Montana Historical and Architectural Inventory (Site # 148)

Physical Description:

A large five story commercial structure occupying a corner lot that features all terra cotta facades on the two street elevations. The first floor of the five stories is the equivalent of two stories in height. The basic elements of the façade from top to bottom are the balustraded roofline, cornice, fifth floor, an articulated blocking course between fourth and fifth floors, a three-story high column pilaster and window grouping with spandrels between pilasters, another projected belt or blocking course divided the first floor from upper levels, and finally the first floor. The terra cotta "Renaissance Revival" balustrade has supports interspersed with the balusters that reflect the spacing of pilasters below. The cornice is highly figured with accents derivative of Corinthian orders, including a cyma reversa corona, modillions, with patera between, dentils, and pendants at each corner. Terra cotta columns and window pilasters have a diamond pattern incised at the separated fifth floor level and are fluted and rectangular for the three floors immediately below with Corinthian capitals occurring at the fifth floor line. The base of the columns terminates in a stylobate at the second floor line. The blocking course between fourth and fifth floors has three terra cotta corbel tables capped with an egg and dart molding. Window spandrels at the second through fourth floors butt into the sides of the pilasters and have a bed and rivulet pattern. The projected belt course between first and second floor is in three subdivided bands and is simply detailed with the exception of a repetitive rondelle pattern within a Greek fretwork molding in the center band. Terra cotta coursing on the first floor is rusticated and column/pilaster treatments are simple rectangular elements at that level. Special first floor details worthy of not include a decorative southeast entry marquee with arched fanlight above original brass light fixtures below and a classical Greek entrance left of center on Main Street that serves the banking floor. It is surrounded by a door architrave flanked by Doris columns and capped with a triangular pediment and frieze above. Classical Greek tryglyphs adorn the frieze. Windows throughout have been replaced with contemporary glazing and panels of a gray color that do not detract from the decorative terra cotta elements. The back and northeast side of the structure is brick with simple rectangular window penetrations in a flush wall. The base (plinth) of the street elevation is gray granite.

The owner of this structure was a survey volunteer for the survey project. He noted that interior features include a grand entry stair of "butterfly" (bookleaf) matched Italian gray marble and that mahogany stained hardwood is used throughout.

This commercial block qualifies for register listing under Criteria C. It may well be the most significant terra cotta façade in the State.

Classification: primarily Neoclassic Revival; although some beaux-arts overtones are noted in the arched entry and exuberance of details.

Historical Significance:

The Montana Building is significant because it is associated with persons and events important in State and local history. The elaborate six-story brick and terra cotta structure stands as a visible sign of the stability and prosperity of Lewistown in 1916 and as the "architectural anchor" of the central business district.

It was conceived in a grand manner by a corporation of local businessmen in expectation of the continued growth of the community. The Montana Hardware Co. was organized in 1892 by George J. Wiedeman, with John W. Power, President; A. W. Warr, Vice President and Secretary. The list of stockholders included Thomas C. Power and Mrs. N. M. Erickson. The Lewistown Commercial Co. organized in 1898, with L. W. Eldridge, President; A. W. Stoddard, Secretary and Treasurer; and Richard A. Hanke, Manager and Vice President. The success of these pioneer business ventures is reflected in the Montana Building, which originally housed the Bank of Fergus County and the Montana Hardware Co. The Montana Building, which is a good example of the preferred construction methods and materials of the period, was, designed by J. G. Link and C. S. Haire.

Local draughts and the great depression combined to cause a period of difficulty for the building and the County eventually assumed part ownership in lieu of taxes. All of the banks in Lewistown were closed by the early part of 1924. The First National Bank, which was organized December 13, 1924, remains in the Montana Building. In 1960, when the Montana Hardware Co., moved to a new location, the bank expanded and now occupies the entire ground floor.

Integrity:

This building retains its integrity other than the window replacements (which are sensitive) and some infill at first floor openings from an earlier remodeling. This is one of the most remarkable terra cotta facades in Central Montana and this structures does act as an anchor and provides focus to the commercial area of Lewistown. It is also one of the more obvious examples of "styled" or "period" architecture in the community. The structure occupies its original site.