McCall’s Whitetail Club development sees growth, interest during pandemic

Whitetail Club in McCall is looking different lately. It’s five times busier, leadership is reporting. More people are visiting, with more serious intention of possibly becoming part-time members or permanent residents of the community.

Joe Buchanan and Tom Garcia attribute that in part to COVID-19. They believe individuals and families are re-analyzing their lives. A home, even a second or third, in a small town with mountain and lake views seems more plausible.

“They’re taking a harder look at their lives and where they want to be, (instead) of where they have to be,” said Garcia, president and general manager for Whitetail Club and Shore Lodge. “This allows them to have that work and play balance.”

“With the new norm they’re in, people working online and children doing their schooling online through college, it’s opened an opportunity,” added Buchanan, vice president of real estate.

This trend of people expressing increased interest in Whitetail Club, a 1,300-acre private residential community, and taking part in its amenities of lake recreation, golfing, indoor athletics, fine dining and more, has occurred despite restrictions and adaptations posed by COVID-19.

The club adheres to Central District Health guidelines and the governor’s stages of reopening.

Some additional events have been added to the schedule to allow for social distancing, Garcia said. If an event typically sees 100 people, for example, that event could be broken up into around three offerings. Sanitation has increased, though some events still had to be “put on pause.”

“We’ve decided collectively we’re not taking any shortcuts,” Garcia said. “We’re going to be a good community steward, to both our employees and the surrounding businesses.”

“I think the offerings, we haven’t curtailed any of that,” he added. “We’ve started being smarter in protecting (everyone) as we move along this timeline.”

Buchanan said family also continues to be a focus.

“Our membership allows for any member of the family to come together or separately to enjoy Whitetail or McCall,” he said. “Maybe that family component is now more important than ever.”

What’s the market like?

Many Boiseans and other Treasure Valley residents are aware of and frequent McCall because of its scenic beauty and proximity of roughly 110 miles to Boise. The entire city offers experiences, especially outdoors, including skiing, camping, fishing and hiking.

The hype is getting out to other areas of Idaho and the country.

To accommodate, Whitetail Club offers a variety of residencies, including the Fairway townhomes on the golf course and a custom Design Build selection built on site. Sometimes custom-built mountain homes will become available.

The cottages are sold out, Buchanan said, and Whitetail Club membership has exceeded 200. Whitetail Club has increased the number of sales it normally does by about 50%, Buchanan said. Those sales range from part-time membership to permanent, primary residency.

“What’s happened is relocation from California to Boise, Washington to Boise, Arizona to Boise, all of a sudden that network of individuals comes together and says, ‘Hey, I’m going up here (to McCall),’” Garcia said. “We’re grateful for (Boise) being able to attract good businesses, and that allows us more interest in our place.”

From Idaho, the market can also come from Coeur d’Alene, Sun Valley and other areas because McCall is “just different.”

“I think we’re becoming more diverse as Boise is growing,” Buchanan added. “The number one market is still going to be Boise, but it’s still coming from all different locations.”

“We’re excited about the future,” Garcia said. “We want to make sure everyone’s experience here is outstanding. I really do have an outstanding team.”