Montana Heritage Commission Reviews First Round of Applications for New Long-Term Lease Program
In June, the Montana Heritage Preservation and Development Commission, a program of the Montana Department of Commerce, announced the passage of House Bill 680. This 2025 legislation allows the MHC to enter into longer-term leasing contracts with private organizations to manage, restore and preserve historic properties in Virginia City, Nevada City and Reeder’s Alley in Helena. On Sept. 5, the commission reviewed the first round of applications for this program. Applications are due quarterly, three days before commission meetings. Commission meetings are held the first Friday in March, June, September and December; the next round of applications will be due Tuesday, Dec. 2.
“Leveraging these private-public partnerships will boost southwest Montana’s economy by revitalizing and reopening historic properties in Virginia City and Nevada City,” said Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio. “While the commission serves as a steward for these historic sites, HB 680 grants it the flexibility to allow eligible, capable private organizations to make capital improvements over time.”
The MHC manages hundreds of state-owned historic sites, most of them in Virginia City and Nevada City. In Helena, the MHC manages Reeder’s Alley and the Pioneer Cabin, the oldest documented dwelling in Helena. The commission is charged with preserving and promoting Montana’s rich cultural history through thoughtful stewardship, public interpretation and strategic reinvestment. With HB 680 enabling partnerships with private investors and lease terms as long as 99 years, historic properties have an increased chance of being restored and opening their doors to visitors.
“Working with our partners in the legislature, we authorized the Montana Heritage Commission to offer long term leases to help us continue preserving our treasured Montana history and incentivize private investment,” Governor Greg Gianforte was quoted as saying in an Aug. 29 press release from the Governor’s Office. “It was great to get an update on the efforts underway to restore and preserve historic buildings and to meet with current lessees on their plans.”
Any individual, business or nonprofit organization willing to invest in the preservation and enhancement of a historic property is eligible to apply for a lease. Lessees must follow all local, state and federal preservation guidelines and demonstrate the ability to maintain and improve the property. Applications are reviewed quarterly based on investment commitment, preservation plan and alignment with MHC’s mission.
When the program opened to applications in June, five properties were available: the Nevada City Hotel and the River of Gold Cabin in Nevada City and the Susan Marr, Hickman and Gilbert houses in Virginia City. The commission received two applications and reviewed them at its Sept. 5 meeting. At the meeting, there were several public comments which led the commission to request additional information from the applicants. This information is due to the commission on Sept. 26. The commission will reconvene after that date to review the additional information and make its final determinations.
The commission will meet again on Dec. 5, giving interested applicants until Dec. 2 to submitted completed applications. In addition to the properties listed as available, applicants can propose leases for other properties to the commission. Interested parties can contact the MHC for more information at mhc@mt.gov or 406-596-5655.
For more information on the application process, available properties and a link to the MCH Lease Application Form, visit commerce.mt.gov.
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