From One Feather To Another: How CSDI’s Confidence In Ice Air Helped Shape Two Idaho Mountain Town Communities

iCool XC in Idaho

When CSDI Construction first partnered with Tailwater Development on the Black Feather Apartments in Idaho Falls, their goal was clear: build affordable, high-quality housing that wouldn’t compromise on performance or comfort, even in Idaho’s unpredictable climate. Ultimately, it was the HVAC solution that stood out most in the final delivery.

Balancing Affordability with Comfort

“CSDI needed something reliable, energy-efficient, and built for the real cold,” said Ric Nadel, CEO and Founder of Ice Air. “With over two decades of experience in all types of buildings, Ice Air delivers customized solutions that meet code requirements. Optimizing energy efficiency and respecting architectural integrity has become part of our DNA.”

Ice Air’s packaged terminal heat pumps performed beyond expectations at Black Feather, according to CSDI project managers. “We installed peace of mind.”

Earning Trust Through Performance

That experience later influenced a second project nearly 70 miles away in Victor, Idaho: Teton Flats, a Scandinavian-inspired 72-unit development by Monroe Residential Partners (MRP). When it came time to select HVAC systems for the new property, Monroe reached out to CSDI with a clear request—use the same solution from Black Feather.

“We got the call from the people at Monroe,” said Tom Glass. “They told us, ‘Whatever equipment you used on Black Feather, we want the same performance at Teton Flats.’ That kind of feedback is the best kind of referral. And for us, that meant confidence in our solutions.”

Ice Air’s packaged terminal heat pump (PTHP) units—engineered specifically for cold climate performance down to -5°F—proved to be a perfect fit once again. With clean, quiet operation and individual climate control, the units delivered exactly what MRP needed in a region where winters demand more from building systems.

“HVAC isn’t usually the headline,” said Nadel. “But when it works seamlessly in a place like Idaho, it quietly becomes one of the most important parts of the building. And when our equipment helps people live better—especially in affordable housing—we know we’ve done our job. At Ice Air, customer success isn’t a milestone. It’s the mission.”

Meeting the Demands of the Region

For Monroe Residential Partners, Teton Flats represents more than just another multifamily community. Situated just 25 miles from Jackson Hole, the development offers high-quality, cost-effective housing options for the workforce supporting nearby resorts—without the steep rents typical of resort markets. Designed with nine-foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, and scenic views of the Grand Teton Range, the apartments blend mountain beauty with smart utility.

“Our mission is to create housing solutions that support both quality of life and regional vitality,” said Andrew Friestedt, Principal at MRP. “By using proven systems like Ice Air’s heat pumps, we’re able to deliver on affordability without sacrificing comfort or reliability.”

“We pride ourselves on doing work that lasts,” said a CSDI representative. “Black Feather gave us the opportunity to solve tough challenges. Ice Air helped us do it right. That success is what earned the trust for Teton Flats.”

 

 

Strategy Behind Every Detail

In a region known for its rugged beauty and temperature extremes, performance matters. And in a tight housing market where every detail counts, Monroe Residential Partners continues to rely on partners like CSDI and Ice Air to help bring their vision to life.

“Great buildings don’t happen by accident,” said Michael L. Obloy, also a Principal at MRP. “They happen when every piece—from the architecture to the HVAC system—is part of a larger strategy. We don’t just build. We solve.”

From Idaho Falls to Victor, from Black Feather to Teton Flats, the thread is unmistakable: trust, performance, and a shared commitment to building communities where people can truly live.