Butte in Silver Bow County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Leonard Apartments
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021
1. Leonard Apartments Marker
Inscription.
Leonard Apartments. . Turn-of-the-twentieth-century social critics viewed apartment living as “the most dangerous enemy American domesticity has had to encounter.” Butte investors ignored this admonition, constructing the fashionable Leonard Apartments in 1906 to help solve an unprecedented demand for housing. Designed by Butte architect William A. O’Brien, this massive brick building with its graceful twin curved bays, overhanging cornice, and decorative lion medallions lent the city an urban flair. In 1910, the Leonard Cafe advertised that it was “the best place in Butte to dine.” Patrons could enjoy a complete dinner for fifty cents. Even today the upward sweep of the building’s façade is impressive, proclaiming the caliber of its architect.
Turn-of-the-twentieth-century social critics viewed apartment living as “the most dangerous enemy American domesticity has had to encounter.” Butte investors ignored this admonition, constructing the fashionable Leonard Apartments in 1906 to help solve an unprecedented demand for housing. Designed by Butte architect William A. O’Brien, this massive brick building with its graceful twin curved bays, overhanging cornice, and decorative lion medallions lent the city an urban flair. In 1910, the Leonard Cafe advertised that it was “the best place in Butte to dine.” Patrons could enjoy a complete dinner for fifty cents. Even today the upward sweep of the building’s façade is impressive, proclaiming the caliber of its architect.
Location. 46° 0.858′ N, 112° 32.398′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. Marker is on West Granite Street near Montana Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 206 West Granite Street, Butte MT 59701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
