for the more active.

There Is Some Thinking And Skill Involved. The game of horseshoes is a little more complex than simply throwing the shoes. There must be a certain amount of strategy and knowledge of force and angles needed. The hand-eye coordination necessary to be successful in tossing effectively takes some development. Those who try the game become aware quickly that it is not quite as easy as it looks.

It Is Good For Social Interaction. It’s difficult to play horseshoes without interacting with others. There will be conversation as well as down time, particularly if there is a sizeable group playing. It can be great for a family activity or a group of friends looking for a way to challenge each other. It is a non-threatening, inclusive activity for people of all ages and accessible to those who cannot stand for long periods of time and is a reasonable physical activity for some people confined to a wheelchair.

“If you have been looking for something a little bit different for an activity, try horseshoes,” said Herrin. Don’t have shoes? No worries! Borrow a set from the Mountain View Meadows office for your next get-together at the park. Carrying a full set out to your car and back again after provides just that little bit of extra exercise following a fun and surprisingly rewarding activity.

From

Mark & Rebecca

Celebrating Family and Community

A little rain couldn’t stop us from celebrating our nation’s independence in July. But perhaps more than that, the annual July 4th event at Mountain View Park stands as a testament to the strength of community and the value it brings to quality of life. If you are new to Mountain View Meadows, the 4th of July Community Celebration is one of two major events free and open to the public sponsored each year by Mountain View Meadows and your HOA. This year the event was also co-sponsored by Stahly Engineering, and Sierra Custom Homes and carried off without a hitch thanks to a group of faithful volunteers. Check out the photos below for some of the highlights of this year’s awesome family-oriented event. The next big community event comes round on Halloween with the Haunted Park at the corner of Stacia and S. Alice St. This event started as an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating during the height of the pandemic and proved so popular it is moving into its third year. The staff at Mountain View Meadows works with the HOA to dress the Pergola Pocket Park at the corner of Stacia and S. Alice in fun and scary decorations. Volunteers fill over 200 bags of goodies, don costumes and pass out candy to any and all boils and ghouls who turn out on Halloween night. Community celebrations at Mountain View Meadows offer a delightful bookend to summer activities with family and friends. If you missed the 4th of July at Mountain View Park this year, be sure to add it to your calendar for 2023. And if you want to join in the fun as a volunteer at the Haunted Park, please contact April in our office at April.mvm@hotmail.com. In the meantime we wish you fun family days enjoying all that Montana has to offer and we look forward to seeing you at the Haunted Park come this fall.