North Park in Billings in Yellowstone County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Billings Implement Building
Billings Townsite Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2020
1. Billings Implement Building Marker
Inscription.
Billings Implement Building. Billings Townsite Historic District. In 1906, the Northern Pacific Railroad moved its central railroad transfer point from Billings to Laurel. The move opened new tracts of land for development along the railroad right-of-way. These lots had the advantage of bordering both the tracks and Billings’ downtown commercial district. Thus, they were perfect for businesses dependent on large and frequent train deliveries, for example farm implement dealers or grocery wholesalers. Both types of businesses occupied this building, constructed circa 1915 by the Billings Implement Co. Like others on the block, this two-story brick structure presents two distinct appearances. Intended to serve as a warehouse, store, and office all in one, its design reflects its multiple purposes. The refined north face features a typical Western Commercial style facade. To the rear, the building presents its working face. A loading dock reveals the building’s function as a warehouse and its connection to the trains that delivered goods for resale. After sitting vacant for over ten years, both this building and the one next door were renovated to include residential lofts in 2004.
In 1906, the Northern Pacific Railroad moved its central railroad transfer point from Billings to Laurel. The move opened new tracts of land for development along the railroad right-of-way. These lots had the advantage of bordering both the tracks and Billings’ downtown commercial district. Thus, they were perfect for businesses dependent on large and frequent train deliveries, for example farm implement dealers or grocery wholesalers. Both types of businesses occupied this building, constructed circa 1915 by the Billings Implement Co. Like others on the block, this two-story brick structure presents two distinct appearances. Intended to serve as a warehouse, store, and office all in one, its design reflects its multiple purposes. The refined north face features a typical Western Commercial style facade. To the rear, the building presents its working face. A loading dock reveals the building’s function as a warehouse and its connection to the trains that delivered goods for resale. After sitting vacant for over ten years, both this building and the one next door were renovated to include residential lofts in 2004.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.
Location. 45° 46.931′ N, 108° 30.165′ W. Marker is in Billings, Montana, in Yellowstone County. It is in North Park. Marker is on Montana Avenue (Business Interstate 90) near North 26th Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2608 Montana Avenue, Billings MT 59101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2020
2. Billings Implement Building and Marker
There marker is between the two vehicles.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 97 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 5, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
