Billings Hardware Building, 2812 Montana Avenue, 1909

In 1902, A.L. Babcock Hardware was sold to Billings Hardware. Previously located at 2619-2621 Montana Avenue, they remained in business here through the mid-1950s.

Historic Name:
Billings Hardware
Current Name:
Colborn's Building

Builder:

Original Use:
Hardware Store
Current Use:
vacant

Physical Description:
The Billings Hardware Building is a massive rectangular commercial building built at the intersection of two busy streets. The building fronts onto North Broadway to the east, and Montana Avenue to the north. It is three stories high and built of red brick. Primary facades face both streets and are faced with cut red brick and red mortar.

The store's main entrance was located on the east elevation, near the northeast corner of the building. It is marked by a large flat metal awning projecting to cover the recessed entry. The storefront spans the entire east side and appears to be a later 1940s era addition. It features continuous windows set beneath a very dark red transom banding with a cast stone cornice. A smaller, but similar storefront is located on the far west end of the north elevation.

The upper level interior is illuminated by pairs of windows, once double-hung but now fixed glass. These were set off by contrasting white brick flat heads and sills. A corralled and denticulated cornice of white brick at the top, and a narrow belt course of cream brick dividing the second and third stories, complete the design. The decorative brickwork wraps the west corner of the building.

The south and west elevations are of common brick, and openings are spanned by flat brick arches. First story openings are cemented in; tall, double hung 3-over-1 windows remain on second and third stories. Windows have wood frames and sandstone sills.

On the interior, the store retains the historic high tin ceiling, and square supporting posts. Newer linoleum and carpeting cover the historic wooden flooring.

Historical Associations:
This property was reserved for the railroad when the Billings townsite was drawn up. During the late 1800s, the south end of 28th Street ended at the railroad tracks, where the Headquarters Hotel stood across its path. In 1890 that building burned, and 28th Street (Broadway) was punched through to the South side. Just adjacent to the Headquarters site, the location for this building was open railroad reserve until the early 20th century.

In 1902, AL Babcock Hardware sold to Billings Hardware (Jacob Fisher president and William A Selvidge vice president). Based at 2619-2621 Montana Avenue, the company became a town leader in hardware. Billings Hardware broke ground for this large building in November 1908 and by the following year their new store was ready for business. They remained in business here through the mid-1950s.

Historical and Architectural Significance:
Billings Hardware store is one of several large business houses which were erected in the core area of Billings' historic downtown during the early 20th century. Growth of the city and surrounding rural areas supported these large businesses, while riding the crest of the agricultural boom years. Businesses dealing in agricultural implements, hardware, mechanized harvesting equipment grew in both size and numbers during this time.

The corridor along Montana Avenue became densely built up with businesses from about the turn of the century on. This store is an integral component on the streetscape, and is a stalwart anchor to the business district on the north side of the NP railroad tracks. Today, it is a well preserved example of its type, worth considering for National Register listing.

Photo Courtesy of Paul Whiting