Home Depot Founder Expands His Montana Footprint With New Lodge

Wealthy people have the right to enjoy their private property in Montana.

If I were a billionaire, I would probably buy some fancy river frontage too. I would probably plaster no hunting signs all over it too. But, each time I read yet another article about a billionaire developing a luxury lodge, purchasing an additional ranch, or building an elite retreat, I am forced to ask the same question. At what point does Montana cease to feel like Montana?

man fishing on the river

The latest occurred when Paradise Valley saw the development of a new luxury lodge by Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank overlooking the Yellowstone River. This property represents a part of Blank’s growing hospitality business in Montana. The resort provides a premium travel experience in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

While there are some positive elements regarding the project, I do think it is reasonable to wonder what Montana may look like twenty years from now if this pattern continues.

Brandon Bell, Getty Images

Paradise Valley has long been one of those locations people fantasize about. Towering mountain ranges flank both sides of the Yellowstone River, which winds its way through the valley. Elk roam freely in the fields. In addition to the beauty of the landscape, the scenery is so magnificent that tourists often stop on the side of the road just to snap a quick selfie

Given the natural beauty of Paradise Valley, it is understandable rich wish to purchase a portion of it.

green grass field near body of water under blue sky during daytime

My concern is that increasingly, more and more areas like these become vacation destinations designed specifically for individuals able to pay $1,000 per night for accommodations, while Montanans struggle to make ends meet. They cannot even afford basic necessities such as grocery shopping, paying their property tax bills, or affording their initial down payment on a home.

a group of houses with trees around them

Arthur Blank is merely a representation of larger issues currently confronting Montana. Can we continue welcoming investment, tourism, and new businesses without slowly turning our most iconic places into playgrounds for people who can afford experiences that most locals never will?

I'm not saying I know how Montana should manage its growth. But I do hope as Montana continues to evolve, it doesn’t sacrifice the reason why people fell in love with this place in the first place. Because Montana life, as many of us know it, is slowly going the way of the buffalo.