Posted on October 17, 2006 - by Editor

River Lodge Construction Begins at Blackhawk on the River

McCall, Idaho–Construction is now underway on the new 10,000 sq. ft. River Lodge community center at Blackhawk on the River, a conservation-oriented planned community five miles southwest of McCall.

Overlooking the North Fork of the Payette River, the new facility is designed to be the central gathering spot for Blackhawk residents, featuring a fitness center, heated indoor/outdoor pool, spa treatment rooms, a media center and a naturalist center with recreational equipment available for Blackhawk owners and guests. The River Lodge also includes a full catering kitchen, banquet hall and indoor/outdoor reception area.

“I dont know of any other place in the West that has so much to offer. You have two ski resorts, several world-class golf courses and two large, beautiful lakes just 15 minutes away on either side,” says Jerry Barnett, Tamarack Resort board member/owner and property owner at Blackhawk on the River. “All these features make this a world-class vacation spot. And the River Lodge is the icing on the cake. My home here will be a legacy for my family and grandchildren.”

Epikos Land Planning + Architecture, a McCall-based firm, designed the building to reflect natural elements of the surrounding area, and respect the historical and architectural integrity of the region. The River Lodge will feature stone floors, reclaimed timber accents, and numerous water features, including a display of native trout. Epikos also incorporated architectural features that are leading the way in high-performance, sustainable design by embracing LEED principles and nanosolar technology.

“We designed the River Lodge to be the heart of Blackhawk on the River–a place where homeowners can interact with each other while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding environment,” says Wayne Ruemmele of Epikos. “So we made sure to keep the environment as untouched as possible.”

Betts Landscaping and Excavating of McCall created a special landscape design for the River Lodge that uses native indigenous shrubs, plants and trees to blend with the site’s natural surroundings, and promote & enhance wildlife habitat.

After a highly-competitive bid process, C & H Contractors, a Blackhawk preferred builder, was selected as the construction company for the project. The Cascade, Idaho, firm is known for their work on the Ashley Inn and several custom homes at Tamarack Resort, including the residence for Tamarack CEO Jean Pierre Boespflug.

“Since we began putting together the overall vision for Blackhawk on the River, the River Lodge has been a key component of the community,” says Rick Luna, Blackhawk CFO. “We’re thrilled to see it come to life.”

The Blackhawk community is located outside the area impacted by McCall’s recent emergency building moratorium. Because the moratorium does not apply to new construction at Blackhawk, construction on the River Lodge and other homes will continue as scheduled.

Download PDF