108 Central (Commercial Building), 108 Central Avenue, Great Falls, Cascade County, MT

Significance: Paris Gibson founded the city of Great Falls, played a notable role in the development of the state of Montana, and was a United States Senator for the state of Montana. It was he that caused this commercial structure to be erected on the main street of Great Falls in 1890. The structure housed offices for various enterprises of Senator Gibson during its history, as well as providing space for other services in the community. The structure was conceived as a handsome and permanent addition to the avenue by architect John Clinton. Architect Clinton was acting mayor for the community at the same time that he was designing this building, and one of his activities during this service was the adoption of comprehensive fire ordinances for Great Falls buildings. Great Falls was undergoing a building "boom" in 1890 and this structure was part of that activity. John Clinton did his job well; the building design is well executed; perhaps one of the reasons that it has remained standing longer than its contemporaries.
Survey number: HABS MT-36
Building/structure dates: ca. 1890 Initial Construction