BUTTE, Mont. — After six years of planning, Dave Leon of PF Management Group has secured the land, funding, and leases needed to create the $26.5 million Cornerstone Plaza.
“It means a lot. It’s been a long time coming. We first came to Butte six years ago, and we’ve owned the property for two years,” Leon said. “We’ve negotiated with over nine, maybe twelve, national tenants. Getting the groundbreaking started for phase one is essential.”
On Monday afternoon, Leon announced the first national chains that will open at the 17-acre site near Bert Mooney Airport.
The lineup includes Planet Fitness, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and Jersey Mike’s. Contracts with Starbucks and Eyemart Express are also being finalized.
“We’re bringing national retailers that wouldn’t be here without this synergy. Each business supports the others and offers products and services that the community has been missing,” Leon explained.
Leon, who operates all Planet Fitness locations in Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota, originally considered just bringing the gym to Butte. However, he recognized the demand for more national chains in the area and decided to invest millions in this project.
“This site was a diamond in the rough. We saw its potential, and we’re grateful for the support from the local community,” Leon added.
Butte-Silver Bow also contributed to the project, providing resources for infrastructure improvements and facilitating the approval of a new traffic signal on Harrison Avenue.
“They provided a development loan, helped me with contacts, and guided me through processes I couldn’t have navigated alone,” Leon said.
Foundation work is expected to continue over the next 30 to 45 days, followed by utility installations. A grand opening for phase one is planned between July and September 2025.
Leon is also in talks with large home improvement stores and grocery chains for the next phase of the plaza’s development.
“We expect to begin construction in 2026, featuring large national retailers in 125,000 square feet of space,” he said. “We’re negotiating with national brands that complement each other without competing directly.”
The project faced several challenges, including the need for fill materials that cost more than the land itself and Sportsman’s Warehouse exiting its lease agreement.
“There have been bumps in the road, but progress continues. The investment from these businesses in Butte-Silver Bow demonstrates that we are moving forward and growing,” said J.P. Gallagher, chief executive of Butte-Silver Bow. “This development meets the community’s demand and is an exciting time for us.”
In addition to Cornerstone Plaza, Butte is set to see a major remodel of the Plaza Mall starting this winter, with plans for several new national tenants at the site.
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