A Journey
Navigating the Flathead Valley with the Siderius-Warren Team
by Geoff Nudelman
The Flathead Valley has become a desirable real estate market fueled by both Montanans with multi-generational ties to the land and transplants who are drawn to its profound beauty. When choosing to find a property in the Flathead Valley, it is as important as ever to understand the people and their heritage as much as connecting with the land. LeAnn Siderius and Megan Warren are established real estate agents whose expertise and approach ensures that their clients will gain a solid understanding of local history. Working with them is a welcoming and ethical experience through which clients develop a deeper awareness for the character that makes Montana home.
“Our families have been in the Valley a very long time,” LeAnn says warmly. “We love sharing how special each town is with our clientele and helping them find a property that best fits their lifestyle.”
LeAnn had the good fortune of being raised on a farm between the Flathead River and Creston, a farm she still lives on to this day. Her grandparents homesteaded in Somers in the early 1900s – the Siderius roots run deep in the Flathead Valley. LeAnn’s father and brothers have been developing land throughout the Valley for years and her two sons are in the construction business.
LeAnn started her real estate career in the mid-‘90s as a single mom of two young boys. She is grateful for the industry and how it allowed her to taxi kids to school activities and sporting events. Thoughtfully, she reflects that she had a wonderful mentor in Larry Wakefield, whom she still enjoys working with today. LeAnn strives to take care of her clients’ needs in a professional, warm, and–above all–ethical way. “I feel extremely fortunate to live and work in one of the most beautiful parts of northwest Montana,” she says. “Other than taking a long beachfront vacation in the winter, I’ve always enjoyed living here. I love the seasons and take part in many of the recreational opportunities the Flathead Valley offers.”
Growing up in the Flathead Valley with teachers as parents, Megan Warren was given a unique opportunity to begin her journey in real estate investing at a young age. She feels extremely fortunate for her upbringing and her heritage as a multi-generational native Montanan with family across the state. “Without the support of my parents and grandparents, I’m unsure if I would have found myself on this incredible path, and I am eternally grateful for the direction they provided me,” she shares.
In 2014, Megan and her husband, Dev, moved their family back to the Valley. It is a decision that they cherish every day. She notes, “We firmly believe that there is no better place to raise a family than right here in this remarkable valley.” Megan became a licensed agent, a transition back into the world of real estate that she now reflects was a leap of faith. It was during this time that she discovered her innate talent and passion for the industry. “I have been incredibly blessed to have had an amazing mentor, Larry Wakefield, as well as supportive colleagues and clients who have all played a significant role in contributing to my success,” she expresses. “I am forever indebted and grateful to them for their unwavering support and belief in me.”
When LeAnn and Megan joined forces in 2018 and embarked on the Siderius-Warren Team journey, their goal was to leverage their passion for innovation and their shared vision to create an efficient, transparent, and customer-centric real estate experience. There’s a saying that the people make the place, and with those people come the stories that help forge a deeper connection to the land. Together, LeAnn and Megan are committed to the relentless pursuit of excellence. They are modest, but underneath that modesty, they have a wealth of valuable generational knowledge to share about what makes the five distinct communities of the Flathead Valley as special as they are.
“Our families have been in the Valley a very long time. We love sharing how special each town is with our clientele and helping them find a property that best fits their lifestyle.”
–LeAnn Siderius, Realtor
The Siderius-Warren team is excited to offer the rare investment opportunity of six city lots located within the Opportunity Zone and Urban Renewal District. The six consecutive lots make up half of a city block and are located on West Center Street and 7th Avenue West. Numerous development opportunities await in this B-3 city zone, with permitted uses such as restaurants, breweries, and retail sales. Exciting developments are happening across the street at the historic towering CHS grain silos and Kalispell’s Parkline Trail. Lots can be purchased individually or combined to meet specific needs.
Kalispell: Past & Present
Kalispell was founded on St. Patrick’s Day in 1891, its name coming from the Pend d’Oreille language for “prairie above the lake.” Charles Conrad, a Fort Benton, Montana, banker who had accrued wealth in the trade business, was enamored by the beauty of the Flathead Valley and started his next business venture here. He formed the Kalispell Town Site Company in 1891 with three other businessmen just a few miles north of Demersville. Using his vast knowledge in the trade industry, Charles convinced his good friend James J. Hill, CEO of Great Northern Railroad, to put the division point of the railroad within the Kalispell Town Site. The move was an overnight success, and Demersville literally packed up and moved to present-day Kalispell, leaving little behind to mark its existence.
On January 1, 1892, the railroad came to Kalispell. The city was incorporated that fall and in 1894, Flathead County was organized and Kalispell became the county seat. By 1900, the town had grown to 2,500 people.
Fast-forward to the present day, and the old railroad tracks in downtown Kalispell have come to the end of the line. Talks about redeveloping the rail corridor have been underway since around 2010 among the Kalispell City Council, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, and Flathead County Economic Development Authority. In 2012 the dream was cemented with the adoption of the Kalispell Core Area Plan. In 2015, the Montana Department of Transportation awarded the project a $10 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant for transportation infrastructure and development of the Glacier Rail Park where the remaining commercial rail users were relocated.
Plenty of redevelopment plans are already in place. With the goal of continuing to increase the vibrancy of downtown Kalispell, the next stage in redevelopment will look at ideas such as expanding the rail park, drawing traffic from the Core Area down Main Street. Today, walkers, joggers, and bikers recreate on Kalispell’s Parkline Trail.
Opportunity Zones and Urban Renewal Districts have been established and are designed to encourage long-term private investments in low-income communities. Opportunity Zones provide a federal tax incentive for taxpayers who reinvest unrealized capital gains into “Opportunity Funds” – specialized vehicles dedicated to investing in low-income areas called “Opportunity Zones.” Tax Increment Financing (TIF) generated through Urban Renewal Districts provide city-made low-interest loans and/or grants for on-site infrastructure needs, landscaping, parking, decorative street lighting, and public construction of off-site infrastructure needs that benefit the community at large.
The Siderius-Warren team is excited to offer the rare investment opportunity of six city lots located within the Opportunity Zone and Urban Renewal District. The six consecutive lots make up half of a city block and are located on West Center Street and 7th Avenue West. Numerous development opportunities await in this B-3 city zone, with permitted uses such as restaurants, breweries, and retail sales. Exciting developments are happening across the street at the historic towering CHS grain silos and Kalispell’s Parkline Trail. Lots can be purchased individually or combined to meet specific needs.
Bigfork: Where Tuscan Design meets Flathead Lake
Situated in the quaint village of Bigfork on the north end of Flathead Lake is the quiet gated community of Cabernet Estates. As the name implies, the vision of the community was to transport its residents to the tranquil countryside of Tuscany to relax with a favorite glass of wine. Rarely is this type of rich architectural style seen in Montana, where rustic and mountain modern styles typically prevail. However, Cabernet Estates offers beautifully designed stucco homes with richly textured tile roofs and stamped concrete driveways that complement the landscape that surrounds it.
LeAnn and Megan feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work with one of the Flathead Valley’s premier home builders who has a shared appreciation for life in the Valley, Anton Reichenbach of Richcreek Construction. Born in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland to dairy farmers, Anton moved to the U.S. on his own as a young man in 1992 and has been building homes since 1995. Throughout the Valley, Anton’s clients consistently say he is a pleasure to work with. His mild personality, strong desire to accommodate, and his extreme attention to detail make him a wonderful partner.
Anton drafts the majority of his house plans on paper while his son, Colton, converts them to a CAD program. Anton can often be found onsite working alongside his son, Dylan, and his loyal employees. His daughter, Cassidy, helps with the selection of finishes and lighting. Anton is above all, grateful for the many talented carpenters and subcontractors who help complete his homes.
Offered for sale in Cabernet Estates, Anton designed this beautiful 4-bedroom, 5-bath home for comfort and entertaining. Offering 3,600 square feet of single-level, open-concept living, it is situated on a half-acre lot with picturesque views of Eagle Bend golf course. The home has an abundance of natural light, a dream kitchen with two large islands, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, and Bosch appliances. The large primary bedroom wing is separate from the guest suites and features double vanities, a standalone tub, large walk-in shower, and two walk-in closets. There is also a dedicated office, media room, large laundry room, and an oversized triple-car garage. The completion date is scheduled for early November.
Lakeside: The Premier Community for Locals
As affordable housing and commercial space continues to be a challenge in resort communities, the vision of what’s to come with this project in Lakeside is a refreshing take for the future.
“I believe I can speak for all of us in saying that it is not just about creating a space for commerce; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and connection among the residents of Lakeside too.”
–Megan Warren, Realtor
In April 2023, the property’s new owners broke ground on live-work units that combine a storefront and a home all under one roof (a new concept for the Flathead Valley). The owners’ goal is to provide entrepreneurs and the community with an opportunity like never before. As the cost of living in the valley remains high, this initiative seeks to assist those who are starting out, providing them with a convenient space to both live and run their business.
This project goes beyond the practicalities of real estate. It’s more than creating a space for commerce; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and connection among the residents of Lakeside as well.
The current owners have high potential in mind for the units, including offering them as housing for local first responders, teachers and medical professionals, all whom have been challenged by the increased cost of living. These homes present a self-sustaining and exciting next step for the broader Lakeside community.
Whitefish: A Resort Paradise
Like all of the best ski-resort towns across the world, Whitefish offers a balanced blend of placid small-town charm and modern comforts and amenities, all against the backdrop of supreme natural beauty. Whitefish is proudly known for its deep connection to the Montana terrain, where opportunities to engage and explore nature are seemingly endless. “To say Whitefish has been discovered would be an understatement,” states LeAnn.
“To say Whitefish has been discovered would be an understatement.”
–LeAnn Siderius, Realtor
In one of the most coveted areas in Whitefish, just inside the gates of The Homestead, luxury meets natural beauty on this 20-acre private retreat. The property features multiple building sites for one’s forever home, offering endless opportunities to create a truly special sanctuary. The vast acreage provides ample privacy and serenity, a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
This property features two beautifully designed turnkey cabins built by Old Montana Build in 2018, as well as a detached shop with a gym. The guest cabins offer a seamless way to oversee construction of a primary home or a vacation getaway to enjoy rest and relaxation. From the beautiful hardwood floors to the magnificent stone and metal fireplaces, the cabins are comfortable and elegant. The living spaces are a perfect combination of modern and rustic, with ample windows that allow natural light to flood the room. Serene, private, and with everything at the ready, this estate is the perfect place to unwind, enjoy nature, and plan for the future while enjoying Montana’s timeless beauty.
Columbia Falls: A New Frontier
This property offers not just five charming cabins, but also a partially finished “barndominium.”
–Megan Warren, Realtor
Columbia Fall is a beautiful community with a love for the great outdoors. Often referred to as the “Gateway to Glacier National Park,” this small, family-oriented community is passionate about enjoying community parks, fishing, hiking, rafting, and more right out the back door…did we mention access to over two million acres of public lands? As more individuals recognize the potential of the Flathead Valley, the demand for businesses and vacation rental properties continues to rise. These five 2021 construction cabins near the community of Columbia Falls are excellent income-producing residences.
This property offers not just five charming cabins, but also a partially finished “barndominium,” making it a versatile and exciting prospect for any investor. Situated on two commercial acres with a multi-use well, this property is primed for success. The five newly constructed cabins have two bedrooms and one bath each, offering cozy and comfortable accommodations for guests. The cabins have accrued a collection of raving reviews, highlighting the unforgettable experiences they provide. With the incomparable beauty of Glacier National Park and its steady flow of approximately three million visitors each year, this property presents an excellent opportunity to capitalize on the booming tourism industry in the Flathead Valley.
