Montana Historical and Architectural Inventory (Site # 141)

Physical Description:

An uncomplicated two story cut stone commercial façade with subtle architectural detailing. Dressed stone features are introduced as a blocking course below the parapet, at decorative labels over the windows and as a rounded projecting (Torus) string course at the sill of the windows. There are two "pair" of second story windows that serve apartments on the second floor level. They are wood double hung rectangular windows with storms’ the labels or heads have an interesting flame-cut or "flamboyant" arch motif (very flat) incised in the head of the dressed stone; dressed stone consoles support the labels at window jambs and between the pair of windows. The first floor storefront below is contemporary materials and include an embossed aluminum transom, large pane glazing in aluminum frames and a common bond brick wainscot below the display windows. A separate entrance serves the apartments above and is wood; a cast iron column separates the apartment entry from the commercial entry. The back and sides of this building are rubble stone. This building is one of a "pair" or one of a "Mr. & Mrs." set of buildings (see description for 212 East Main.

This stone structure qualifies for register listing under Criteria C. The quality of the stonework and the interesting architectural details are significant.

Classification: mixed; native stone materials and craftsmanship have been adapted to this formally planned commercial building. Flamboyant arches have their origins in European Gothic architecture.

Historical Significance:

This property is significant because it represents patterns of development in Lewistown and is associated with persons important in State and local history. Built in 1904, the building illustrates the stone masonry building tradition that characterizes the early structures of Lewistown.

English born John H. Kent, formerly of the Kent & Bell firm of Helena, designed the Warr Building. Kent, one of the designers of the State Capitol in Helena, also designed the Bank of Fergus County in Lewistown.

Austin W. Warr organized the Lewistown Telephone Co., in 1899 with Frank E. Wright and T. Jefferson Wier, and served as manager. In 1887 he was an organizer and cashier of the first bank in Lewistown, the Bank of Fergus County. In 1892, he joined with N. M. Erickson and George J. Wiedeman to form the Montana Hardware Co. A showpiece structure in the 300 block of Main Street, built by the Lewistown Commercial Co., bears his name.

The Warr Building, an integral structure in the block, is a visual sign of the growth and development in Lewistown. It housed the Lewistown Telephone Co., until Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph bought the local phone companies in 1912 and unified the lines through one exchange. At that time, it became the home of the "Fergus County Argus" a newspaper first established in Maiden in 1883.

Integrity: The façade is original except for first floor storefront elements. This building is on its original site.