The Montana Club: Helena's Historic Building
24 West 6th Ave., Helena, Montana
The Luxan & Murfitt law firm owns and occupies the fourth floor of the Montana Club building. The Montana Club is the oldest, private social club in the Northwest. Located in the heart of historic downtown Helena, members enjoy fine dining, elegant ambiance, special events and use of the Club for private dining and meetings, parties and weddings.
The Montana Club was organized as a private mens’ organization in 1885. In those days, because of gold mining in the vicinity, it was said that Helena had more millionaires per capita than any other U.S. city. In 1891, a subscription drive was launched to construct a club building and a triangular lot was purchased in the center of the business district. By 1903, a six story building of gothic architecture was in use by club members.
Unfortunately, the Club burned to the ground in April, 1903, leaving only the foundation and the stone arches on the first floor. Insurance covered only half of the loss, but members immediately launched a subscription drive to rebuild. Within two weeks after the fire, Cass Gilbert, a renowned St. Paul and New York architect with ties to Helena agreed to draw plans for the new building. Six weeks later preliminary plans had been prepared and construction began in March, 1904. The new building (cost, $125,000) was ready for use in June, 1905. There were “boarders” rooms during that era on the 5th floor in which out of town or Helena members resided. The sixth floor ballroom features twenty five stained glass windows designed to represent “the progress of civilization in Montana” of Indians and early settlers, miners, ranchers, farmers, timbermen and railroad expansion.
By the 1970's the Club building was deteriorating and badly needed remodeling. A major fund drive provided moneys to add a second elevator, safety and fire code requirements were dealt with, and portions of the building were placed in condominium. The main dining room and kitchen are located on the second floor. The 6th floor ballroom is heavily used, and when the state legislature is in session every other year, lawmakers frequently patronize the club.
Learn more:
View a slideshow of The Montana Club, past and present
Unique and Handsome: Cass Gilbert’s Designs for the Montana Club
The Montana Club marks its 100th Anniversary
In Search Of...Montana Club's secret tunnels
Luxan & Murfitt, PLLP, offices are located on the fourth floor of the Montana Club Building in Helena, Montana. The information provided in these web pages is offered for informational purposes only; it is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Luxan & Murfitt, PLLP, does not seek to represent you based upon your visit or review of this web page site, and the transmission of information from this site is not intended to create nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between Luxan & Murfitt, PLLP, and you. You should not make legal hiring decisions based upon brochures, advertising, or other promotional materials.