Address:
2905 Montana
 Photolog:
16-7

Secor, 2905-2907 Montana Avenue, 1912-1923






This block was relatively undeveloped until after the turn of the 20th century. On this site was a single-story wood building which held a Chinese laundry during the latter 1880s. In later years, it housed a restaurant - the Midget in 1912, the American Café in 1913-14. By 1923 the original building was gone and this brick structure erected in its place. It was commercial space and home to
American Dry Cleaners by 1930s.

 
Legal Description:
Billings Townsite Block: 107 Lots: 4-5
Owner:
Gerald L. Toci
2913 Joan Lane, Billings 59102

Historic Name:
American Dry Cleaners
Current Name:
Secor

 Architect:
Unknown
Original Owner:

Builder:
Unknown
Date Of Construcion:
ca. 1920

Original Use:
store
Current Use:
office

Physical Description:
This is a two-story building constructed of brick, and is rectangular in massing. The primary façade faces to the south and Montana Avenue. It has a storefront, with a recessed entrance and an entrance to the upstairs offset to the west. The storefront has been updated and includes two large glass panels with a canvas awning to cover. The upper level has three symmetrically placed windows, each with a keystone/lintel and sill of cream-colored cast stone. The facade is faced with brown brick and crowned by a cornice of cream cast stone. A curvilinear parapet rises above the cornice, and has cream coping to match.

At the rear (north), the building opens onto an alley. East and west elevations abut adjacent buildings, but upper level original red brick masonry is evident, as are the fading painted sign panels left from a prior occupant. These are difficult to discern, but on the east a portion reads PEARSON… The rest is illegible.
Historical Associations:
This block was relatively undeveloped until after the turn of the 20th century. On this site there was a single-story wood building which held a Chinese laundry during the latter 1880s. In later years it housed a restaurant, in 1912 it was known as the Midget Restaurant, run by the Larson Brothers. In 1913-14, it was called the American Café. By 1923, that building was gone and this brick structure erected in its place. That year the city directories listed Mack Thompson Café at 2905 Montana. It was a commercial space and home to American Dry Cleaners by 1930. Brown's American Dry Cleaners remained through 1940, run by Robert Brown. By 1947, it was Davis Cleaners; in 1950 it was Spic N Span Cleaners. Upstairs, there were lodgings.
Integrity:
American Dry Cleaners is a well-preserved historic building. It has been well maintained, and the historic elements of the design such as detailing and ghost signage remain. Alterations of storefront have been in keeping with the design, and do not detract from the building's ability to strongly convey its historic roots on the streetscape. Newer awning additions have been sensitively chosen to enhance the historic character of the building.

Historical and Architectural Significance:
The American Dry Cleaners building is an integral part of the historic Montana Avenue business corridor, reflecting the maturation of Billings' downtown during the early 20th century. The business typifies mans small, individually operated shops that infilled the downtown, including this area near to the railroad tracks.

Architecturally, it is like so many buildings in the city, which were built during this time. It features a simple masonry design in dark brick accented by white cast stone or terra cotta, hints of Classical influences in the detailing and a basic apartment over commercial spatial arrangement.

Research Sources:
City Directories
Deed Records
Sanborn Maps for Billings, Montana 1884 - 1954
Form Completed For Downtown Billings Historic Survey By:
Chere Jiusto 406-443-2114
2064 Orofino Gulch
Helena, Mt 59601
November 1998 		Other:

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