Historic Preservation Awards

2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

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2007 Preservation Awards

The Great Falls/Cascade County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission selected six projects to be honored at the 2007 Preservation Award reception.

Cascade County was honored for the restoration of the Lady Justice sculpture, which was completely restored to a high standard of integrity and quality and returned to Cascade County’s most prestigious historic structure. With this honor special recognition went to Conservation Solutions, Inc., Brad Clark, the County Attorney’s office and H & H Crane Service.

• Tony and Colette Longin for the sensitive rehabilitation of their Colonial Revival home at 617 4th Avenue North. Built in 1906, the residence was converted into five apartments in 1951. The dining room chandelier is thought to be an original fixture that was transported from St. Louis to Fort Benton by barge. The Longin’s have owned and enjoyed working on the home for about six years.


• NeighborWorks was honored for work to preserve existing homes and apartments for the enjoyment of future generations and the sensitive design of the infill projects at 921 5th Avenue South and 700 3rd Avenue South. Sixty existing homes have been renovated in the historic neighborhoods of Great Falls restoring vitality to neighborhoods and encouraging private investment. The renovation of the Gibson TownCondos preserves a 1917 building and will likely encourage private developers to restore other apartment buildings in the community.


• At the encouragement of John Koppelman, President of Wells Fargo Bank of Great Falls, Neighborhood Housing Services successfully applied for a Wells Fargo Team Volunteer Grant. The grant of $25,000 and 2,000 volunteer hours was awarded to NHS in the spring of 2006 for the renovation of the residence at 700 3rd Avenue South. When it was discovered that the residence had severe structural problems that precluded rehabilitation, the Wells Fargo Team agreed to build the new home. Throughout the fall and winter, the volunteers contributed far in excess of the 2000 hours and enlisted other volunteers to frame and side the structure.

Ken Robison and Bob Harris challenged the Montana Historical Society to get involved in the study of black history in Montana which has generated a chain of activity that has and will continue to build a statewide database on the largely neglected African American history of Montana.

In Great Falls, this project has fueled considerable interest in black history on many levels. Research on the Union Bethel A.M.E. Church for a National Register of Historic Places listing led to a solid plan for preservation efforts, including the recent installation of stained glass windows. National recognition for the church’s history came with its being featured on the National Park Service website during National Black History month.

The multi-year project to identify statewide black history resources has landed the project on the agenda for the State History conference and encouraged the Great Falls Genealogy Society to undertake the task of building an early settlers database.

Oral history projects have been initiated, including those with Jack Mahood that have resulted in Philip Aaberg’s work to remaster original recordings from the Ozark Club. The Ozark Club project has taken on a life of its own and will be the focus of “A Night at the Ozark” June 1 at the History Museum marking the opening of a major exhibit that will showcase the Ozark Club through the summer.

The Great Falls Tribune photographers have long provided researchers with an impressive photographic record of historic buildings, sites and events and they do so with outstanding professionalism. Along with the honor for the current staff, special recognition is due Wayne Arnst and Ray Ozmon, former Tribune photographers, whose work in recording historic resources and events continue to provide significant visual information about the history and development of Great Falls.

The Great Falls Civic Center is recognized throughout Montana as a premier example of city offices in a structure of dignity and grace and the recent project to rehabilitate the women’s restroom maintained those values while accommodating the need for expanded services.

City staff and Dick Olson Construction, Inc. completed a very difficult project within the city’s historic center of government with sensitivity to the architecture of the Civic Center. With this honor, special recognition is due to Paul David Barrick of Dick Olson Construction, Inc. for the exemplary craftsmanship displayed in the project.

 

2006 Preservation Awards

The Great Falls/Cascade County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission selected three projects to be honored for the 2006 Preservation Awards:

The Heritage Building in the North Montana State Fairgrounds Historic District, now known as ExpoPark, was the subject of a major rehabilitation in 2005.

Originally the Montana Livestock Pavilion Company, it was incorporated in 1919 to encourage the livestock industry in the state. Directors felt the pavilion would serve a state-wide purpose in its influence on herd improvement and set about to erect the “most commodious and best designed building of its nature between Minnesota and the big shows of the Pacific northwest.”

Architect of the pavilion was George Shanley, who went on to design other buildings and stone entrance gates when Cascade County acquired the property for a fairground. Montana governor, Sam V. Stewart dedicated the “temple for better herds and flocks” on April 19, 1920 in the presence of a standing room only crowd of stockmen from all over Montana, as well as packers and bankers from Spokane, St. Paul, and Chicago. The pavilion continued to be a livestock show place until the county purchased it in 1926 to become part of a larger exposition facility, the North Montana State Fairgrounds. After serving as agricultural exhibit space, it became the Old Town Museum, and now the large exhibition building serves a multitude of exhibit and event purposes.

The rehabilitation, which was a Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP) project, included; uncovering, reglazing, repairing or replacing window panes, sills, and frames as needed on 1780 windows and door replacements. Gene Davidson, of Davidson & Kuhr Architects designed the project and the work was completed by Mealey Construction.

The project was initiated by the City of Great Falls, with Cascade County providing county allocated CTEP funding and the City of Great Falls providing the necessary matching funds. The project continued when Cascade County assumed management of the ExpoPark. The City Planning Office administered the project, working with SMG to complete planning and development. The County provided additional matching funds as the project progressed, to paint the interior ceiling.

Over the past quarter of a century, hundreds of historic barns throughout the United States have been lost – victims of changes in agricultural technology, farm closures and consolidations, urban sprawl and neglect. The loss of historic barns erases a chapter from the history of rural America and destroys an important symbol for farm families and urban dwellers alike.

Richard and Barbara McAdams, Simms, were recognized with a 2006 Preservation Award for their efforts to restore their Prairie or Western style barn, over the past two years.

The peak roof projecting above the hayloft opening is one of the most familiar images associated with barns. It is a feature that characterizes the prairie barn. Large herds associated with agriculture in the West required great storage space for hay and feed. Accordingly, prairie barns are on average quite large. Long sweeping roofs, sometimes coming near the ground, mark the prairie barn; the extended roof created additional storage space. Late in the nineteenth century, the adoption of the gambrel roof enlarged the storage capacity of the haymow even more.

Warren G. Harding, president of the Sun River Valley Historical Society and HPAC board member, says the barn was built in the early 1900’s by H. E. Dawson who was the banker in Simms.

Recreational Trails, Inc. was the recipient of the third preservation award for the collaborative effort and the sensitive design that went into the project to extend the River’s Edge Trail through the Tenth Street Bridge.

“Context sensitive design” is a current buzzword in the roadway design industry, and it readily applies to design of trails, as well. The latest segment of River’s Edge Trail between the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the 15th Street Bridge is an example of how the design of a project can be sensitive to its broader context – in other words, it is designed to fit well into its surroundings. One of the most challenging segments of the project was underneath the Eagle Falls Memorial Bridge (9th St. Bridge) and the adjacent Historic 10th St. Bridge.

Because of the steepness of the river bank, the nearness to the operations of the Montana Refining Company, the installation of new utilities along the same alignment and the need to keep to a reasonable trail grade, the trail had to tunnel through the north abutment of the 10th St Bridge. Because this structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the tunnel needed to be sensitive to the architecture of the Bridge. The project designer, Neil Consultants, Inc., worked closely with the City of Great Falls, Preservation Cascade, Inc., the Montana State Historic Preservation Office and historic architect Ken Sievert to come up with a sensitive treatment for the tunnel entrances that reflected and complimented the Bridge’s lines and coloring. The retaining walls around the bridge were done in decorative concrete blocks, which further improved the fit of the Trail into the context of the site. Lower retaining walls were designed as “rock faced”, composed of round river rock, which tied the trail into the natural features of the river and riverbank. Finally, native grasses were planted to restore disturbed soils and help the project to blend into the natural environment. Considering the size of the project, nearness to a major industrial facility, narrowness of the project site and potential impact to both the environment and the historic Bridge, this project is a noteworthy example of successful “context sensitive design.”

2005 Preservation Awards

The 2005 Great Falls/Cascade County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission Awards were a ‘Salute To The Craftsman.’

Region Four, Fish Wildlife & Parks for the preservation and interpretation of the Ulm Pishkun, a significant cultural resource in Cascade County.

Our request for nominations for craftsmen drew the following awards:

 

William J. Hicks – His craftsmanship is most evident on his own home at 1003 4th Avenue North

Jon McMaster –JRM Construction - The nomination for Jon said, He is a “fine carpenter and craftsman, with an eye for detail and a heart for preservation.” He is currently working on the Ford/Greybill residence – 401 Fourth Ave. No.

Richard D. Boettcher – A master with a paintbrush, examples of Dick Boettcher’s work can be seen in the ceiling of the Civic Center lobby, St. Ann’s Cathedral and the carefully grained wainscot of the Grand Union Hotel in Fort Benton.

Cecil Beckstrom – Kaleidoscope Glass -was nominated for his work on the restoration of the Cascade County Courthouse, in the course of the fourth courtroom project. His work on the beveled glass windows was said to be “impeccable.”

Rick Mead –Vaughn Professional Finishes - Rick’s work on the restoration of windows draws high praise. He restored windows in the Children’s Museum and the Conrad Library.

In addition, the HPAC selected the restoration of the Pacific Hotel in Fort Benton for special regional recognition. Although outside of Cascade County, the Commission felt that the careful restoration sets a great example and restores a significant area landmark.

2004 Preservation Awards

The Great Falls/Cascade County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission selected three recipients for the Fourth Annual Historic Preservation Awards.

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  The HPAC felt that the restoration of St. Ann’s Cathedral deserves to be recognized. The project clearly displays excellent historic preservation elements and well designed and functional new spaces, compatible with the original building. HGFA-Architects, Billings designed the project, which utilized the services of as many local craftsman as possible. Jan Carter served as the Restoration Committee Chairman and Dick Anderson Construction was the general contractor. Local artisan Dick Boettcher completed the specialized painting on the columns and Tony Malisani crafted stone columns. The Gothic Revival cathedral was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Northside Residential Historic District in 1991.
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  The 819 RED HORSE Squadron has made a significant impact on numerous Great Falls area preservation projects over the years and deserves to be recognized for the exceptional service to many organizations in the area. The Commission particularly would like to recognize the work of the RED HORSE team lead by TSgt Fred Wallis, and comprised of SSgt John Carter, SSgt Dave Moore, SSgt Shawn Horenberger, SrA Scott Heldt, SrA Thomas Phelps, SrA Steve Johnson, A1C Trey Dozier, A1C Val Oppenheimer and A1C Eli Whitmore, who provided exceptional assistance in the effort to preserve the oldest residence in the City of Great Falls, the “Vinegar” Jones cabin. The team of ten spent three days cleaning, stabilizing, and mothballing the cabin. Most recently, a RED HORSE team was observed working to restore the former golden elegance to the Rainbow dining room.
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  The HPAC has also selected a City of Great Falls Park & Recreation project in the Elks Riverside Park to be honored. They felt that the preservation work done on the Girl’s playhouse as well as the restroom addition represent excellent planning. The addition is appropriate for a building that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993 as part of the Railroad Historic District. Landmark Architects and Land Planning designed the project, which was completed by Phillips Construction of Ulm.

2003 Historic Preservation Awards

The Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (HPAC) selected three projects to receive Historic Preservation awards as part of the National Historic Preservation Week celebration in Great Falls. HPAC President, Carol Bronson, presented the awards at a reception at Paris Gibson Square.

United States Magistrate Judge Carolyn Ostby received an award for the rehabilitation of her office suite in the Federal Building, wherein her attention to detail has restored significant historic fabric to the landmark building in Great Falls. As with most preservation projects, many people came together for the collaborative effort. Shown at right, (left to right) James Conwell, who coordinated the rehabilitation efforts while remaining current as Judge Ostby's law clerk, Donna Rogne from the General Services Administration, Helena, Mary Jaraczeski, law clerk, and young Luke Jaraczeski, Judge Ostby and Carol Bronson.

 

The Great Falls Chapter 228 of the National Association of Women in Construction was honored for its longstanding contributions to the city of Great Falls. Among the many projects, that have been assisted by the organization are: rehabilitation of the Ursuline Centre Auditorium, the Montana Children's Museum, the Vinegar Jones Cabin, the Civic Center Remain Seated Campaign, the River's Edge Trail and the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. Susan Humble, President of NAWIC, is shown receiving the award on behalf of the organization, from Carol Bronson, with Linda Seibel and Claudrey Chilcott looking on.

Motifs for the Home was honored for the rehabilitation of a significant Great Falls building for a new use, using Investment Tax Credits. The Motifs project has enhanced the environment in the neighborhood and given new life to a deserving building. Receiving the award are Bruce Lund and his daughter, Karin Striepe, owner of Motifs for the Home.

A fourth, special Historic Preservation Award was presented to Cascade County for the Fourth Courtroom project in the Cascade County Courthouse. Historic Preservation Officer, Ellen Sievert, presented the award during the dedication ceremony for the new courtroom on the third of July.