Brick Building, 2704 Minnesota Avenue

Following a fire which burned down the original wood frame building there was nothing on this site until this two story brick building was constructed between 1893-1896. Lung Kong purchased the property in 1896; thereafter it housed a Chinese restaurant on the first floor and lodgings on the second. Despite the addition of stucco over the brickwork, this building is a strong example of end of the century design. The cast iron storefront by Mesker Brothers of St. Louis is a treasure. At one time, there were many buildings in downtown that featured cast iron framing and decoration on the facades; this is one of the few that remain.

Historic Name:
Lewis Quock Restaurant
Current Name:
None

Builder:
Unknown; Mesker Brothers

Original Use:
Restaurant; Lodgings
Current Use:
Vacant

Physical Description:
This is a two story commercial building, of rectangular massing. As originally designed, it was a brick building, with a cast iron storefront facing north onto Minnesota Avenue. Constructed of red, common bonded brick, the building is crowned with a metal cornice. The exterior was completely covered with stucco (probably mid-20th century), which is now failing and dropping off on the side elevations.

Although the façade has been altered to some degree, the original iron storefront is still intact. It features a central entrance, flanked by storefront windows with large transom panels. The ironwork includes a secondary cornice above the storefront capped at either end and surmounted with decorative balls. An entrance to the second level is located on the west side of the storefront. The fenestration and door opening are covered with plywood. On the second floor, there are four double-hung, 1-over-1 windows, set at regular intervals across the façade. Windows include a flat, drip molded hood, and a plain sill; each retains the original window unit.

The building abuts its one-story neighbor, 2700 Minnesota, to the east. However, the second floor is visible above the next door building. There are no openings on this level, however, a large painted Coca-Cola sign is evident on the brick under the peeling stucco. The south elevation faces a rear alley. Openings on this side are segmentally-arched. The ground level rear entrance houses a newer metal door; windows are covered with plywood.

Historical and Architectural Significance:
The commercial building at 2704 Minnesota is a highly significant one, both for its historical associations and its architectural significance. Historically, it is an integral part of the Minnesota business corridor, reflecting the second generation building forms and types that were built in the period following the settlement of town. More substantial buildings of brick or stone, such as this, replaced the early frame buildings that were erected in the first years after the townsite opened to development. Fire damage, and the desire by business property owners to improve their holdings were among the most common the reasons the early buildings were replaced.

The small businesses that operated here - restaurants, billiard room, saloon - were typical in the turn-of-the-century commercial area south of the railroad tracks. Located on the northwest fringe of Billing's Chinese quarter, this building is significant for its associations with Lung Kong, who owned it and the Chinese restaurant operated by Lewis Quock and others in this building. Restaurants were among the small businesses that Chinese immigrants commonly operated in the neighborhood.

Architecturally, the building is a strong example of end of the century design, and the cast iron storefront by Mesker Brothers of St. Louis is a treasure. At one time, there were many buildings in downtown Billings that featured cast iron framing and decoration on the facades, this is one of the few that remain. Mesker Brothers were a well-known Midwestern foundry that shipped their goods all over the country by rail. It is fortunate to have such a well-preserved example of their work in Billings' historic downtown.

Photograph Courtesy of Paul Whiting