Construction activity is picking up at the location of the future AC Hotel by Marriott site in downtown Billings near North 27th Street and Second Avenue North.
Crews were seen working from a crane and moving equipment on the ground Tuesday as work continues on the multi-story project. Construction on Second Avenue North began earlier this year, and the site has seen increasing activity since.
Donald Cape, co-developer of JWT Capital LLC, said 2nd Avenue North has been affected for roughly five months, with North 27th Street impacted more recently due to the installation of the tower crane.
"For Second Avenue, it's probably been three or four — well, probably five months. For 27th, [Street] that was just a little while ago, and that's strictly related to the erection of the crane. So that opens up back tomorrow," Cape said.
Cape said the crane is a necessity given the constraints of a downtown construction site.
"Because it's a downtown site, what's really important is our ability to draw materials throughout the whole footprint of the site. And a tower crane is required because it's got more reach. Whereas a traditional crane, you have to move it around. So this crane will be here pretty much for the duration of the project as it goes vertical and then as the exterior is completed," Cape said.
For nearby businesses like the Burger Dive and Montana Brewing Company, the construction has meant repeated disruptions to daily operations.
Burger Dive manager Brendan Halston and Montana Brewing Company manager Mandy Easton both say the alleys behind their businesses is essential for deliveries, trash pickup and employee access but construction closures have become a regular part of operations.
"There's always something going on. So it interrupts our parking, it interrupts our delivery, it interrupts our employees being able to get into building," Easton said.
At one point, a trench ran through the alley directly behind the businesses according to Halston.
Management says delivery drivers who once regularly used the alley are now often forced to stop on the street and carry heavy loads inside on foot.
"Cisco and all these you know delivery services are having to park in the street. Put their houses on. It's just blocking up the 27th street," Halston said.
Pedestrian access has also been affected. A sidewalk closure near the construction site has pushed people into the street to get around the fencing.
Despite the disruptions, the project has been welcomed by the broader community said Mehmet Casey, the economic development director of the downtown Billings association.
"It has been a welcomed addition to businesses and the property owners and the visitors and the community as a whole, because it indicates that there's movement, there's action, there's momentum going on," Casey said.
Business owners say they are trying to stay optimistic.
"It is what it is then we got to deal with it. And might as well stay positive about it and believe the best for it," Halston said.
Developers say the hotel remains on track for a projected opening in late 2027 or early 2028.
