The Foundry

The New Mixed-Use Community Transforming Belgrade, Montana

Belgrade, Montana has rapidly become one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing communities in the Gallatin Valley. With the region’s population surging over the past decade and housing demand continuing to rise, the need for thoughtfully planned communities has never been greater.

One of the most exciting new developments taking shape in Belgrade is The Foundry, formerly known as Jackrabbit Crossing, a large master-planned mixed-use development anchored by retail, commercial space, and residential neighborhoods including a new residential community designed to bring modern housing options to the area.

Located along the Jackrabbit Lane corridor, one of the most important transportation routes in the Gallatin Valley, this project is poised to become a major destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

In this article, we’ll explore the vision behind The Foundry, the residential opportunities, and why this development could play a major role in shaping the future of Belgrade and the greater Bozeman area.

The Vision Behind The Foundry

The Foundry is a 196-acre mixed-use development located in the City of Belgrade within the Gallatin Valley. 

The concept behind The Foundry is simple but powerful:

Create a community where people can live, work, shop, and gather in one cohesive neighborhood.

Rather than separating residential neighborhoods from commercial areas, the development integrates them together. This type of mixed-use design is increasingly popular across the United States because it promotes:

• Walkability

• Reduced commute times

• Stronger community interaction

• Local economic growth

The project is strategically located along Jackrabbit Lane, one of the busiest corridors in Montana and a key route connecting Belgrade, Bozeman, Big Sky, and Yellowstone National Park.

With strong traffic visibility and proximity to major destinations, the development is positioned to become a regional hub for shopping, services, and housing.

A Major Anchor: Rosauers Supermarket

One of the biggest announcements related to the Foundry was the signing of Rosauers Supermarkets as the anchor tenant for the development.

Rosauers is a well-known grocery chain throughout the Inland Northwest, with stores across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. The new Belgrade location will be the company’s fifth store in Montana and the 2nd in the Bozeman area.

The planned store will be approximately 58,000 square feet, offering:

• Full grocery selection

• Fresh produce

• Bakery and deli

• Meat department

• Pharmacy and household goods

Construction is underway, with an anticipated opening in time for the Forth of July in 2026.

For many residents along the Jackrabbit corridor and in nearby neighborhoods like Four Corners, this grocery store will provide a much-needed nearby option for everyday grocery shopping.

The presence of a major grocery anchor also helps attract additional businesses. Developers expect restaurants, retail stores, convenience services, and hospitality businesses to follow as the development expands. Jimmy John's and Chapolte are already slated to open in the development, and more will be announced shortly. 

The Foundry: A New Residential Neighborhood in Belgrade

The Foundry is designed as a modern neighborhood offering a variety of housing options to help meet the demand for homes in the Gallatin Valley.

As the population of the region continues to grow, housing supply has struggled to keep pace. The Gallatin Valley has experienced over 40% population growth since 2010, creating the need for thousands of additional housing units.

The Foundry is intended to help address that demand.

Planned housing types include:

• Cottage homes

• Detached single-family homes

• Smaller lot housing options

• Neighborhood-style residential clusters

The community design emphasizes efficient use of land while maintaining a high quality of life for residents.

Smaller homes and smaller lots can help make homeownership more attainable for many buyers in the region—particularly first-time buyers and younger families.

A Walkable Community Design

One of the most appealing aspects of The Foundry is its focus on walkability and neighborhood connectivity.

Traditional suburban development often separates residential areas from commercial centers, forcing residents to rely on driving for everyday needs.

The Foundry takes a different approach.

The development is designed so residents can easily walk or bike to nearby amenities including:

• Grocery stores

• Restaurants

• Retail shops

• Parks and open spaces

• Community gathering areas

This type of design promotes stronger community interaction and a more vibrant neighborhood atmosphere.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Space

In Montana, outdoor recreation and access to nature are essential parts of everyday life.

Recognizing this, the developers of The Foundry incorporated open space and recreation areas into the community plan. They put more into these spaces than was required in order to create a better overall  development while preserving wetlands. 

Residents will benefit from features such as:

• Neighborhood parks

• Walking paths

• Open green spaces

• Community gathering areas

These amenities help create a neighborhood that encourages outdoor activity and social interaction.

For families and outdoor enthusiasts, these features make the development particularly appealing.

A Prime Location in the Gallatin Valley

Location is one of the biggest advantages of The Foundry.

The development sits along Jackrabbit Lane, one of the main north-south transportation routes connecting several important communities in the Gallatin Valley.

From Jackrabbit Crossing, residents are just minutes from:

• Belgrade downtown

• Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

• Bozeman

• Four Corners

The airport is located just three miles away, making the area particularly convenient for frequent travelers and business professionals.

This central location also makes the development attractive to employers and businesses looking to serve the rapidly growing population of the Gallatin Valley.

Economic Growth and Job Opportunities

In addition to housing and retail, The Foundry will also bring new employment opportunities to the area.

Plans associated with the development include an Amazon distribution center of approximately 53,000 square feet, which has created hundreds of jobs already.

Combined with new retail and restaurant businesses expected to open within the development, this could create a significant boost to Belgrade’s local economy.

Why Developments Like This Matter for Belgrade

Belgrade has long been considered one of the Gallatin Valley’s most promising growth areas.

Compared to Bozeman, Belgrade has historically offered:

• More affordable housing

• Room for new development

• Strong community character

As more people move to the region, developments like The Foundry help provide the infrastructure needed to support population growth.

These types of master-planned communities can help address several key challenges:

Housing Supply

Adding new homes helps reduce pressure on the housing market.

Local Services

New grocery stores, restaurants, and retail spaces improve convenience for residents.

Job Creation

Commercial development creates employment opportunities.

Community Design

Integrated neighborhoods promote walkability and stronger community interaction.

What This Means for Belgrade Real Estate

For buyers and investors, developments like The Foundry often signal strong future growth potential.

New master-planned communities typically attract:

• Homebuyers seeking modern neighborhoods

• Businesses looking to serve growing populations

• Investors interested in emerging markets

As Belgrade continues to grow, areas along the Jackrabbit corridor are expected to become some of the most active development zones in the Gallatin Valley.

For prospective homeowners, this means new opportunities to purchase homes in thoughtfully designed neighborhoods close to major amenities.

The Future of The Foundry

Although most of the project are still in development, the long-term vision for Jackrabbit Crossing is clear.

Once completed, the development will feature:

• Retail and restaurant space

• Grocery anchor store

• Residential neighborhoods

• Parks and community spaces

• Potential employment centers

With its strategic location and comprehensive master plan, The Foundry is positioned to become one of the most influential developments in Belgrade’s modern growth story.

Final Thoughts

The growth of Belgrade is one of the defining real estate stories in the Gallatin Valley.

Projects like The Foundry represent the next generation of development—combining residential living, commercial services, and community spaces into one integrated environment.

For residents, the development promises greater convenience, new housing opportunities, and improved access to amenities.

For the city of Belgrade, it represents a significant step toward building a vibrant and sustainable future.

And for buyers, investors, and those considering moving to the area, Jackrabbit Crossing is a development worth watching closely in the years ahead.