The Depot on Church: Reimagining Bozeman’s Historic East Side

Bozeman’s skyline is evolving once again. If you’ve traveled past the historic Northern Pacific Depot recently, you’ve likely seen more than just a relic of Montana’s railroad past. A new proposed development, known as The Depot on Church (or the Church Avenue project), is at the center of a fresh debate on how to preserve Bozeman’s historic character while embracing the demands of modern urban growth.

What is the Depot on Church?

The project is a proposed six-story, mixed-use development located on Church Avenue, just a stone's throw from the iconic Northern Pacific Depot. Unlike the sprawling subdivisions on the west side of town, this project focuses on urban infill—utilizing underused space in the city’s historic core to create housing and commercial opportunities.

Key Features of the Proposal:

• Residential Density: The project aims to bring much-needed housing units to the Northeast neighborhood.

• Commercial Integration: Ground-floor retail and office spaces are planned to keep the area "activated" during the day.

• Infrastructure Upgrades: The developers are proposing to front approximately $3.6 million for public infrastructure upgrades, including sewer and street improvements, to be reimbursed via Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

Why the Northeast Neighborhood?

Historically, the Northeast neighborhood was the industrial heartbeat of Bozeman—a place where warehouse workers lived alongside the rail lines. Today, it’s one of the most sought-after, eclectic pockets of town.

The city has identified this area as a "neighborhood in transition." Because much of the existing infrastructure is aging or undersized, the city is leaning on public-private partnerships to modernize the area. According to recent city reports, the "Depot on Church" project would help fund these necessary upgrades that the city budget couldn't otherwise cover immediately.

The Big Picture: Bozeman Real Estate in 2026

The Depot on Church isn't an outlier; it's part of a broader trend. With the New Montana Property Tax changes taking effect this year, there is a heightened focus on primary residences and long-term rental supply.

Projects like this, alongside the North Central District and Northwest Crossing, represent Bozeman’s attempt to stabilize a market that has seen historic highs. By adding inventory in the urban core, the city hopes to ease the pressure on the "missing middle" of housing.

What’s Next?

The City of Bozeman is currently in a high-engagement phase for this project. If you live in the Northeast neighborhood or are a stakeholder in Bozeman’s growth, now is the time to make your voice heard.