Major Projects

Transforming the Brooks Street Corridor

February 23, 2023 Update: The MRA Board and Mountain Line Board met in a join board meeting to approve the staff request to enter into a three-party Professional Services Agreement with HDR. The video of the meeting and more information is located on the project webpage.

In November 2021, the City of Missoula, in partnership with the Missoula Urban Transportation District (MUTD/Mountain Line) was awarded an $847,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program. 

Shaping the Future of the Sleepy Inn Site

May 8, 2023 Update: Deconstruction is now completed. Clean up of the rest of the non-recyclable/reusable materials will occur over the next few weeks. Substantial completion is slated for May 12, 2023. Head to the project page to learn about current activity at the Sleepy Inn site.

In early Spring 2020, the MRA Board and City Council authorized the City to use $1.1 million in TIF funds from URD II to purchase the former Sleepy Inn (1427 West Broadway) for a non-congregate shelter during the Covid-19 pandemic. Shortly after, the Envision West Broadway Master Plan was conducted by urban planning consultants Dover Kohl and Partners (DKP) that included City of Missoula staff, community members and stakeholder groups. During this process, the Sleepy Inn site was identified as one of the first parcels to redevelop. 

Fox Site Development

The Fox Site is located along the north shore of the Clark Fork River at the southwest corner of the intersection of Orange and West Front Streets. The city, through MRA, has prepared the Fox Site to accommodate a model multi-use development which will be the anchor of the west entrance to the downtown core and the east entry to the West Broadway corridor. The city has directed MRA to seek an appropriate private development team to realize this vision. View the Fox Site Parcel Map (PDF).  For more information, please email Ellen Buchanan or call 406-552-6156.

Front Street/Main Street Two-Way Conversion Feasibility Study

April 7, 2023 Update: Visit the Front/Main Street Two-way conversion webpage on Engage Missoula for the most current updates and to share your feedback. 

The conversion of Front and Main Streets back to two-way traffic has been identified as a top priority project in the 2009 Downtown Master Plan and a means to improve overall circulation, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and economic vitality in Downtown Missoula. This Feasibility Study analyzed different improvement options using land use and traffic projections and develop a set of recommended alternatives that best meet the needs and objectives of the project. The Study reviewed the effects of the proposed conversion on the local economy, residential areas, motorized and non-motorized traffic flow, streetscape aesthetics, safety, parking, public transit, and air quality. Completed in 2015, the Study includes public and stakeholder involvement and close coordination with the City of Missoula and MDT. View the current preliminary design map. 

Front/Main Conversion Feasibility Study
Appendix A - Maps
Appendix B - Traffic & Operational Analysis
Appendix C - Existing Conditions
Appendix D - Project Coordination

MRA URD II Montana Idaho Water & Sidewalk Project

April 2023 Update: Visit the Public Works and Mobility project page for current information.

Since 2009, MRA has invested $4.8 million in tax increment and constructed 5.2 miles of sidewalk in URD II as part of the MRA Sidewalk Program.  The goal of the program is to complete the City sidewalk network in URD II prior to the Sunset of the District.  The next phase of URD II sidewalk construction will take place on Idaho Street and River Street between California Street and Russell Street.  These sidewalk projects further the goals outlined in the City Strategic Plan and the URD II Urban Renewal Plan by reducing blighting conditions as defined in state urban renewal law, increasing public safety - particularly along school routes, and enhance the pedestrian environment making the URD’s more walkable.  Please click here to view the Stage 3 Design of the Idaho & River Streets phase of the URD II Water & Sidewalk project.  For more information please contact Tod Gass, Project Manager, 406-552-6159.

Greater Downtown Master Plan

The MRA partnered with the Business Improvement District, the Missoula Parking Commission, the Missoula Downtown Association, and numerous business and property owners to create the first long range master plan for the downtown area. After over a year of planning and numerous public meetings, the plan was adopted by City Council in August 2009. The East Front Street parking structure is one of the first catalyst projects in the implementation phase. View the Greater Missoula Downtown Master Plan. For more information, please email Ellen Buchanan or call 406-552-6156.

California Street Preliminary Design - Dakota Street to South 3rd Street West

Although no construction timeline has been set as funding sources are yet to be identified, MRA has undertaken a project to complete the preliminary design of California Street from Dakota Street to S. 3rd Street W. in URD II. The goals of the design project include improving public safety for all modes of travel in the corridor, maintaining the neighborhood character of the street, and creating a blueprint for the redesigned streetscape. In 2012, the preliminary design of California Street from the Clark Fork River to Dakota Street was completed: (2012 Preliminary Design) (PDF). In May 2018, three design alternatives for California Street between Dakota Street and S. 3rd Street W. were presented at a public open house: Prezi Presentation. Based on public comment received and input from City Departments, a preferred design alternative has emerged and will be presented at a public open house on Oct. 2, 2018 between 5:30-7:30pm at the Salvation Army, 355 S. Russell Street. (Preferred Design Alternative (PDF)) Questions regarding the preferred design alternative can be addressed to Tod Gass, MRA, 406-552-6159.

Russell Street Corridor Design Study

Progressive Urban Management Associates conducted a study, including a public process, to examine urban design and land use regulation as part of the City's effort to shape future building design and land use along Russell Street from South Third Street West to West Broadway. The resulting report, Russell Street Development Recommendations (PDF), contains a summary of public input and recommendations. Funded by a grant through the Sonoran Institute, the project was completed in conjunction with the City of Missoula's Development Services and the Missoula Redevelopment Agency.

Southgate Area Redevelopment Plan

The primary objective of the Southgate Area Redevelopment Plan is to identify strategies for redeveloping vacant property south of Southgate Mall and provide direction on how to best apply public and private dollars toward that goal. The plan defines a vision for the property and contains specific goals and objectives to achieve that vision. View the Southgate Area Redevelopment Plan Summary Report - July 2006 (PDF). If you are interested in this area of URD III, please email Ellen Buchanan at 406-552-6156.