Work begins on new retail center

Earth is being moved and trees have been toppled at the site of Kalispell’s latest large-scale commercial project.

The fourth phase of the Spring Prairie development has begun construction on the 28-acre plot near the Kidsports Complex at the intersection of U.S. 93 and Old Reserve Drive.

The project was approved by the Kalispell City Council this spring.

“We’re going to be doing infrastructure initially,” said Karen Blumenstein, who represents the developer. “You may see some tenants going vertical at the end of this year. It will be very dependent on weather.”

A Missouri developer, Kroenke Group, has a long-term lease on the property, which is school trust land managed by the state.

Construction crews have been pulling trees from the land and also demolished the former state lands office buildings. A pond will be filled in, which required permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

A new pond will be constructed to relieve storm water runoff, according to Blumenstein.

The commercial site will consist of 14 retail lots. In the planning process, developers worked with Kidsports officials to work on a walking trail and aesthetic features on the property border.

Blumenstein said there has been “strong interest” from potential business tenants but wouldn’t say which companies have committed.

“We can’t announce anyone until they give us permission,” she said. “That typically occurs once they have all their permits in hand.”

She said a mix of national and local tenants is expected at Spring Prairie. She said local brokers have helped connect her with Flathead Valley businesses.

The Spring Prairie addition is the latest in a string of commercial developments on the U.S. 93 North corridor.

Most of the retail buildings will be built next year, Blumenstein said.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.