HomeMy WebLinkAbout17 S Tracy 1985 MONTANA HISTORICAL AND
ARCHITECTURAL INVENTORY I Site#
�eg_l Description:Srory'R Elk AlLotse Por. 1-2, W54.3' of W35' , Tr. A J
Address: 17 South Tracy
Ownership:name: Bertha Alexander _
private address: M:cRa & Delone Evans 1524 South Rouse Roll# 79 Frame# 1
public y
1 ( YI Historic Name:
f ' ' Common Name: llnknnwn
❑ estimated
Date of Construction: 1928(,'-' c r' KI documented
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Architect: Fred F. Willson(r
z r I Builder. Unknown
Original Owner. Dixon and Alexander
Q Original Use: Commercial
r Present Use: f�merr_i 1
Research Sources:
I ! E abstract of title city directories
r t plat records/maps & sewer/water permits
— '4 C tax cards J obituaries
FEDERAL :
'' i building permit r biographies
'_ E D E R A L : K Sanborn maps—dates 19 2 7
r - - Q r� Bibliography:
t �T Q U I L DI NG Department of Sanitation
+ � I Interview with Gardner Waite, July, 1983
J _ Willson Job List
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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-two-story commercial structure has a rectangular plan
with a recessed central front entry flanked by storefront windows.
The brick construction has been stuccoed on the front facade and
features a flat roof with stepped parapet and "castle" corner turret-
projections. There are two sets of arched double-hung windows accessed
by a balcony above the first floor overhang across the entire front.
The axis of the roof is parallel to the street.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Justify how the persons,Important events,and/or historical patterns associated with the structure/site
iand surrounding area lend the property significance.
1
This property is significant because it was associated with a person
importa nt in Bozeman 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 1910-1956, he designed many public, commercial
and residential buildings.
r
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 structurelsite may demonstrate or yield information about its historic use or construc-
tion.
None.
FORM PREPARED BY: GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Name j.XPf1r,'Aln ARCIUM1.9 Pr Acreage,
Address:_j` ` (i ' USGS Quad:
Date: UTM's:
DEVISED
�1U U lyd4 Matthew A. Coher>t
Bozeman, Montana
JULY- DECEMBER 19,95
17 S. Tracy
1985 revision
Matt Cohen, surveyor
An excellent example of the Spanish Colonial Revival (Mission) style, the
Dixon-Alexander Building is especially notable in the district for its high
architectural integrity, retaining both of its original storefronts. While the
original marquee was probably of galvanized iron and glass , similar to that which
survives onihe Fechter Hotel building (128-130 E. Main) , the present Fred F.
Willson-designed, streamline Moderne marquee, ( 1940) , is a significant later
addition. The building is indicative of the steady growth of the Main St. business
district, which by 1928 had become so solidly built up that commercial develop-
ment such as this spilled over onto Tracy Ave.
Erected in 1928 and designed by local architect Fred Willson, the building shares
specific architectural features with the Baxter Hotel , and the remodeled Bon
Ton Bakery (34-42 W. Main) - both also designed by Willson and built in 1928.
Similar grouped, round-headed, hood molded windows , and ornamental rosettes here used
for the marquee chain connections, are found on the Baxter, while the parapet,
which is broken by sections of ornamental , pan and tile pitched roofs, and
the stucco finish, are motifs employed on the Bon Ton building. H.J. Hammill ,
contractor for this building, also built the Willson-designed Baxter Hotel and
Ellen Theatre (17 W. Main) , among others. The present marquee of this building
is very similar to the one added c. 1965 to the Ellen Theatre.
When B.A. Dixon decided to construct a new building in which to relocate his
paint shop at 30 E. Main(see 26-261/2 E. Main) , he collaborated with Bernal H.
Alexander to build this one on S. Tracy, probably because all building lots on
the thriving Main St. were either full , or prohibitively expensive. Dixon
occupied the northern store in the block, while Alexander opened his art supply
shop in the southern one.
BiblioU raphy
Wallace Johnson, interview, 9/7/85, 9/9/85
City Directory, 1927, inside front cover advertisement
Application for Sewer Connection, Sept. 20, 1928, 15-17-19 S. Tracy, Dixon &
Alexander
Sanborn Map, 1927
Fred Willson Job List, 1940, job #4064 - "Alexander Dixon A.H. Marguise (sic) . "
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