Fratt Building, 2817-2823 2nd Avenue North, 1923

In 1891 David and Kate Fratt built a two story dwelling on this site. David Fratt, a successful livestock grower and vice-president of the Yellowstone National Bank, died in 1912. His wife Kate died a few years later in 1981 and in her will, she bequested funds to erect a large building in memory of her husband David Fratt. Cole's Department Store, which had been located at 2716 Montana until it burned in 1919, located here one month after completion in 1923 and stayed until the late 1980s. Upstairs were 25 offices.

Historic Name:
David Fratt Memorial Building
Current Name:
David Fratt Memorial Building

Builder:
unknown

Original Use:
Stores, offices
Current Use:
Stores, condominiums

Physical Description:
The David Fratt Memorial Building is a three story commercial building with a spirited, classically influenced façade. It is built of combed, cream-colored brick on a polished pink granite base with cast stone trim, all arranged in a symmetrical design. It fronts onto 2nd Avenue North and N 29th Street, and is divided into retail spaces on the first floor, and offices above.

On the south elevation, the primary entrance is located at center. Double oak doors open onto a large lobby with stairwell and elevator access. A flat metal awning projects above the entrance and accents it visually. The lobby has a high ceiling and walls finished with marble. The facades on the south and west face onto the street and are finished the same way. Storefronts feature recessed entrances, large fixed glazing panels, and transoms all framed in metal. Black granite trims the aprons across the bases. Above this, second and third story windows are tiered between pilasters of white cast stone. Raised brick string courses and quoins, and applied crosses and ogees adorn the façade under and between openings. The windows are tall and narrow, once housing double-hung 2-over-1 units.

On the east, the building runs along an alley. From the rear, a one and two-story addition are visible. Double hung windows and a rear fire exit with metal stairway open onto the alley.

Historical Associations:
David & Kate Fratt purchased lots 3-24 in block 57 in 1889, and built a 2 story dwelling here ca 1891, before the downtown business district had spread this far to the north. A couple of other homes were erected on the block, and it remained residential well into the 20th century. David Fratt was a successful livestock grower and vice-president of the Yellowstone National Bank.

David Fratt died in 1912; his wife Kate followed in 1918. In her will, she bequested funds to erect a large building in memory of David Fratt. Construction of this building reportedly cost $150,000. A portion of the architect's fee was the original Fratt home, which JG Link moved to 142 Clark Ave and soon occupied with his family. Cole's Department Store, a fixture in downtown Billings for decades, moved into the first floor in May 1923, one month after building completion. (They had formerly been in the Williams Block at 2716 Montana, until it burned in 1919.) Cole's sold to Clark Simon and the family ran the business until the late 1980s.

Upstairs the Fratt Building housed 25 offices, and a range of professionals held offices here, including the Consulate of Norway and several federal agencies.

Historical and Architectural Significance:
The Fratt Building is an integral part of downtown Billings' streetscape, and is an important anchor in the commercial district. It is a fine example of the classical influence that characterized much new construction during the early 20th century. It is a commanding building, carefully maintained over the years. Designed by John G. Link, the patterned brick and cast stone ornamentation are high quality, both in design and craftsmanship. For its representative architectural significance, the building should be considered for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Historically, it fits the period during the first two decades of the 20th century, when the northern portions of downtown developed. Once the Great Northern Railway laid track along the northern fringe of downtown (5th Avenue North right-of-way) the northern corridor around N Broadway and 27th Street N emerged as the heart of business district. Downtown shifted northward and infilled the area between the NP and the GN railroad tracks. Scattered early residences were cleared away to make space for new commercial buildings. Brick edifices of 2-3 stories were most common, although some landmark buildings went higher. The Fratt Building (just a half block off Broadway) is one of the finest examples from this period.

Photo Courtesy of Paul Whiting