Brannigan's Irish Pub serves Irish fare in Downtown Kalispell
Brannigan's Irish Pub

PREPARATION IN ANTICIPATION

To encourage mixed-use and high-density development in the Kalispell Core Area the City has created B-3 Zoning reducing parking requirements, eliminating set-back requirements and significantly loosening height restriction for commercial and residential buildings.
The Kalispell Core Area is part of the Westside Tax Increment Finance District enabling property taxes paid on new development to fund new infrastructure in the District and reimburse some development expenses.  Additionally, the Airport Tax Increment Finance District will invest in road upgrades and new sidewalks in the Courthouse South District surrounding Kalispell's newest elementary school.

Significant sections of Kalispell have been designated a federal Opportunity Zone by the Department of Treasury including the east and west sections of the Kalispell Core Area and Kalispell Trail and nearly all of the Courthouse South District. 
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The Kalispell Opportunity Zone overlaps the New Market Tax Credit census tract and two TIF Districts creating numerous opportunities for maximum return on investment in nixed commercial use and residential development in the heart of a rapidly growing city.

CREATION OF THE CORE

The City of Kalispell and Flathead County Economic Development Authority have invested $40 MM in the redevelopment of the Kalispell Core Area and creation of the Kalispell Trail replacing the train tracks through the heart of the city with a trail and linear park. This will bring new private investment to leverage investment in infrastructure and the community's efforts to create public amenities at the center of Kalispell.

The project has re-located two historical businesses using rail to the new Glacier Rail Park and replaces the train tracks through the heart of the city with a trail and linear park.  This effort will un-encumber over 45 acres of vacant or underutilized property for re-development bringing new private investment to leverage the City's investment in infrastructure and the community's efforts to create public amenities at the center of Kalispell.

 KALISPELL CORE AND RAIL PROJECT IMPACT

It is that rare project that creates abundant opportunities while providing the framework to accommodate the changes that come with those expanded opportunities. Forward thinking developers and investors are already purchasing property, planning projects and establishing Opportunity Funds to maximize return on investment.  

Agriculture

CHS’s grain elevator, one of the two businesses still served by Kalispell’s rail line, originally was situated on the city’s perimeter. But as the town grew, the grain elevator was enveloped by the City and now sits at the busy intersection of Center and 5th Avenue West. 

The grain elevators will be moved to the new Glacier Rail Park in September 2019 and this prime location in the Kalispell's Opportunity Zone will be available for re-development.  The community is hoping that a new use for the 100 year old concrete silos can be found after the metal grain elevator and other buildings are removed. 

Entertainment & Shopping

In 2020 with the creation of the new trail Kalispell will take a major step forward in separating its industrial businesses from its downtown retail and commercial center.  The replacement of industrial track with a linear park is expected to spur investment by business owners and entertainment venues, particularly in the Granary and Park Districts which overlap with Kalispell's new Opportunity Zone. ​

Depot Park, a popular live music venue will abut the Trail along with several pubs, breweries and restaurants some of which are planning to provide sidewalk seating. By catering to the needs of families and pedestrians, the Core Area will be an increasingly attractive destination for locals, visitors, investors and developers.

Housing & Quality of Life

Great jobs are key to attracting a working-class and young-professional population. Kalispell is actively encouraging a diverse range of housing options that are accessible to residents of varying household income levels.​ From young families just starting out to retirees looking to downsize and simplify, everyone will be able to find accessible, appealing housing within their budget. 

The Kalispell Opportunity Zone and New Market Tax Credit designations combined with the City of Kalispell's new Westside TIF eligible uses and B3 Zoning will boost investment in a variety of housing options including high-density apartments projects and mixed-use commercial buildings along the new pedestrian trail.

Technology 

The rail line once served many local businesses, but today technology businesses require fiber to access markets near and far.  Prime sites for tech companies that provide internet access as well as desirable locations for employees will now be available in the heart of Kalispell.  Opportunities to lease newly built or newly renovated properties as well as lots for purchase and new construction can be found in both the Kalispell Core Area as well as the Courthouse South District of the Kalispell Opportunity Zone.   ​

Outdoor Recreation & Healthy Lifestyles

The most immediate and obvious impact of the proposed core development may be the aesthetic appeal of its linear park and trail.   With greenery and walking and bike trails in the heart of a town, a better quality of life ensues. The existence of a trail means that Kalispell will be a prettier and more inviting place. 

There are also practical advantages to the planned linear park and trail.  It will replace the railroad tracks once they are relocated making Kalispell more pedestrian friendly. The linear park will implement a trail system that connects the historic east and west sides of town, improving both walkability and bike-ability.
​"The existence of a trail means that Kalispell will be a prettier and more inviting place."

​Workforce & Wages

Kalispell must​ not only provide jobs with higher wages and accessible housing, but also offer lifestyle incentives. The Core & Rail Redevelopment will offer both. By creating a stronger industrial base in the rail park and improving downtown, the project will encourage investment and private development throughout all corners of the city, making it a better place to both live and work. 

Opportunity Fund financing  and new office buildings combined with the City's investment in the trail and new infrastructure will create a perfect atmosphere for growing businesses in the tech, software and financial service industries.  Tech companies located next to public amenities, restaurants, entertainment and housing will have fewer challenges hiring the quality of workforce they require to thrive and grow.

By enlivening the city landscape with greenery and open spaces, the Core & Rail Redevelopment Project promises to make Kalispell’s downtown a far more enticing place to dine, visit and recreate.  And with such a blend of history, beauty and progress, Kalispell cannot help but feel more interconnected and unified.
Check out these images to see how the Core & Rail Redevelopment project will improve and revitalize Kalispell. The future looks great!

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SUPPORTING POLITICIANS

“This transformative project will create jobs, open up incredible opportunities for businesses, and diversify the economy of northwest Montana.”

​Senator Jon Tester 
“The broad support for this project and tireless work from local officials and businesses helped propel it through an extremely competitive grant process. I look forward to seeing this project get off the ground and bring new improvements to downtown Kalispell.”

Senator Steve Daines
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