New Montana Mall Projects Hint at What’s Coming Next

BUTTE, MT - As Montana’s population swells and national retailers set their sights on the Treasure State, two aging malls—Bozeman’s former Gallatin Valley Mall and Butte’s Butte Plaza Mall—are undergoing massive overhauls.

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Supporters call it progress. Critics call it cultural decay.

But it seems that most Montanans fall somewhere in between, wondering what these redevelopments truly mean for their communities.

Two Malls, Two Visions

In Bozeman, the Gallatin Valley Mall has rebranded as Gallatin Crossing, part of a $100 million redevelopment that includes a medical pavilion, interior renovations, and the highly anticipated opening of High Street—an outdoor retail promenade.

The center will soon welcome eight new tenants, including Montana firsts like Arhaus, Free People, Madewell, and Lululemon.

Meanwhile, 80 miles west, the Butte Plaza Mall is also on the brink of transformation, though details remain scarce.

Developers from Oregon say they plan to “turn the mall inside out” by demolishing the long-vacant Herberger’s and attracting nationally known tenants.

Names like TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls have been floated, alongside a chain grocery store and several specialty retailers.

While Gallatin Crossing has been forthcoming with announcements, construction photos, and projected openings this summer, the Butte project has been marked by months of silence from the developers.

Still, Butte-Silver Bow officials insist the plans are moving forward, with demolition now scheduled to begin this summer.

Economic Growth or Homogenization?

The projects reflect two sides of Montana’s changing economic landscape.

In Bozeman—a city that has nearly doubled in population over the past two decades—growth is expected.

Local officials in Butte are hoping for similar revitalization, especially as Harrison Avenue surges with new developments like Cornerstone Plaza (home to Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and Planet Fitness) and Tractor Supply, slated to open by the end of the year.

But the momentum feels more tentative as project leaders have kept newer details quiet over the past few months.

A Divided Public

Public sentiment across Montana is deeply mixed.

In Bozeman, some residents embrace the new offerings as a step toward convenience and variety—especially in a town where tech money and tourism continue to reshape the economy.

Others worry it signals a shift toward "everytown USA" at the expense of the local character that once defined Gallatin Valley.

In Butte, opinions are just as split, but more cautious.

After years of stagnation and failed promises, many residents are hopeful but skeptical. “We’ve been told before that big changes were coming,” said one local Butte shopper on Facebook. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Some view the incoming stores as sorely needed job creators and revenue drivers for a historically working-class city. Others feel national chains may undercut Butte’s few remaining locally-owned businesses, which have held on despite the mall’s long decline.

Experts Weigh In

Economic development experts say these projects are part of a broader trend across rural America.

“When a population reaches certain thresholds, you see more private investment and brand expansion,” says Dr. Nina McCarthy to the Montana Standard, a regional planning consultant based in Helena. “But the key is: does it meet the needs of the community—or replace them?”

In Bozeman’s case, the pivot to upscale, experience-based shopping seems designed to cater to a wealthier demographic. In Butte, the focus is more foundational—bringing basic retail and grocery options back to an underserved part of town.

A Sign of Progress—or Inevitable Change?

Ultimately, the transformation of Montana’s malls may not be inherently good or bad—it may just be inevitable.

As towns like Bozeman continue to expand and legacy cities like Butte reposition themselves, redevelopment is a sign that people are still investing in Montana’s future. Whether that future feels like home is another question entirely.

For now, Montanans are left to watch and wait—some with optimism, others with apprehension, and many with both.