Bozeman Square

Bozeman Square: Transforming Midtown Bozeman’s Former Kmart Site into a Vibrant Live-Work-Play Destination

For nearly a decade, the sprawling 31-acre lot at the intersection of North 7th Avenue and East Oak Street in Bozeman—once home to a Kmart store—has stood as a vast expanse of empty asphalt, a reminder of changing retail landscapes amid the city’s rapid growth. That era is ending. Announced in late 2025, Bozeman Square is set to become one of Montana’s largest and most ambitious mixed-use developments, breathing new life into Midtown’s Urban Renewal District and creating a dynamic hub for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Led by seasoned developer Irwin J. Barkan, CEO of I.J. Barkan, Inc.—with 40 years of experience developing properties for major retailers like Walmart, Kmart, and Chase Bank—the project partners with local stakeholders including Bryan Beauchamp and others. Collaborating with Bozeman-based firm Cushing Terrell for design and engineering, Bozeman Square aims to address the city’s pressing needs for commercial space, housing (including affordable options), and community gathering places.

The development will span from the former Kmart site eastward toward the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, integrating seamlessly with nearby areas like the Cannery District, Walmart Supercenter, and downtown Bozeman. It promises to set a new standard for the Midtown corridor, blending economic vitality with thoughtful public spaces.

Key Features and Phased Development

Bozeman Square is planned as a multi-phase “live-work-play” community totaling up to 1 million square feet of mixed-use space over 5–10 years.

• Phase I (groundbreaking expected in 2026): Approximately 100,000 square feet of retail, commercial, and residential development, including around 200 affordable housing units. This initial phase focuses on lifestyle-driven elements like curated national, regional, and local retailers, plus culinary operators to create an inviting street-level experience.
• Later Phases: Civic uses, potential performing arts venues, a hospitality component (such as a hotel), additional office space, restaurants, shops, and expansive public gathering areas with green spaces and pedestrian-friendly design.
• Overall Mix: Retail and dining at ground level, multi-family apartments (with emphasis on affordability), office opportunities, and community amenities that encourage year-round activity.

The project aligns with city and county master plans for Midtown, emphasizing connectivity, walkability, and synergy with surrounding developments like the fairgrounds redevelopment.

As Bozeman continues to grow, drawing newcomers for its outdoor lifestyle, economy, and Big Sky appeal, projects like Bozeman Square help balance expansion with community needs. By revitalizing a long-vacant site near I-90, it reduces urban blight, boosts local commerce, provides much-needed housing options, and creates a central gathering spot that reflects Montana’s spirit while embracing modern vibrancy.

Bozeman Square isn’t just filling an empty lot—it’s shaping the next chapter of Bozeman’s evolution. Stay tuned for updates as Phase I preparations advance in 2026. This development promises to become a cornerstone of Midtown, where people live, work, shop, dine, and connect under the Montana skies.