HomeMy WebLinkAbout128-130 E Main 1984 MONTANA HISTORICAL AND is pi j
ARCHITECTURAL INVENTORY [Site
Legal Description:Ori inal Toumsite Lots Portion 7 8 Blk B
Address: 128-130 East Main
Ownership:name:
❑ private address: Roll# Frame
❑ ouhlic Box 430 77 � 35
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Historic Name: Fechter Building
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Li R A R Y Common Name:_
❑ estimated
Date of Construction: 1918 Eldocumented
v Architect: Fred F. Willson
r Builder:
Q I ( t Original Owner: John Fechter
jOriginal Use:
Present Use:
J dV _ tY Research Sources:
III' Tr T .LT ❑ abstract of title ❑ city directories
t ❑ plat recordstmaps ❑ sewerlwater permits
LA.jI ❑ tax cards ❑ obituaries
L.LJ J
{ 1 1 ❑ building permit ❑ biographies
—y 11 Sanborn maps—dates 1917
`W F Bibliography:
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PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Describe present appearance of structure/site,then contrast and compare that with it's original appearance,
noting additions,alterations,and changes in materials.Discuss significant architectural features.
This attached three-story commercial structure has a rectangular plan with a bronze
or copper canopy with glass insets over the entry to the upper level apartments ,
a side bay to the main structure. There are unique wood balconies at the rear of
the building. The facade is symmetrical and consists of a central front entrance
with storefront windows , and 3/1 double-hung windows paired on the second story.
The second level windows are surrounded by elaborately detailed terra cotta
mouldings of contrasting colors. The cornice features terra cotta detailing
with free-stanidng spires and gargoyles. The brick construction is finished
in terra cotta detailing and rests on granite cut stone foundation. The flat
roof is finished in built=up materials. The original storefront featured
a rectangular bronze canopy as well , but this has been removed.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Justify how the persons,important events,and/or historical patterns associated with the structure/site
and surrounding area lend the property significance.
This-property is Significant because -it is associated With.:a person important
to Bozeman's history, Fred F. Willson. Son of General Lester S. Willson, an
early Bozeman pioneer, Willson was born in 1877 in Bozeman. He attended Montana
State College for two years and graduated from Columbia University in architecture
in 1902. He studied for two years abroad and upon his return, Willson practiced
with C. S. Haire in Helena and Butte. In his long practice from 1910 to 1956,
he designed many public, commercial and residential buildings.
The property was built for John Fechter, and was designed by Fred F. Willson.
Fechter, and his father and grandfather before him, operated several saloons,
including the well-known Tivoli. When it was first built, shops occupied
the first level while the Hotel Fechter was housed in the upper stores.
This structure is potentially eligible for the National Register because
of its historical associations and because of its architectural significance.
INTEGRITY: Assess the degree to which the structure/site,and surrounding area accurately convey the historical associations of the
property.
The historic integrity of this property has been retained due to the survival
of original design and materials and continuity of use, setting and location.
INFORMATION VALUE: Explain how the extant structure/site may demonstrate or yield information about its historic use or construc-
tion.
None.
FORM PREPARED BY, GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Name_ JAh1ES 0. yrCC'"-pl p APCP TE .TS P,C Acreage:
P. 0. BOX 8163
Address: USGS Quad:
MISSOULA, MONTANA 59807 Date: UTM's:
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