Quashing a persistent rumor, Southgate Mall on Tuesday denied reports that Trader Joe's had signed a lease for the vacant Lucky's Market retail store on Brooks Street. However, Southgate manager Tim Winger said talks were underway with potential tenants who could replace the popular grocer later this year. The property's placement on a busy Midtown corridor makes it a prime … [Read more...] about Southgate Mall considering range of tenants for former Lucky’s

Freshly returned from the statewide meeting of the Montana Association of Counties, Missoula County commissioners on Tuesday expressed optimism that a push to establish a regional rail authority will gain the traction it needs to leave the station. But it may need more fuel to climb the mountain. Missoula County this month unveiled a draft resolution calling for the … [Read more...] about Effort to launch regional rail authority, southern route, gains momentum

With a growing population and a robust labor market, Missoula's need for new apartments will continue to grow, especially as single-family homes increase in price and fail to meet ongoing market demand, a new report suggests. But despite the need for multi-family units, the construction of apartments fell in 2019 and vacancy rates ended the year at just 3.7%. As a result, … [Read more...] about Report: Apartment construction in Missoula falls in 2019, even as demand grows

Plans to redevelop several blocks in downtown Missoula will break ground later this year, launching a multi-phased project that will generate hundreds of construction jobs followed by 200 permanent positions with an annual payroll of $3.3 million. But the economic impacts of the project go beyond employment and are expected to ripple across the downtown district, boosting … [Read more...] about Downtown Missoula hotel, events center on track for September start

The spread of coronavirus and whether it's contained to China could impact Montana's economy, though predictions aren't easy to make and continue to shift, local experts said this week. From the state's manufacturing sector to travel and tourism, certain financial areas could be vulnerable to a prolonged outbreak. But that could depend on how long air travel is disrupted, … [Read more...] about Coronavirus could pinch Montana’s economy; travel and tourism vulnerable