BUTTE, Mont. — Wednesday afternoon saw a celebration on the flats of Butte as the ribbon was officially cut on a massive Planet Fitness by the airport.
After nearly a decade of planning between developer Dave Leon and Butte-Silver Bow officials, the Cornerstone Plaza on Harrison Avenue is beginning to fill in with national chains.
The Planet Fitness has been open for three weeks, and there are already 3,000 members. Leon says the Butte location has been such a success that he is moving the regional headquarters for all Wyoming and Montana locations into the building.
“We’ve hired 20 staff and the national headquarters we’re building in the back will have 8 full time jobs of $50k a year plus all the way up to $150k. That’s a huge impact,” said Dave Leon, developer of the Cornerstone Plaza and director of operations for regional Planet Fitness locations.
The plaza already features a Chipotle that opened in November, Leon says Chick Fil A is expected to open by April, Jersey Mike’s and Five Guys will open in April, and PetSmart is starting construction in about a week. Leon says a large box store or two could be announced soon.
“We’re waiting for that big retailer that is the size of a Target, a Home Depot, a Lowe’s, that’s what we’re hoping for. We’re waiting for a big home improvement store or a large grocer. We know WinCo is coming down the street, but we still have a lot of retail interested in this plaza,” said Leon.
Even though national chains moving in, Leon says small businesses will still be able to thrive.
“I understand that you’re afraid of development and don’t want your town ruined. I promise you I will be the ambassador to make sure that we are the best example here in Butte. We keep our properties in the best of shape and if there’s a complaint, bring it to me and I will make it happen,” said Leon.
