One of Uptown Butte's most historic buildings is set to undergo renovations that will provide more affordable housing in the Mining City.
BUTTE, Mont. òòò½ÊÓƵ“ A classic building in Uptown Butte is set for a transformation that will provide affordable housing while preserving its historical charm.
The John H. Curtis Music Hall on Park Street, a staple since 1892, is undergoing renovations. The building has served various roles over the years, including a theater, a boarding house for copper miners, and the home of Gamer's Cafe and Casino for nearly 90 years.
Peggy Guccione, a lover of classic architecture who has preserved other classic Butte buildings like the Hodgens Ryan Mansion, purchased the Music Hall in 2021 with plans to restore it.
"It was about the time that the M&M burned down, and I went ahead and purchased it," Guccione said. "It is a gorgeous building; it isnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t just a square building with square windows. And then the atrium inside is just absolutely exquisite. I just fell in love with the building, so Iòòò½ÊÓƵ™m going to do my best to get it all fixed up again."
The restoration work is currently in progress, with demolition taking place inside. Once completed, the revamped Music Hall will include the restaurant in which Yellowstone Foods operates out of, a lobby and elevator where the casino once was, and 14 apartments. These apartments are designed to be comfortable yet affordable, offering a good location being right in the heart of Uptown Butte.
"They will be two and three bedroom, one and two bath," Guccione said. "I want them to be very nice, but not luxurious, so they can be affordable. And as I say, it would be for 14 individuals, couples, or families."
The project is expected to be completed in two to three years, providing new housing options for the community.