Slow growth in Old Sawmill District draws concerns from Missoula officials

The city of Missoula has spent more than $12 million of public money in the Old Sawmill District http://oldsawmilldistrict.com/ , according to the Missoula Redevelopment Agency.

So far, though, private construction on the former industrial property on the edge of downtown amounts to $0.

"Obviously, we had hoped that there would be private development coming out of the ground by now, and thus far, that hasn’t happened," said Ellen Buchanan, director of the MRA.

Behind the scenes, however, an estimated $75 million in private development is in "some stage of discussion or letter of intent" for the 45 acres, according to developer Ed Wetherbee. He said the first condominium project, called Polley’s Square, already counts eight reservations.

By Keila Szpaller

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