A possible commercial developer has been chosen for the Victory Commons site adjacent to the Kidsports Complex in Kalispell, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation announced Friday afternoon.
The DNRC, city of Kalispell and Kidsports organization accepted a proposal from Goldberg Properties and The Kroenke Group (TKG). The two companies have partnered together and are proposing to lease and develop 28 acres of state-owned school trust land on the corner of U.S. Highway 93 and Reserve Loop. Goldberg Properties was the original developer of sites across the street where Costco, McDonald’s, Lowe’s and other businesses are located.
The state will enter negotiations for a commercial ground lease for Victory Commons. Once negotiations are completed, the lease would go to the State Land Board for approval, and if approved developers can pursue tenants for the site.
“We’re very pleased to be advancing to the next step in developing this property,” DNRC Director Mary Sexton said in a statement. “The city, DNRC and Kidsports have forged a strong partnership through years of collaboration. All of us look forward to working with Goldberg/TKG to maximize revenue for K-12 schools and grow the Flathead’s economy.”
Kidsports President Dan Johns called the project a “win-win” for DNRC and the community, adding that the agreement “represents an important step down the path toward a permanent easement on the athletic complex for Kalispell and Kidsports.”
Johns told the Beacon the hope is to find a commercial development that will “blend” with the popular sports complex.
Kalispell Planning Director Tom Jentz cited additional benefits of the partnership in a statement.
“Not only does the city have the opportunity to create a long-term solution for Kidsports, but we will open up another retail site for future growth in the community, allowing us to support the State School Trust as the property is developed,” he said.
More than a dozen developers showed interest in the property after DNRC released a request for proposals (RFP).
“Goldberg/TKG have extensive experience with public/private development partnerships,” Sexton said. “We think they’re a good fit for this project.”
Goldberg is based in Denver, Colo., and TKG is based in Columbia, Mo.