Missoula’s Reserve Street corridor is one of Montana’s strongest areas for retail investment. As one of the busiest streets in the state, Reserve Street consistently delivers high traffic, strong demand, and a diverse mix of retail and commercial activity. For investors, this corridor offers significant opportunity.
Why Reserve Street?
Reserve Street is a powerhouse for retail in Montana, with daily traffic counts exceeding 30,000 vehicles. Its visibility and accessibility make it a natural draw for retail tenants and shoppers. Major retailers like Costco, Lowe’s, and Walmart serve as anchors, while hotels—including Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard Marriott, and Homewood Suites—foster visitor activity. Reserve Street features one of Missoula’s main on/off ramps from Interstate 90, offering a steady traffic flow and easy access for travelers and locals.
Missoula’s limited land availability for new retail developments reinforces the need to capitalize on established corridors like Reserve Street. As noted in the Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan, growth is naturally constrained by the area’s geography, including surrounding valleys, mountains, floodplains, and the Urban Service Area Boundary. For commercial real estate investors and developers, this makes infill development and higher-density uses within existing retail hubs more practical.
In 2024, despite economic challenges like high construction costs and interest rates, Missoula’s retail market remained strong. Lease rates increased by 8.58% year-over-year, vacancy rates stayed low, and retailers reported robust in-store sales. Many are expanding into second, third, or fourth locations across the region.
Current Opportunities Along Reserve Street
If you’re looking to invest, here are some available properties on Reserve Street:
North Reserve Restaurant With Liquor License
4951 North Reserve Street
Situated in a high-traffic location, this restaurant-ready property offers a rare opportunity with its coveted liquor license. The infrastructure is in place for a turnkey operation, making it an ideal investment for restaurateurs looking to capitalize on Reserve Street’s consistent flow of diners and visitors. Its proximity to major retailers and the Interstate ensures steady customer traffic.
North Reserve Retail Building with Drive-Thru
3045 North Reserve Street
This retail building with a drive-thru is a standout property in the area. Drive-thru facilities are increasingly sought after, providing convenience for consumers and boosting tenant appeal. Located in a highly visible spot, the property ensures excellent exposure and accessibility for a range of businesses.
Retail Opportunity on North Reserve Corridor
3708 North Reserve Street
Featuring ±7,012 square feet of retail/office space, this two-story building includes three drive-thru lanes, which are rare and highly desirable. With its proximity to major chains like Panda Express and Hilton Garden Inn, the property has multi-tenant potential, catering to various retail or office needs. Its well-maintained interior and elevator-serviced basement make it an attractive choice for investors.
High Profile Showroom and Warehouse
2610 South Reserve Street
This ±28,512 square-foot property combines showroom and warehouse capabilities, offering unmatched flexibility for retailers and logistics businesses. With 23-foot ceiling heights, grade-level loading, and a spacious layout, it caters to both display and operational needs. Its prime location on Reserve Street ensures high visibility, bolstered by the surrounding commercial and residential developments.
Prime Office or Retail Building Near North Reserve Street
3220 Great Northern Avenue While technically off Reserve Street, this property leverages its proximity to the corridor to offer a hybrid showroom and industrial space. Its versatility makes it a strategic choice for businesses needing flexible operational layouts, and its location benefits from the same high-traffic consumer base that fuels Reserve Street’s success.Retail Trends and Insights
Based on 2024 data, Missoula’s retail market has shown resilience. Lease rates remain high, and vacancy rates are among the lowest in the nation. Consumer spending continues to support expansion, with retailers succeeding despite economic headwinds. Missoula’s population growth and focus on mixed-use developments will further increase demand for quality retail spaces.
Reserve Street is a corridor where opportunity meets reliability. For investors, this means steady rental income and long-term appreciation as demand outpaces supply.
A Strategic Investment
Reserve Street’s proven track record makes it one of the best places to invest in Montana retail. Whether looking at a restaurant-ready space, a drive-thru-equipped building, or a multi-use showroom, this corridor offers something for every investor.
At SterlingCRE Advisors, we pride ourselves on providing the insights and expertise you need to make confident decisions. If Reserve Street is on your radar, let’s connect and explore how these opportunities can align with your investment goals.
Reach out today, and let’s make your next retail investment successful.
