“We have preconceived notions on what we think should happen there, but ultimately, it comes down to what the community needs, what it wants and what it can support,” said Glenn. “We’re just getting our arms around it, but we’ll get that rolling.”

The gutted building offers 80,000 square feet of possibility on three floors and sweeping views of Higgins Avenue from the rooftop. It sits in the heart of downtown and represents the birth of Missoula as a retail anchor in western Montana.

Glenn said early visions include ground-floor retail with a restaurant. A local micro-brewery once expressed interest in opening a taproom on the premises, which remains a possibility. A rooftop terrace, bar or restaurant also may be considered.

“I’m a big believer that in today’s retail world, you really have to have an entertainment focus to get people in the community coming back,” Glenn said. “As you develop downtowns, you give people reasons to come to a place that’s experiential. Without that, you can’t differentiate yourself.”

The developers won’t express tenant interests until early next year. Glenn said they’ll initially focus on the building’s structural needs and development costs, which could run as high as $10 million.