Page 15 - Flathead Beacon // 4.2.14

FLATHEADBEACON.COM
NEWS APRIL 2, 2014 | 15

the fore.
including a group of large construction

“It’s the true gateway. There are a lot
projects that will soon surround Cabela’s Southside in the Spotlight
of people rolling up from the lake into on the north end. According to the city’s
Kalispell. That’s a big part of the rea- planning department, the incoming
son why we did our development there,” businesses include: ULTA, a cosmetics City reviewing potential for economic development
said Shannon Nalty, who purchased the retailer; Michael’s, an arts and crafts re-
Southield Tower and completed the re- tailer; Boot Barn, a Western wear cloth-
mainder of the Southield Park build- ing and boot franchise; PetSmart, a re-
ings, including the Forum and The Pla- tail chain for pet supplies; Verizon Wire-

za. “I’m pleased that the focus and atten- less; and ive smaller individual stores
tion are coming back to the south.”
grouped in the same site. MacKenzie
Nalty has already seen an increase River Grill and Pub is already under con- Kalispell
in economic activity and interest at the struction near Cabela’s, and another res- City Airport
south end. As he pointed out, the area taurant has expressed interest in an ad-
boasts the beneits of strong utility and jacent space for future development.
transportation infrastructure, as well as City staf are trying to give a signii-

a large crop of hotels that would lend to cant boost to the expansive redevelop-
new development. Nalty also sees a great ment plan for downtown Kalispell by BYP
opportunity for technology companies applying yet again for a federal grant ASS
to plant roots.
that would help fund the development of
A landmark on the south, The Outlaw an industrial rail park. The planned 90-
Inn, has new owners who are rebranding acre industrial site between Whiteish
the property as The Guesthouse Inn and Stage Road and U.S. Highway 2 did not
Suites and Outlaw Convention Center. A make the cut last year, when Flathead

new Fred’s Appliance retail store is be- County fell short in its bid for a Trans-
ing developed near Gardner Auction. In- portation Investment Generating Eco- N
terest has also picked up around the in- nomic Recovery (TIGER) grant. A new
tersection where the completed stretch and improved application is being orga- 2000 ft.
of bypass will start.
nized and will be submitted before the
“The city is doing a good job of start- deadline later this month. The rail park South Kalispell Potential
ing to address growth in a methodical is considered a vital part of the Core Development Area
BYPASS

way,” Nalty said.
Area Plan, which depends largely on the
On the eve of construction season, removal of the railroad tracks through
City Hall has already approved several downtown.
STEVE LARSON | FLATHEAD BEACON
building permits that are ready to issue,
[email protected]