A building’s story is more than what meets the eye. It’s more than a collection of brick and mortar. There is a living, breathing story unfolding within its walls. For the Montana National Bank building in Billings, Montana, that story is still being written. The extensive renovation project spearheaded by Big Sky Economic Development aims to bring the halls of Montana National Bank back to its former exuberance and stature with added modern, contemporary allure.
History of the building
The original Montana National Bank building.
The architecture of the Montana National Bank represented stability and instilled faith in its customers and depositors through its strength as a financial institution. Early on they adopted the catchphrase, “The Bank For You”. The Bank prospered due to its conservative policies and stability of its stockholders and management that positioned it to remain strong through the Spanish Influenza, World War I, when many other banks failed, and through the Great Depression and World War II. Increased economic activity in Billings led the bank to expand, opening an extensive addition in 1952, followed by a renaming in 1954 to the ”First National Bank”, the oldest bank in Billings.
Timeless allure, new-age decor: A first look at renovations
The monumental entry that calls back to when architects designed banks as “temples of commerce” has graced the streetscape for over 100 years, and will soon be the pillars that welcome innovation and entrepreneurship. The renovation being completed by Big Sky Economic Development will be a pleasing blend of the building’s history and what is it come in its future. Emphasizing the history of the building, BSED will honor the significance of what the bank symbolizes: prosperity, strength, and confidence throughout Billings’ past, present, and future. Looking towards the future, BSED will be building out spaces that will inspire innovation and collaboration for entrepreneurs, creators, and freelancers in the community. “We are proud to be renovating this historic landmark in the heart of our community in order to create a space for our community to build, to create, and to learn. All while working with local businesses to have the project designed and constructed. We are beyond proud and grateful to have the opportunity to call the National Montana Bank Building home,” said Marcell Bruski, Director of Marketing & BillingsWorks at BSED.
Big Sky Economic Development is utilizing this renovation to help build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Billings. BSED will be moving their current offices to the third floor of the bank building, the second floor will be a training and education space available to the community, and the first floor and lower level will be an incubator, accelerator, and coworking space dedicated to serving and connecting entrepreneurs called Rock31. Among the first-floor amenities will be a barista/food service incubator, a unique concept to foster youth entrepreneurship. “BSED is investing in the future of Yellowstone County by renovating the bank to be a destination for entrepreneurs to build a vibrant community, encourage innovation and stimulate creativity. We also have an expert team on the third floor that will be available to this community of entrepreneurs,” Bruski says.
The renovation project touches on and emphasizes far more than simply applying modern updates to a historic landmark. They cut to the heart of what makes a community blossom and grow. The foundational initiative behind these renovations was to be a pillar of support for the entrepreneurs in Billings, helping them to thrive.
Design mock-up of the bank's renovated 1st floor co-working space.
“The Montana National Bank Building historically stood as the embodiment of a successful financial institution within the commercial district of Billings, whose stability and permanence was an integral part of economic growth and development of the city. BSED strives to continue to exemplify this significant role for the community through this renovation,” says Bruski.
BSED understands the importance of preserving the past and using it to create a dynamic, vibrant and healthy economic future. This is seen in their investment in downtown and in the renovation of the Montana National Bank building.
“It’s important for us to understand our history, to build upon traditions, making them our own. We are honoring a small piece of tradition during our Grand Opening, September 8th, 2022, by handing out cigars and carnations to guests as they enter Rock31. A tradition that was done in 1918 and again after the 50’s addition,” Bruski said.
To learn more about this and Big Sky Economic Development visit bigskyeconomicdevelopment.org and see how they are helping to create a better tomorrow for the citizens of Billings.
