Secure Your Place at Westside Woods
130 Priority Positions Available for 86 Homes | Owner-Occupants Only
We Know You’ve Been Patient…
When we launched Westside Woods and opened the waitlist, we told you it would take 18-24 months to navigate City approvals and begin construction.
That was nearly four years ago.
We never imagined the annexation, engineering, and infrastructure process would take this long. Thank you for staying with us. Your patience and belief in what Westside Woods can become for Helena means everything to our team.
Today, we’re ready to take the next step forward—and we’re making sure you’re first in line.
What is the Founders Priority List?
Westside Woods is Helena’s newest west-side neighborhood—a major phased subdivision approved by the City of Helena, with preliminary plats approved and final infrastructure requirements nearing completion. Because interest far exceeds the 86 homes available in Phases 1 and 2, we created the Founders Priority List: a transparent, equitable way to secure early access when homes become available.
This first release covers Phases 1 & 2 only:
- 38 single-family lots
- 48 condo units
- Total: 86 homes available
- Maximum 130 Priority Reservations accepted (ensuring meaningful choice for all participants)
You Get:
A Numbered Priority Position
Assigned in order of completed agreements—your place in line is clear and protected.
Exclusive Early Access
When Phases 1 & 2 are ready, Priority Members will receive notifications and selection windows before the general public.
Owner-Occupant Focus
This program is for buyers planning to live at Westside Woods, not investment properties. This protects the neighborhoods quality and character.
A Refundable Deposit
Your $2,000 deposit is held by an independent escrow agent and applied directly to your purchase price if you buy a Westside home.
Flexibility & Protection
Cancel anytime before your first selection window for a full refund. Multiple refund opportunities and escrow protection safeguard your investment.
How the Founders Priority List Works
Step 1: Join the Priority List
- Review & sign the Founders Priority Interest Agreement
- Submit your refundable $2,000 deposit
Step 2: Receive Your Priority Number
- We’ll confirm your Founders Priority Number by email within 2 business days
- Numbers assigned in order of completed agreements
Step 3: Wait for Your Selection Window
- As Phases 1 & 2 near completion and final plat approval, we’ll announce a Founders Selection Period
- We’ll contact Priority Members in number order and provide exclusive selection windows
Step 4: Choose Your Path
During your selection window, you can:
- Choose a home: Review available packages with complete pricing, select one, and sign a purchase agreement
- Roll forward: Pass on Phases 1 & 2 and keep your Priority status for future phases
- Request a refund: Decide Westside Woods isn’t the right fit and receive your full refund deposit back
Understanding Your Priority Number
What does your priority number really mean?
If you receive priority #25, it means 24 households will be contacted before you when selection windows open for your phase.
But here’s the important part:
Not everyone ahead of you will purchase. Some will pass to wait for later phases. Some will have changed circumstances. Some will choose to defer.
Your real opportunity may be significantly better than your number suggests.
With our 130-to-86 ratio specifically designed to ensure meaningful choices, even priority numbers in the 80s-100s can still see excellent selection options.
We’re not over-promising positions.
This ratio balances opportunity with realistic expectations, which is why we capped enrollment at 130 for 86 homes rather than accepting unlimited reservations.
Understanding What You're Securing Access To
Your Priority Position gives you early access to purchase a home in Westside Woods Phases 1 & 2 when they become available, through a separate Montana purchase and sale agreement after final plats are recorded.
Phases 1 & 2 will include:
- 38 single-family lots on the west end of the property
- 48 condo units in thoughtfully designed multi-family buildings
- City water, sewer, paved streets, sidewalks, and trail connections
- Over 13 acres of preserved open space
House Plans & Pricing
You can explore home plans and base pricing now at westside-woods.com.
Browse floor plans, review current base home pricing, see included features and available upgrades, and explore the design quality that will define Westside Woods.
Why a Priority List?
Honoring Montana Law
Montana law prohibits selling or transferring subdivision lots until final plats are recorded with the county. The Founders Priority List respects this law while giving committed households a way to secure early access as we complete approvals and infrastructure.
Building With Integrity
Westside Woods has been nearly four years in the making, longer than expected, but our focus has always been on doing things the right way. This includes bringing city water and sewer to the property, installing quality infrastructure, preserving over 13 acres of open space, and working closely with the City to meet all requirements.
Built for Helena, Not Just Anywhere
Location Matters
Westside Woods connects to Mount Helena trail systems, serves existing west-side neighborhoods, and is within walking/biking distance to Kessler Elementary. This isn’t a generic subdivision dropped onto a map—it’s designed for this specific place.
City Annexation was a Choice
Sussex deliberately chose to annex into the City of Helena rather than build under county standards. This means city water and sewer, paved streets with sidewalks, upgraded traffic infrastructure and compliance with Helena’s growth policy.
Helena Roots
Sussex Construction is a Helena-based company building for Helena families. Our office is here. Our team lives here. We’re accountable to this community, not to out-of-state investors or corporate shareholders.
West-Side Character
The project preserves open space, connects to existing trail networks, and is designed to fit the character of Helena’s west side—not to replace or overwhelm it.
What the Priority List is NOT
Let’s be clear about what you’re getting—and what you’re not:
This is NOT
- A contract to purchase a specific lot or home
- A guarantee of any particular lot, plan, orientation, view, or price
- An ownership interest in real estate
- A recorded or legal interest in property
- Available to investment or rental property buyers
This IS
- A contractual priority position for early selection access to Phases 1 & 2
- A refundable deposit held in independent escrow and applied to purchase price
- Limited to 130 positions for 86 available homes
- A fair, transparent way to honor early community interest
- Restricted to owner-occupants to protect neighborhood quality
Owner-Occupant Requirement
Westside Woods Phases 1 & 2 are reserved for owner-occupants only.
This means buyers must intend to occupy the home as their primary residence. Investment purchases for rental properties are not permitted.
Why this matters:
- Stronger community: Owner-occupied neighborhoods have lower turnover, greater stability, and deeper community connections.
- Protects families: Reduces speculative buying that can price out families who want to live here
- Quality of life: Ensures neighbors are invested in the neighborhood’s character and success
- Aligns with our vision: Sussex builds neighborhoods, not investment portfolios
This requirement will be included in purchase agreements and recorded in CC&Rs for Phases 1 & 2.
Working With a Realtor
Sussex welcomes realtor participation in the Founders Priority List.
If you’re working with a buyer’s agent, they can help you navigate the Priority Reservation process and will receive standard buyer-agent commission at closing.
Realtors may register clients
they represent with signed buyer representation agreements.
You complete the priority agreement
in your name and submit the deposit.
Your realtor assists you with
paperwork, questions, and the eventual purchase process.
Standard commission applies
when you close on a home (not on the Priority Reservation itself).
Realtors May Not
Register themselves without an actual represented client, hold priority positions speculatively, or register clients who aren’t genuinely interested in Phases 1 or 2.
This ensures fair access for both represented and unrepresented buyers while welcoming professional guidance and compensating realtors appropriately.
Phases 1 & 2 vs. Future Phases
This Priority List is for Phases 1 & 2 only. Westside Woods will eventually include additional phases beyond these first two.
If you join the Priority List but later decide Phases 1 or 2 aren’t right for you:
- You can pass during your selection window
- Your Founders Priority status rolls forward to future phases
- You can request a refund or ask to hold your deposit for the next release
If you’re only interested in later phases:
- You can skip this round entirely
- You’ll remain on the waitlist with Founders Priority status when future phases are announced
- Your early support and patience will continue to be recognized across the entire project
The bottom line: Joining the priority list now doesn’t lock you into Phases 1 or 2. It gives you protected early access across the entire Westside Woods community as it unfolds, phase by phase.
Refund & Cancellation Protection
Your $2,000 deposit is held in independent escrow (not Sussex’s general business funds) and protected in multiple ways.
What counts as a “genuine selection opportunity”
- We will not count a selection opportunity unless:
- There are multiple homes available in your phase
- We provide you with full pricing and at least 3 days to decide
- We are reasonably confident you have at least one option that fits your expressed interest (single-family vs condo)
We’ve built flexibility and consumer protection into this program because we know circumstances change. Your deposit is safeguarded by independent escrow, and you have multiple pathways to full refunds.
Communication & Timeline
You won’t be left in the dark. Here’s how often you’ll hear from us:
A brief project status update
roughly every 60-90 days.
A specific pre-notice
when we are 3-6 month from a selection window.
A detailed package
of pricing and options before your actual selection window.
General timeline guidance (not a promise):
While we cannot provide exact dates (City approvals and weather affect timing), most households should think in terms of a 12-18 month window from today for actual closings in Phases 1-2, depending on City approvals, infrastructure completion, and weather.
This is not a guarantee or contract date, but a planning range to discuss with your lender, financial planner, and family. We’ll update you regularly as we get closer to firm timelines.
Who Should Join—And Who Should Wait
This program is ideal for:
- Households ready to commit to Westside Woods as their primary home
- Families planning to live on Helena’s west side long term
- Buyers who value neighborhood stability and community character
- People comfortable with 12-18 month approximate timeline to closing
- Those who want first access to Phases 1 & 2
You may want to wait if:
- You need to move in the next 6-12 months
- You are primarily looking for an income investment or short-term rental
- You are unsure whether you want to live on Helena’s west side after reviewing plans and pricing
- You prefer to wait for Phases 3, 4, & 5 (you can remain on the waitlist with priority status)
There’s no penalty for waiting. We want the right fit for you and for the community. If you’re not ready now, your waitlist position and early support will continue to matter when future phases are announced.
Questions About the Founders Priority List? We’ve Got You Covered!
Why Can't I Just Buy a Lot Now?
Montana law prohibits selling or contracting to sell specific subdivision lots until final plats are recorded with the county. Sussex is currently completing City annexation conditions, final engineering, and public infrastructure improvements before final plats can be filed. The Founders Priority List gives you a protected place in line while we complete that process.
How are Priority Numbers Assigned?
In the order we receive completed, signed agreements and cleared deposits (held in escrow). If multiple households complete on the same calendar day, we conduct a witnessed random drawing to set the order within that day—keeping it fair for everyone.
When Does the Two-Year Refund Clock Start?
The two-year automatic refund period begins on the date the final plat for Phases 1 and 2 is recorded with Lewis & Clark County, not from the date you sign the Priority Agreement. This ensures the clock starts when lots legally exist and can be sold.
What if my Financial Situation Changes?
You can cancel anytime before your first selection window begins and receive a 100% refund of your deposit from escrow. Even after selection opportunities, you have paths to request refunds. This program is designed to be forgiving, not punitive.
Is my Deposit Earning Interest While in Escrow?
No. The deposit is non-interest-bearing while held in escrow.
Can I Choose my Specific Lot, View, or Home Plan Now?
Not yet. Final lot configurations, orientations, and specific locations will be available when Phases 1 and 2 reach the Founders Selection Period. Your Priority Number determines when you get to choose from available options—it doesn’t guarantee specific options will still be available when your window arrives.
When Will I Know Lot Prices?
Lot pricing will be released after the City of Helena finalizes certain infrastructure requirements that directly impact development costs. You’ll receive lot pricing with adequate notice before selection windows begin—plenty of time to evaluate, prepare financing, and decide whether to move forward.
What Happens if Sussex Cancels Westside Woods or Significantly Changes the Project?
If Sussex permanently cancels Phases 1 and 2 or materially changes the scope (significant downsizing, fundamental concept change, etc.), all deposits are refunded at 100% from escrow.
Can I Transfer my Priority Position?
With Sussex’s written consent, yes—particularly for transfers to immediate family members or revocable living trusts for estate planning purposes. Any approved transfer carries the same Priority Number and terms.
Why are Only 130 Positions Available for 86 Homes?
This ratio (1.5:1) ensures everyone who joins has a real, meaningful chance at selection. We’re not over-subscribing to the point where positions become meaningless. If you’re Priority #130, you’ll still have genuine selection opportunities.
Why Owner-Occupants Only?
We’re building a neighborhood where people live, not an investment asset for rental portfolios. Owner-occupancy requirements protect community character, reduce turnover, and ensure Westside Woods becomes a place where neighbors know each other and invest in the neighborhood’s success.
I'm Working With a Realtor. How Does This Work?
Great! Your realtor can help you complete the Priority Agreement and will receive standard buyer-agent commission when you close on a home. They’ll need to provide a signed buyer representation agreement showing they represent you. Realtors cannot register speculatively without actual clients.
What if I Only Want a Home in Phase 3 or Beyond?
You can skip this round and remain on the waitlist with Founders Priority status for future phases. Or you can join now, pass on Phases 1 & 2 during your selection window, and roll your priority forward to later phases.
Is This Program Approved by the City of Helena?
The Founders Priority List is a business program between Sussex and interested households. It does not require separate City approval and does not change any of Sussex’s obligations under annexation or subdivision conditions. We remain fully committed to meeting all City infrastructure, safety, and quality standards.
What if Market Conditions or Home Prices Change Significantly?
Final pricing will reflect actual construction and infrastructure costs plus market conditions at time of release. Your priority position gives you access and choice, not a price lock. If final pricing doesn’t fit your budget or goals when your selection window arrives, you can opt for a refund or roll forward to future phases. We build this flexibility in deliberately because we know markets change.
Ready to Secure Your Place?
What you’ll need: 5-10 minutes to review & sign the Founders Priority Interest Agreement, $2,000 refundable deposit (held in independent escrow, applied to purchase price), and contact information (we’ll send your Priority Number within 2 business days)
3051 Cabernet Dr, Ste 5
Helena, MT 59601
Sussex Neighborhoods:
