Northern Hotel
The apex of historic luxury
Northern Hotel
ARCHITECTURE
The historic Northern Hotel holds a deep-rooted reputation for elegant luxury in the Billings community. Originally built in 1904, the Northern was widely considered the most modern hotel in the state of Montana, but a downtown fire burned the structure to the ground in 1940. Within a few years, the Hotel was rebuilt, but eventually fell into a state of disrepair due to abandonment and neglect. Resurrected for the second time, a massive renovation used authentic materials, colors, and techniques to restore the art moderne style prevalent during the building’s 1942 rebuild, in addition to incorporating an upscale, Western-inspired flair. The restoration renewed its historical character while upgrading each space for modern use, re-establishing the Hotel as a prominent Montana enterprise central to the regional business community.
Northern Hotel
The apex of historic luxury
ARCHITECTURE
The historic Northern Hotel holds a deep-rooted reputation for elegant luxury in the Billings community. Originally built in 1904, the Northern was widely considered the most modern hotel in the state of Montana, but a downtown fire burned the structure to the ground in 1940. Within a few years, the Hotel was rebuilt, but eventually fell into a state of disrepair due to abandonment and neglect. Resurrected for the second time, a massive renovation used authentic materials, colors, and techniques to restore the art moderne style prevalent during the building’s 1942 rebuild, in addition to incorporating an upscale, Western-inspired flair. The restoration renewed its historical character while upgrading each space for modern use, re-establishing the Hotel as a prominent Montana enterprise central to the regional business community.
Built to last
After the fire, the new Hotel was constructed of brick and concrete to provide additional durability and fortitude to prevent future disasters. During the renovation, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as all duct work, had to be routed within clay brick walls and concrete floors, requiring complex technique to complete the time-intensive installation process.
A retreat for the corporate traveler
The renovation focused on creating a luxurious experience for regional traveling business professionals by establishing “executive class” corporate amenities, including a wide variety of spacious meeting suites, wireless technology in all guestrooms, a state-of-the-art business center, and copious space for tradeshows and conventions.
A custom construction approach
To ensure maximum efficiency, the construction process was managed by three separate superintendents, each overseeing different areas of the Hotel. The process required additional regulation due to the nature of its site location. Situated in the crux of downtown, construction processes were strategically organized to minimize disturbance to traffic and activities within the bustling business district, posing unique challenges regarding material and equipment placement and storage.