NEW BILLINGS DEVELOPMENT TO LEVERAGE INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION METHOD
Homeword, in collaboration with Homefront as their consultant, is bringing much-needed affordable housing to Billings with its latest development, LB Lofts. This innovative multi-family rental community will provide 101 safe, healthy and affordable homes for local residents. Utilizing a hybrid modular construction approach—combining modular components with traditional stick-built framing—LB Lofts is designed to deliver high-quality housing efficiently and sustainably.
A key feature of the project is its use of PODS (Premanufactured Overhauled Dwelling Solutions), an acronym created by the design team working on the development project. The PODS are modular units originally built as temporary housing for workers in the Bakken oil fields but have since become surplus inventory. Instead of being discarded, these one-bedroom, one-bathroom units have been transported to Billings, where they will be repurposed as building blocks for modern, permanent homes.
“HomeFront had an opportunity to acquire these modular units, and we are thrilled to help convert them into homes our fellow Montanans can afford,” said Heather McMilin, Homeword’s project development director. “We are prioritizing the valuable components of the units and working with High Plains Architects and their team to maximize their value. In these challenging economic times, this type of adaptive reuse for efficiency is critical.”
The LB Lofts project emphasizes sustainability, aiming to divert raw materials from landfills by maximizing the reuse of materials from the PODS. The modular units will be integrated into newly constructed spaces that enhance their structural performance and energy efficiency. Additional construction will be used to create kitchens, living areas, laundry rooms and essential building infrastructure.
“Recycling buildings or building components like these modular units is one of the most sustainable things we can do when building new homes,” she said.
According to a Modular Building Institute 2022 report, developers of multi-family homes are increasingly adopting this type of pre-built construction because of the quicker installation can save time and money compared to traditional construction methods.
Homeword has experience using modular housing solutions. In 2019, the organization successfully repurposed similar pre-manufactured Bakken housing for Montana Street Homes, single-family homes built for homeownership. LB Lofts, however, presents a more complex challenge because the units will be stacked and connected to form a cohesive rental home community. Each apartment will consist of two combined PODS, resulting in spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom homes—an ideal setup for roommates or small families living on lower incomes.
“We are thrilled about how the design of these homes is coming together,” said McMilin. “They will become quality homes that will be energy-efficient and very comfortable for future residents.”
The groundbreaking for LB Lofts is expected in fall 2025, marking a major milestone in expanding rent-restricted housing options in Billings. By leveraging sustainable practices, innovative construction methods and a community-focused approach, Homeword and Homefront are working to create a lasting impact through homes Montanans can afford.
