Community Group Suggests Pedestrian Mall To Boost Local Business

Downtown Missoula has undergone a few facelifts and reconstruction projects recently.

Just a couple of years ago, the Beartracks Bridge project was completed to widen sidewalks and bike lanes and help with infrastructure.

Just about a week ago, the new riverfront access project was completed by Caras Park. It looks great, by the way, and provides easier access to Brennan's Wave.

Projects like Beartracks Bridge and the waterfront access project were real, concrete changes.

But now, a community group pitched a unique idea to change up Downtown Missoula...

Turn Front Street into a walking mall.

READ MORE: Montana Costco Stores Expanding Hours - And That's Not The Only Change

The proposal from "Maybe Missoula," a community group on social media, would turn Front Street between Ryman and Higgins into a walking mall. The city block includes Top Hat, Michi Ramen, Saketome, Montgomery Distillery, Cafe Mimosa and Stock's.

Maybe Missoula argues traffic will improve because the walking mall would cut off "the shortcut traffic impact' on Front Street.

The proposal would transform Main Street into a 2-way street, as well as the rest of Front Street that isn't the walking mall portion.

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The community group also states that parking wouldn't be hurt as there would still be a lane of vehicle access to the parking garage.

Lastly, the group says, "Open space is good for business."

READ MORE: Downtown Missoula Opens Up New Sandwich Shop

Would you approve a walking mall on a portion of Front Street? You can vote on the Front Street Pedestrian Mall here.