For nearly a decade, Bozeman residents have driven down North 7th Avenue past the 31-acre vacant lot where Kmart once stood and wondered, "What's next?" That question now has a 1-million-square-foot answer: Bozeman Square.

This massive, phased project is poised to become one of Bozeman's most significant developments, transforming the empty asphalt into a vibrant, mixed-use district. Led by developer I.J. Barkan, Inc., the project is not just filling a void; it's creating a new anchor for Bozeman's Midtown corridor.

Here is everything you need to know about the Bozeman Square development:

What is the Bozeman Square Project?

Bozeman Square is a large-scale, "live-work-play" community planned for the 31-acre former Kmart property on North 7th Avenue. The project will be developed in phases over the next five to 10 years, ultimately totaling up to 1 million square feet of new construction.

The vision is to create a new center for public life that connects the Midtown district with the neighboring Gallatin County Fairgrounds.

Key Features & Plans for Bozeman Square

The development is designed as a fully integrated, mixed-use district. Early plans announced by the developers include a dynamic mix of public and private spaces:

• Residential Housing: A significant number of apartments.
• Affordable Housing: Phase 1 includes 200 affordable housing units, addressing a critical need for the Bozeman community.
• Commercial & Retail: A mix of new restaurants, shops, and storefronts.
• Entertainment & Venues: Public gathering spaces and entertainment venues.
• Hospitality: Plans include the development of hotels and a convention center, which would fill a major need for the city.

The Bozeman Square project is being led by a partnership of developers with deep experience and local ties, including Irwin Barkan of I.J. Barkan, Inc., Bryan Beauchamp, and Sebastien Guilhemotonia. After working for over a year with local officials from the City of Bozeman and the Gallatin County Commission, the team has announced an aggressive start for the project. They are working with the Bozeman-based firm Cushing Terrell for engineering and design, with plans to break ground on Phase 1 in 2026. This initial phase will deliver approximately 100,000 square feet of amenities and 200 affordable housing units.

A New Anchor for the North 7th Midtown Corridor

This project is a massive win for Bozeman's Midtown Urban Renewal District. The North 7th corridor, which has lagged behind the development boom of Main Street and the Mill District, will finally get its "anchor."

Daryl Schliem, CEO of the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce, has praised the project, stating, "Bozeman Square will provide an anchor to the North 7th corridor, attract locals and visitors from all over the country, and fill a need in our community for years to come."

Partnership with the Gallatin County Fairgrounds

One of the most exciting aspects of Bozeman Square is its strategic location and partnership with the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds, located just east of the property, is concurrently developing its own master plan for revitalization.

Caitlin Quisenberry, the fairgrounds director, noted the synergy between the two projects. The goal is to "cohesively create a mixed-use entertainment region," combining the new venues of Bozeman Square with the updated facilities at the fairgrounds.

This development will fundamentally reshape the North 7th corridor, connecting it to the fairgrounds and creating a new, vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.