Last week Tim Peterson led off a trio of speakers that also included Cara Carlson and Megan Ballock, telling us about an exciting new vision for downtown Great Falls. For some time now, the Great Falls Development Authority and the Downtown Development Partners have been engaging the community in a series of visioning discussions. Out of those discussions, key elements of a revitalized downtown have emerged, one with more modern family housing, more music and entertainment venues, rooftop experiences, fresh street markets, and pop-up retail spaces.
Since then, the focus has been on revitalizing three specific blocks downtown. On the 500 block of Central Avenue, the plan is to revitalize the second and third floors of the Murphy Building to provide 76 new apartments. A daycare, fitness center, and family-friendly entertainment are also being planned.
On the 100 block of Central Avenue, the focus is on restoring or maintaining the original character of the buildings, providing outdoor dining, as well as boutiques and bistros, and adding character with lights.
The parking lot on the 200 block of First Avenue South would be replaced with an apartment complex with market space on the street level, a restaurant overlooking the river from an upper floor, and space for outdoor activity.
Some of that work has already begun. Kellergeist is providing an outdoor experience and working on restoring its 1920 look, with a theatre in the back and a bar in the front. Uncovering the art deco style of the Metropolitan Building is in the works. And plans for a newly revitalized Milwaukee Depot, with an apartment addition and space for a restaurant and a fitness center are well under way. Exciting to contemplate!
