We can probably agree that Bozeman is a judgy lot, and when they're behind their keyboards - those opinions really start flying. Several years back, the North 7th Avenue corridor was unceremoniously renamed 'Midtown' Bozeman. And it was for a good reason.

But never mind the good reasons...many Bozeman locals like to complain about (or make fun of), everything that changes around here. I suppose this particular example involving 'Midtown' doesn't bother me one bit, as I actually had something to do with it. Sort of.

The Midtown Urban Renewal District surrounds Bozeman’s North 7th Avenue corridor. The Bozeman City Commission created the District to address statutory conditions of blight through redevelopment of the District. (midtownbozeman.org)

Without getting too far into the weeds about North Seventh Avenue, there has been a lot of work done behind the scenes to improve that district in the last 20 years.

North 7th circa 2008 - Google Street View
North 7th circa 2008 - Google Street View
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Much of that work was done by the North Seventh Urban Renewal Board (NSURB), along with the City Commission, and hired firms. Basic but crucial improvements such as continuous sidewalks, lighting, and intersection safety - were all done within an established TIF district.

Midtown Bozeman is simply the name that was adopted to cover the portion of town included in the TIF district, which was more than just North 7th. It needed an identifier. Too much was happening within the corridor to not give the district some designation.

"The NSURB Area" certainly wasn't going to cut it, and Midtown made geographic and business sense. That's it. IMO it's much different to rename a district that wants to develop an identity, than it is to give a new condo building some foo-foo label. (Insert South Park joke here.)

The neighborhood and business district was in dire need of some new identity. It wasn't the tourist hub of downtown Bozeman, but it certainly wasn't the train wreck of North 19th.

However, millions of dollars were being spent by property owners to breathe new life into the area. (Think hotel upgrades and Aspen Street redevelopment. Businesses like Straightaway moving from downtown onto North 7th...)

The intent of the Midtown District is to attract targeted private investment to support infill, increase density – with an emphasis on building more housing, provide retail that serves surrounding residents, and enhance multimodal transportation and walkability. (midtownbozeman.org)

But now, YEARS after 'Midtown' was adopted for (mostly) business purposes, many Bozeman folks who understandably never got the memo are freaking out about the name.

Somebody innocently asked a question online recently and referred to the North 7th area as 'Midtown'. These are some of the responses they got:

  • Where is "midtown"?
  • I cannot. Midtown? Please, no.
  • It’s a term the Bozeman City Commission came up with quite some time ago.
  • It’s between NoBo and SoBo…lol
  • Where the F is midtown?
  • I think it’s the North 7th corridor. Mainly where Mixers used to be. The midtown tavern used to be Ferraros.
  • The f*** is midtown, no one calls it that. Google doesn't even have that as a name anywhere. We still have active ranches in town. like go back to the city, you idiot.
  • I am a local and native and I really don’t like the term “Midtown”. Just say North 7th.
  • “Midtown” say you’re not from here without telling me you’re not from here.
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SEE FULL SIZE MIDTOWN BOZEMAN MAP

Midtown Bozeman map - City of Bozeman
Midtown Bozeman map - City of Bozeman
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As a Tax Increment Finance District, we aim to increase the taxable value of the area to provide a more robust tax base for the entire community. (midtownbozeman.org)

The following assets define the Midtown District and shape the opportunities for future development, per the district mission goals:

  • Authentic: Midtown has a unique mid-century heritage with community icons such as Haufbrau, Rainbow Hotel, and the Lewis and Clark Hotel that give the District distinct character.
  • Walkable: Midtown is surrounded by urban neighborhoods with tree-lined streets that invite residents to walk and bike to the District. New sidewalks on North 7th Avenue will encourage activity on the street.
  • Dynamic: Midtown is home to the BMX Park and quick access to Story Mill Trail. Residents within Midtown don’t drive to recreation spots, they bike there.
  • Community: Whittier Elementary School is in the heart of Midtown and connects the District to surrounding neighborhoods.
  • Local Gathering Place: Aspen Street is an emerging entertainment district that provides an accessible alternative and alleviates peak demand pressure on downtown. Connecting Aspen Street, the BMX Park and the Fairgrounds with targeted improvements creates an entertainment destination for the community.

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