Eckroth Music to relocate, current site set to be replaced by apartment complex

Eckroth Music, a long-standing music store on the corner of 7th and Mendenhall, is slated for demolition. The store will relocate to a different spot in Bozeman and an apartment complex is set to take its place.

Eckroth Music has been in Bozeman for 32 years and at its current location for 12. “We primarily cater to families with students involved in instrumental music programs in the public schools around the state of Montana,” said Brad Shaw, vice president of sales and marketing. 

According to him, Eckroth offers music accessories, repairs and instruments for sale or rent. 

Although there is no specific timeline for the demolition, Shaw said the store plans to relocate in late August or September.

“We were able to work with [the developer] and say, ‘Hey, our busy time of the year is during back-to-school season, and we can’t relocate over the summer or the start of the school year,’” Shaw said. “The developer has been really great in giving us some leeway to make sure that we don’t have any negative impact to the services we’re able to provide.”

According to him, Eckroth is nearing a final decision for its new location. “We have a number of properties that we’re looking at,” he said. “I’m confident that our new location is going to be able to provide our customers with an even better level of service.”

Several students in the MSU School of Music voiced appreciation for Eckroth.

“It’s a good music store,” said music education major Mackenzie Staton. “It’s smaller than the one in Billings, but it gets the job done.”

“I have been there many a time. Usually it’s just buying a case of reeds or some equipment,” said history major and music minor Devin Kovacich, who bought his saxophone from Eckroth in seventh grade.

Some students also expressed grievances about Eckroth’s plans to relocate. 

“I think it should stay where it is,” said music education major Meghan Rivers. “I think it’s a good spot, and the fact that it’s being broken down by an apartment complex and relocated — that just doesn’t seem right.”

The seven-story apartment complex set to replace Eckroth Music will include 81 residential apartment units and 75 parking spaces, according to Bozeman Real Estate Group. 

Shaw said Eckroth Music plans to continue serving the Bozeman music community. 

“It was never a question of whether we were going to continue our presence in Bozeman,” he said. “It was just a matter of ‘What’s the next location going to look like?’

“We’re just so thankful for the support that the Bozeman community has shown Eckroth Music for 32 years. My final message is one of gratitude to the Bozeman community and the students at MSU who have been patrons of our store and gotten their instruments repaired with us,” he said.

“We’re eternally grateful to everyone who’s trusted us with their first instrument.”