Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is building a new corporate headquarters in Billings, Mont. That announcement coincides with the organization’s celebrating 60 years of operation in Montana’s Yellowstone Valley.
Since the first KOA opened on the banks of the Yellowstone River in 1962, the company’s international headquarters have been located in Billings. Now the world’s largest system of privately-owned campgrounds with more than 525 locations, the new building will continue KOA’s connection to Billings and the greater Montana community as a leader in the outdoor and travel industries.
“KOA has a long history and bright future in Billings,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America. “Our new headquarters will not only be a celebration of KOA’s success, but also solidify our connection to the city as we continue to grow our roots in a meaningful way.”
Located in Billings’ West End Transtech Center, the building will feature subtle nods to KOA’s rich history while celebrating the bright and innovative future of camping and outdoor hospitality. Inspired by KOA’s focus on connecting people to the outdoors, the new headquarters will reflect the surrounding landscape of rolling hills, rimrocks and grass plains.
Designed by A&E Design in Billings, the building will feature flexible workspaces that promote high-performance and reflect fluid business needs. These influences will be seen throughout the building including reconfigurable and demountable office walls, soft workspaces and intentional office placements that reinforce a connection to nature.
Outside, KOA will celebrate their connection to nature with a seasonal “creek bed” that will aid storm drainage and provide sustainable irrigation for landscaping. An activity lawn, large patio space with a fire pit and outdoor meeting spaces will provide ample opportunities for employees and visitors to be immersed in the outdoors.
“Connection to nature has been a critical component of our new building design,” O’Rourke said. “One of the core beliefs of our company is that there are intrinsic health benefits from being in nature and we want that to extend to our workspaces. We envision our new headquarters not just as a space that produces good work, but also one that creates a work environment that promotes health and sustainability.”
Sustainability will be a theme throughout the building through environmentally friendly building practices and materials. KOA is seeking LEED certification for the building through the U.S. Green Building Council.
An official groundbreaking ceremony for KOA’s new world headquarters will be April 8, with completion of the building is set for the first half of 2023.
