HomeMy WebLinkAbout22.1 Historic Property Record Addendum1
Additional Information – 321 North 5th Avenue
Prepared by Shelley Wells
Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc.
Bozeman, Montana
4/1/2024
On April 1, 2024 the site of the historic Florence Convalescent Center (most recently the Bridger
Healthcare Community/Bozeman Health and Rehabilitation Center; currently unoccupied) was revisited
by Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc. archaeologist, Shelley Wells. Additional information about
the building was requested by City of Bozeman Historic Preservation Officer/Associate Planner, Sarah
Rosenberg in anticipation of the demolition of the building. Work included taking additional photos of
the property, a search of the Gallatin History Museum archives and historic newspapers, and review of
city building permits associated with the property.
The Florence Convalescent Home opened on October 6, 1958 and was owned and operated by Florence
and Floyd Spady (Gallatin County Tribune and Belgrade Journal 1958). An aerial photo in the Gallatin
History Museum archive taken in the 1960s by Karin and Bob Vtzinger shows the original footprint of the
building and is consistent with the 1957 building permit application submitted by Floyd Spady (Figure 1).
The permit indicates the building was one-story with two conjoined parts, one measuring 40 ft by 120 ft
and the other 39 ft by 52 ft. The building foundation is listed as concrete block bonded and the building
material as concrete block. The plans (and aerial photo) also show a detached garage and shop structure
located on the southwest corner of the property. An Application for Improvement Permit was
submitted by Floyd Spady on May 22, 1962 to add a 24 ft by 39 ft addition to the southwest corner of
the structure. A building permit application filed in September 1974 reflects a 5360 sq ft addition “on
each of the two floors” on the south side of the building, resulting in the removal of the detached
garage/shop (Figure 2). No further modifications appear to have been made to the building. Figures 3-8
provide supplemental photos to the 2020 site form.
The NRHP eligibility recommendation for the property has not changed as a result of this additional
information. The property lacks individual significance under Criteria A, B, C, and D and is recommended
not eligible. While not located within an existing historic district, the building retains sufficient integrity
to convey association with the Postwar Expansion Phase of Bozeman’s development and should be
considered eligible/contributing to a potential district associated with the development of central
Bozeman. The large addition that was made in 1974 was consistent with the original form and style, and
it does not detract from the building’s integrity.
Sources:
City of Bozeman Planning Department, accessed 4/1/2024.
Gallatin County Tribune and Belgrade Journal [Bozeman, Montana]
1958 Convalescent Home Opened. 9 Oct:1.
Gallatin History Museum, email correspondence with Rachel Phillips, Research Coordinator, 3/27/2024.
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Figure 1. Permit Application sketch plan (1957) for 321 North 5th Avenue (courtesy of City of Bozeman Planning Department).
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Figure 2. City permit plans (1974) for 321 North 5th Avenue (courtesy of City of Bozeman Planning Department).
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Figure 3. 321 North 5th Avenue, oblique close-up of primary facade and entrance (Image 2400; 4/1/2024, S.
Wells).
Figure 4. 321 North 5th Avenue, oblique view of south and east elevations, facing northwest (Image 2391; 4/1/2024, S.Wells).
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Figure 5. 321 North 5th Avenue, view of rear center west elevation, facing east (Image 2395; 4/1/2024, S.
Wells).
Figure 6. 321 North 5th Avenue, view of north elevation on south wing, facing south. View obscured by debris pile from building interior (Image 2406; 4/1/2024, S. Wells).
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Figure 7. 321 North 5th Avenue, oblique view of north elevation, facing southwest (Image 2399; 4/1/2024, S.
Wells).
Figure 8. 321 North 5th Avenue, view of fountain feature directly east of primary entrance, facing north (Image 2404; 4/1/2024, S. Wells).