Kiowa Revitalization Project serves Glacier National Park community
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
News from Freestone Development
BROWNING — For many Treasure State residents, much of Montana feels like it is being lost to a new wave of change. Familiar places that hold the memories of our upbringing are now hardly recognizable. However, there are those places that hold true to their history, that stand as icons reflecting the past and the values that brought us to where we are today.
It is in this vein that the Kiowa Revitalization Project was undertaken. In 2021 Will Hammerquist, owner and proprietor of the Polebridge Mercantile, began to execute a vision to revitalize Kiowa Junction. (www.polebridgemerc.com or www.kyiyomerc.com )
This ground has served many purposes over the years. A safe haven, a place of solitude, and a community resource that provided food, goods, family fun, and services. Partnering with Freestone Development, and in thoughtful consideration of the Blackfeet Nation, Hammerquist embarked on a journey to build a business that will stand as a Montana icon adjacent to Glacier National Park, and will serve the local community through its goods, services, and economic benefit.
“Working with the Blackfeet Nation, the State of Montana, and literally hundreds of Montanans from across our great state to rebuild Kiowa has been a true honor,” said Hammerquist. “We look forward to providing Montanans and our guests a place to spend time with family in nature for decades to come.”
“It is rare to find businessmen and developers that see the value in building community, environmental, and global benefits into their projects. The Kiowa Revitalization Project’s focus was always to value to what was here before us while providing opportunity for new life to thrive.” Says Dustin de Yong, Owner of Freestone Development. “Will Hammerquist is an astute businessman and operator, but at his core he is a steward of the lands within and around Glacier National Park and a friend to the communities that surround it.”
Josh DeVos, Vice President of Dick Anderson Construction’s Great Falls Office was chosen to lead the construction of the mercantile building. A Montana grown company with strong values and deep ties to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, DAC has delivered quality performance to projects of this caliber in the past, like the historic Sperry Chalet inside the park’s borders. The Kyiyo Mercantile building mirrors the historic Polebridge Mercantile building with an iconic western façade and unmistakable red and white exterior.
“It is rare for a project to come in ahead of schedule and under budget,” said Hammerquist “DAC accomplished both and was always part of the solution.”
If you have any questions, please contact Dustin de Yong of Freestone Development at 406-465-7016 or dustin@freestonedevelopment.com
In addition to the Kyiyo Mercantile, the campground has been revitalized. Kiowa Frontier Yurts and Cabins provide for furnished accommodations for locals and guests throughout the tourism season.
A special thanks to the Blackfeet Nation and their governing bodies. Owner Will Hammerquist, Freestone Development, and DAC were provided the support of the Tribe throughout the development process and given the guidance, answers, and resources needed to make this possible.
And so, we invite all who love this place to join us in celebration to commemorate the revitalization of Kiowa Junction.
