Historic Preservation Awards Reception

The Great Falls/Cascade County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (HPAC) has selected four projects and one individual to be honored at the 2008 Preservation Award reception, Thursday evening May 22 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Missouri Room of the Civic Center.

• Greg and Christi Madson will be honored for their project to convert a historic garage for use as the Great Falls Gymnastics Academy. The Dubbs Block also known as the Haggerty Building is a contributing building in the Central Business Historic District and the Commission felt the creative adaptive reuse of the former car dealership warrants recognition. By introducing a new use and protecting the original architectural integrity of the building the Madsons have added significantly to revitalization efforts in downtown Great Falls.
• Barns are such an important element on Montana’s rural landscape and the commission felt that the John and Julia McCafferty family efforts in preserving a functional landmark for their cattle ranching operation deserves recognition in addition to their recent national Barn Again! Award. Three generations of the McCafferty family have created a legacy of preservation for the future by the example they set in taking care of their ranch buildings and structures.
• The HPAC also selected a Community Transportation Enhancement Project to restore the stone gates and enhance the landscaping at the south entrance to ExpoPark for an annual Historic Preservation Award. As 2008 marks the 75th Anniversary of the “New Deal,” the project gains additional significance because it restores what was one of many WPA projects in the city of Great Falls. RK3 Architect, Ryan Smith designed the entrance, which was executed by Boland Landscaping.
• The reconstruction of the Wells Fargo parapet wall and stabilization of the cornice represents a substantial investment in preserving the architectural heritage of the Central Business District. Since its completion in 1914, the original Great Falls National Bank building has reflected the optimism and pride in community held by early banking institutions. Wells Fargo Bank is to be commended for continuing that tradition. Gordon Whirry was the architect for the project, which was completed by Dick Olson Construction.
• Judy Ellinghausen will be recognized for her exemplary efforts to preserve and share with the public the substantial collection of historical materials, documents and photographs in the Archives of the Cascade County Historical Society. The HPAC salutes her outstanding work to organize, catalog and present the collection to researchers and felt that her efforts to oversee the move of the archives from the library to the History Museum deserves recognition.

The 2008 Historic Preservation Awards Reception is free and open to the public. 1930s period dress is encouraged. Music will be provided by the Three Rivers Bluegrass band and there will be a short program celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the New Deal, in addition to the presentation of the awards. Exhibits featuring area preservation projects will also be available.