Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) is building a new corporate headquarters in Billings, Montana. The announcement of the new headquarters coincides with KOA celebrating 60 years of industry-leading 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 over 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.
Further enhancing flexibility and efficiency, a raised floor system will allow KOA to easily reconfigure the building to meet future needs. Ventilation and climate control will be addressed throughout office and common spaces utilizing cutting-edge energy modeling and daylighting software to ensure the comfort of employees and visitors.
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.
Construction of the new KOA international headquarters is set to begin in February. An official groundbreaking ceremony will take place on April 8, 2022. Completion of the building is set for the first half of 2023.
About Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is the world’s largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds with 525 locations across the U.S. and Canada united under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other.” The industry leader in outdoor hospitality, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – offer sites and amenities designed for every type of camping experience.
In addition to unrivaled brand visibility, KOA offers campground owners unparalleled support, marketing, and technology. The company’s proprietary reservation software, K2, delivers campgrounds a completive advantage within the market. Founded in 1962 in Billings, Mont. and celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2022, KOA now serves more than a million camping families each year, who rely on the standards of excellence and unique outdoor adventures for which KOA is known. For more information, visit KOA.com.