Ever since Isaac and Carmen Almanza met flipping homes in 2012, they have started a family and have been part of major developments and business endeavors in the Black Hills area.
“Both of us combined have been working in real estate, design, and development for over 40 years,” said Carmen.
The developments include several historical remodels, complete neighborhood redevelopments, land developments, owning their own real estate company, and running several luxury vacation rentals.
One of the newest projects that just opened last month is McGregor & Main – Luxury Lofts on Main Street in Hill City. The vacation home rental experience features seven unique loft-style condos that can sleep from two to 12 guests.
Hill City has been special to the Almanzas since they moved to town about 10 years ago.
“We absolutely love Hill City and the community,” said Carmen. “We decided to start selling some of our other investments so that we could put the time and effort into this community where our kids will grow up and where we reside.”
“THE FIRST HOUSE WE REMODELED TOGETHER WAS JUST A FEW MONTHS AFTER MEETING EACH OTHER… IT WAS ROUGH. HOWEVER, WE QUICKLY REALIZED WHAT EACH OTHER’S SKILL SETS WERE, & SINCE THEN, WE REALLY LOVE WORKING TOGETHER.” – CARMEN ALMANZA
FACT
MCGREGOR & MAIN IS NEXT DOOR TO THE 1885 STEAKHOUSE
The modern, open floor plans have high-end amenities, full kitchens, exposed beams, on-site laundry, ambient fireplaces, private balconies, and more. McGregor & Main itself is a new build after the Almanzas discovered it would be too much work to restore the previous buildings.
“There were two buildings prior to McGregor & Main that we had purchased on this very site,” described Carmen. “The buildings were in such bad condition it actually had a stream flowing through the basement at one point. We couldn’t imagine putting the money into fixing what was there.”
The location itself is also a highlight for guests. Along with being in close vicinity to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park, half of the rooms overlook Main Street in Hill City.
“IF YOU’RE A FOODIE, THE HILLS OFFER AN ABUNDANCE OF AMAZING PLACES TO EAT & DRINK. QUITE A FEW GREAT PLACES OPENED UP JUST THIS YEAR IN HILL CITY.” – Carmen Almanza
“Our main street shops and art galleries are fun and unique, it’s steps away from 1880 Train, and the wineries and breweries are fun and family-oriented as well,” said Carmen. “We love to ride our bikes on the Mickelson Trail as well as visit all the nearby lakes and hiking trails in the area.”
Hosting a large group? Guests can rent out the entire building, which can sleep up to 36 guests, or they can rent the Presidential Luxury Loft that sleeps 12. The three-bedroom, luxury loft penthouse overlooks Main Street with a large, private balcony. At 2,600 square feet, it has a spacious living and entertaining area, a dining area, full kitchen, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and a built-in bunk bed section next to a gaming area with a foosball table.
“I love the double balcony that overlooks all of Main, plus another balcony in the upper loft,” said Carmen. “It also has double the living room area, a gas fireplace, and its own laundry.”
In the retail space below McGregor & Main will be The Pack Mule Grocery and Provisions—a “Midwest version of Trader Joe’s meets Dean & DeLuca” by owner Benjamin Klinkel, who also owns Tallys Silver Spoon and Delmonico Grill in Rapid City and The Gaslight Dining Saloon in Rockerville. A downtown Rapid City location of The Pack Mule will also be opening soon on Saint Joseph Street.
“The Pack Mule will have fresh fish from Dakota Seafood, meat, a bakery, flowers, as well as beer, wine and liquor, and camping tricks of the trade,” said Klinkel.
The Almanzas have another luxury boutique hotel in downtown Deadwood on Main Street called The Bank Hotel | Deadwood. Right across from Outlaw Square, the property offers a similar vacation rental experience “with even more luxury,” according to Carmen.
“You can actually watch concerts, parades, and all the festivities from the condo windows,” she said.
As the entrepreneurial pair just opened the doors of McGregor & Main, they’re already working on the next project. They own the lot across the street from the hotel and hope to build to lease or sell.
“We are trying to be very selective on what will go there so that it will just enhance the experience of Hill City even more,” said Carmen. “I’d love to see a spa.”
“THE BLACK HILLS ARE STUNNING, NOT OVERLY CROWDED, & OFFER SO MUCH TO DO. WE CALL IT OUR BACKYARD PLAYGROUND; YOU CAN’T BEAT THE SUMMERS HERE.” – CARMEN ALMANZA
Another project is Ranger Square, which is a similar concept as Main Street Square in Rapid City and Outlaw Square in Deadwood.
“Ranger Square will differentiate itself by adding elements of Hill city charm to the design, as well as being a useful and exciting tool for our school,” continued Carmen. “We will also add several more commercial spaces next to the square with living quarters above the commercial space.”
It’s these types of developments that the Almanzas are passionate about for not only tourism, but for locals.
“There is a lot to talk about on the future development in Hill City and exciting things to come,” said Carmen.
