Here’s a look at some of the changes happening in Great Falls, including new businesses, construction in progress, recent closures, and other tidbits.
Great Falls residents eager to get back in shape may notice sign-up offers for Planet Fitness popping up on their computer screens. Franchise owner David Leon said construction at the former Hastings location along 10th Avenue South is well underway and he anticipates the fitness center will open January 15th.
He added the new location will feature more parking spaces and a 25,000-square foot facility that will have more than 125 pieces of cardio equipment and 100 TV screens. The fitness club will create around 10 direct full-full time jobs. For more information, click here.
The restaurant chain MOD Pizza announced in September that it is coming to Great Falls and moving into the former Hoagieville location along 10th Avenue South.
On Wednesday, a company spokesperson said that at this time, they anticipate opening the store in late spring. They plan to hire between 25 and 30 people, and will host a job fair at the store about a month prior to opening. MOD Pizza offers artisan-style pizzas and salads made on demand.
The Montana Federal Credit Union, located on 14th Street South and Central Avenue, officially broke ground on an expansion project late last week. This expansion will nearly triple the size of the current building. They anticipate all construction will be wrapped up by the fall of 2019.
Black Bear Diner plans to open in Great Falls soon, and is now hiring for several positions. Remodeling has started on the former Moonshine Grill (also known as Shoot The Moon), which closed several years ago. They hope to open by the end of the year.
Harbor Freight will soonopen a store in Great Falls. It is primarily a hardware and tool/equipment store with about 900 locations across the country. The store will open in the large building that until recently was Herbergers department store adjoining Holiday Village Mall.
Construction on the newest location for North 40 could start soon. Fences have gone up around the old K-Mart and Big Bear stores on the northwest side of Great Falls.
Ashley Wilkinson plans to open Fetch in Great Falls soon. The pet boarding/grooming/retail facility will be in the building that once housed an auto parts store on the west side, next to Albertsons grocery store. Benefis Health System also plans to open a medical facility in that area in the building that formerly housed Party America. There is no word yet on when the businesses will open, however, we will update you when we learn more.
