Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A . C O M 115 BY ROBYN ERLENBUSH IN MONTANA Robyn Erlenbush is a third- generation Montanan who lives in Bozeman. She owns ERA Land- mark Real Estate with offices in Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston, and Ennis along with NAI Landmark Commercial, and Intermountain Property Management. robyn@eralandmark.com a multi-level attached housing development which is two blocks from historic Main Street. We are seeing countless, small infill projects popping up within a four to six block walk of downtown. ere are three ongoing and new projects that feature luxury condos downtown. e "Village" is just off Broadway and Main and has several offerings from penthouses, stacked flats, to palatial townhomes as well as a mid- sized product. e newest addition to downtown is 5 West, located at Tracy and Mendenhall. is five-story complex features retail on the main level, offices on the second level, and unique, trendy urban condos on the top floors. And lastly, the beautiful renovation of the iconic Willson School at Main and 3rd, which is being transformed into seventeen thoughtfully, redesigned condominiums. In Great Falls, the River's Edge Trail has been a key component for enjoyment of the Missouri River for a quarter of a century. Nearly 60 miles of trail has been constructed in both urban and ru- ral areas so that runners, walkers, and cyclists can all recreate. is impressive trail system is a boon to the town by drawing in people who appreciate an active lifestyle without having to travel far. Cur- rently, $225,000 in private funding is being used in conjunction with $4.6 million in grants to "design, construct, repair, and main- tain" the trail system over the next couple of years. Trendy develop- ments along the river provide fun shopping and dining venues. Just last month, Helena published its 20 year Downtown Helena Master Plan to show their commitment to growing this area of the capital city which celebrates quality of life. e themes of convenience, vibrancy, uniqueness, and connectivity all intertwine for the vision to come true. e Great Northern District is positioned to appeal to young professionals who desire to live and work in an up and coming area. e Last Chance Gulch Retail Core is designed to be inviting to Helena residents as well as visitors to the area. e Fire Tower District includes condos and townhomes with the goal of alluring those who desire an eclectic mix of dining, culture ,and recreation. Billings proudly offers the Heritage Trail System, among others, for non-motorized use to support a healthy environment and a progressive community. e plan even goes so far to connect outly- ing areas including Laurel, the South Hills, and Lockwood. While long considered the center of regional commerce and healthcare, Billings' downtown area has also undergone positive changes. Further makeovers are expected to keep coming in the form of the Gateway Exposition project in the East Billings industrial district. e area near the popular event venue, MetraPark, is slated to undergo a large makeover over the upcoming years to increase infrastructure, streets, and even a pedestrian overpass. Some projects that are intended to spruce up an unsightly or vacant area still meet with opposition. For instance, in Missoula, the historic Missoula Mercantile has been the subject of debate. A developer has been working with the Missoula Historic Preser- vation Commission and Downtown Association to come up with a plan that is workable to all parties which will demolish the current structure in order to make way for a $30-million, 154 room, five- story Residence Inn by Marriott hotel. Missoula's lively downtown is walking distance to the University of Montana. In the Flathead area, there is a unique project in Whitefish that goes by the name of Casey's Pub and Grill. e building itself has operated as a saloon or billiard hall since it opened its doors (origi- nally as the Sprague Saloon) in 1905. In 2012, a major overhaul took place and the establishment now offers multiple levels and atmospheres from family friendly dining to a lounge with shows to the only rooftop location in the Flathead Valley. e night- life events are beyond comparison and draw in a diverse crowd. Whitefish is filled with distinctive shops and restaurants and is experiencing several infill projects near Main Street. For a town to provide a fun environment is one thing, but in order to thrive it must deliver jobs and affordable housing as well. e Montana Association of REALTORS® quarterly state meet- ing compiles housing statistics and showed Montana's median housing prices for the first quarter of 2016 ranged from $160,000 in Great Falls, $213,500 in Billings, $229,00 in Helena, $238,750 in Missoula, $240,000 in Kalispell and $283,000 in Bozeman. As you travel this summer, take an extra hour or two and explore the downtown renaissance occurring throughout our state. I think most of us agree the "last, best place" just keeps getting better. Great Northern Lifestyle Mall near Last Chance Gulch in Helena R. LEVANS

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