Missoula in Missoula County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

521 University Avenue

University Area Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2019

1. 521 University Avenue Marker

Inscription. Deed records show that the Northern Pacific Railroad sold this property to the South Missoula Land Company in 1889. Company shareholder A. B. Hammond subsequently platted the Hammond Addition. Buyers of his lots signed an agreement promising to build homes worth at least $3,000. This lot, however, remained undeveloped. Real estate investor George L. Steinbrenner bought the property in 1912, but it was not until the late 1920s that he built this Craftsman style home as an investment. Anthony and Cora Dawes were its first residents. Cora operated the Varsity House here from 1929 to the mid-1930s, offering student lodgings close to campus. In 1944, George and Margaret Pramenko purchased the home. Pramenko, the longtime owner of the Flame Lounge, was a well-known businessman and a wonderful entertainer, a master at playing the tamburitza, and famous for his trademark Tom and Jerrys. Wide eaves with exposed rafters and a shed dormer characterize the Craftsman style, but decorative windowpanes and half-timbering in the gable ends lend it a personality as distinctive as its longtime owner.

Erected by Montana National Register

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Sign Program.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 46° 51.593′ N, 113° 59.376′ W. Marker is in Missoula, Montana, in Missoula County. It is on University Avenue near Arthur Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 521 University Avenue, Missoula MT 59801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana

and in Glacier Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Grand Griz (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line);

521 University Avenue Residence and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2019

2. 521 University Avenue Residence and Marker

The marker is located below the flag.

The Heart of Campus (about 600 feet away); Corbin Hall (about 700 feet away); New Hall (about 700 feet away); South Hall (about 700 feet away); Women's Club Art Building (about 800 feet away); 439 Connell Avenue (approx. 0.2 miles away); North Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Missoula.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 284 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 9, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.