There's nearly an entire block of prime real estate on West Mendenhall in Bozeman that has absolutely zero going on - at least visibly. It used to have a hotel, bar, casino, and a couple of fairly loved restaurants. Now, most of it is a parking lot for nothing.

7th and Mendenhall - Google Maps
7th and Mendenhall - Google Maps
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The old Best Western City Center Inn and The Black Angus restaurant, along with it's bar and casino were razed to the ground several years back. The 500 and 600 block of West Mendenhall (which sort of appears as one city block) used to be a busy place. (Many of us fondly remember the fishbowls...)

I thought I'd include a little blast from the past photo in case you don't remember The Black Angus: (BTW - there has been some activity in terms of PAPERWORK and permits for this property. But just looking at it? Nothing seems to be happening.)

Black Angus July 2012 - Google Street View
Black Angus July 2012 - Google Street View
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The hotel was nothing to write home about, to be clear. And when the buildings on that part of the block came down - it's was certainly appropriate. They were demolished in 2017 and had been abandoned for some time.

SEE PICTURES OF WHEN THE BLACK ANGUS GOT DEMOLISHED

Café Internationale was on the corner of 7th and Mendenhall but closed it's doors about a decade ago, perhaps. The building and it's once charming patio are still standing, yet empty. Technically the address was 622 West Mendenhall, and I don't think anything has occupied the space since.

Café Internationale - Google Street View
Café Internationale - Google Street View
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attachment-7th and Mendenhall 4 - Google Maps
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As far as I can tell, none of the lots on that block are currently for sale and haven't been in the recent past. (That's from a simple 'commercial real estate for sale' search...it's not a guarantee that things haven't changed hands.)

What we do know is that absolutely nothing VISIBLE has happened with them. But as mentioned above, there has been chatter about permits being applied for and contractors being hired. But when you walk by, there doesn't appear to be anything new going on. Very curious!!!!

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7th and Mendenhall 3 - Google Maps
7th and Mendenhall 3 - Google Maps
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So, inquiring minds want to know - What on earth is going on with this area? Does anyone know? My few business contacts in the area had heard nothing recent. Although none of them were too thrilled with the parking lot squatter/abandoned vehicle situation that has developed on the property. (Understandable, but we'll leave that topic for another time.)

For as much development that has occurred within blocks of these lots, AND the momentum of "Midtown Bozeman" (the North 7th corridor neighborhood) - how is it possible that such a big tract of land, with enough space for a decent parking lot, isn't fanning off suitors?

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