If you've ever tried to find an apartment in the City Of Missoula, you might best describe that experience as "playing whack-a-mole without a mallet" (or something)

In July of 2022, we noticed this new building, and asked you what you thought it was:

We were hoping it was a new apartment complex, and not a hotel. For the 77k+ residents of Missoula, there are few apartment housing options for students and families; most units are owned and operated by Tamarack Properties and Caras PropertiesSpace is incredibly limited, especially at the ends of University of Montana semesters.

It's a fact of economics: competition breeds better prices. In the case of apartments in Missoula, more apartments means more competition, and those property management firms will need to...you know...compete for your business.

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We spoke with a laborer who is installing interior insulation, and he confirmed that the building is in fact new apartments, being built by Walker Development of Missoula, and we got to tour the property to give you an inside look. We reached out to Walker but haven't heard back.

Walker Development has constructed several communities in Missoula:

  • Hickory Heights, close to Allegiance Field
  • Koly Court Townhomes, on the Clark Fork River next to the Milwaukee Trail

 

The Early Stages Of Construction

Credit: Benny Edwin
Credit: Benny Edwin
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A first floor living room/kitchen of a 1-bedroom unit

Credit: Benny Edwin
Credit: Benny Edwin
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The plumbing and insulation is done inside on this unit...just waiting on electrical, countertops, cabinetry, a fresh coat of paint and lighting.

Credit: Benny Edwin
Credit: Benny Edwin
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There are two buildings, the main one which is three stories high (behind me) and this two-story building for single/double bedroom units that is closer to South Ave.

Credit: Benny Edwin
Credit: Benny Edwin
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The three story building will use three staircases to get to the upper levels. This one faces Reserve St looking east.

Credit: Benny Edwin
Credit: Benny Edwin
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A modest bathroom. The bathtub is the only plumbing fixture installed.

Credit: Benny Edwin
Credit: Benny Edwin
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Looking from the bathroom into the bedroom of a first floor unit. This window will look into either the parking lot or an on-site commons area.

I didn't measure the floor space but as information becomes available, I'll include it in future updates to this piece.


 

What Used To Be Here

Credit: Google Maps
Credit: Google Maps
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The apartments are sitting on the site of this old South Street property, which was demolished in 2020.

We don't have a concrete date on when construction will be completed on these units, nor what property management team will be renting the spaces.

But when we know, you'll know.

 

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