A historic Spanish-mission-style building that was once a working hospital in Montana is now on the market for just $10, but there is a catch. The building is being sold without the land it sits on, and the buyer would need to relocate the medical facility to another location. To help offset the costs of moving and transitioning the building, the seller is offering up to $100,000 in moving credit. However, the estimated price tag for relocating and restoring the 113-year-old building is around $8 million.
The Old Post Hospital was built in 1911 on Fort Missoula and served as a hospital until 1947. During its operation, the hospital treated patients with various illnesses, including those affected by the 1918 Spanish Flu, polio during the epidemic, and Japanese, German, and Italian immigrants during World War II when it was the main hospital for the “Alien Detention Camp.” After the hospital closed, it was converted into medical offices that operated until 2015.
The current owner of the hospital proposed a development plan to fund the restoration of the building by building 16 townhouses on adjacent private property. However, the Missoula Historic Preservation Commission rejected the plan due to concerns about sight lines, open space, and the impact on the historic building’s prominence. The developer, FAE-Wolf, appealed the decision to the Missoula City Council but was denied on a 7-4 vote.
If no interested buyer comes forward, the property owners have stated that they will file new permits for the hospital’s demolition. Despite spending over $750,000 on managing the property, taxes, and fees to gain approval for their proposal, FAE-Wolf feels they have no choice but to move forward with the removal or demolition of the hospital. It is a decision that has been met with disappointment and a heavy heart by the developer.
The potential sale of the Old Post Hospital highlights the challenges of preserving historic buildings and landmarks. The efforts to save the building through restoration have been met with obstacles and setbacks, leading to the possibility of its demolition. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving historic sites and buildings for future generations, as they provide a link to the past and contribute to the cultural heritage of a community.
Despite the significant costs and challenges associated with relocating and restoring the Old Post Hospital, it presents a unique opportunity for a buyer willing to invest in its preservation. The building’s rich history and architectural significance make it a valuable piece of Montana’s heritage that deserves to be saved. Whether a buyer will come forward to take on the daunting task of moving and restoring the hospital remains to be seen, but the fate of this historic building hangs in the balance as decisions are made regarding its future.
