Helena, MT
The Great Northern area in Helena was an undeveloped abandoned rail yard in the downtown district comprising over 11 acres. The area has significant historical meaning to the city in that it served as the major rail connection to the rest of Montana and the United States. in the mid 90's, a local developer with a vision for urban infill and an appreciation for well defined architecture, purchased the land from the city of Helena. With the goal of creating a destination place within Helena as an extension of the downtown district, the developer initiated a masterplan effort for retail, office, housing above main floor stores, an entertainment area including a movie theater and carousel, and a quality hotel. The area is central to Helena and is surrounded by city services and support amenities. Unlike more common fringe developments, the Town Center incorporates structured parking, in-place utilities, and zero lot-line development. This project won the Montana AIA Merit Award in 1998. The masterplan design began Oct. 1997. Mosaic worked with the developer and other private owners to complete the Discovery Block and Ahmann Block in the fall 2000, the Expedition Block in the spring 2002, the Lewis and Clark, MT Experience outdoor interpretive trail in the winter 2005, and ExWorks! Science Center in 2007. Other work in the area includes the Montana State Fund building, the 15th Street Parking Garage, and the Distillery Building renovation.
The Great Northern area in Helena was an undeveloped abandoned rail yard in the downtown district comprising over 11 acres. The area has significant historical meaning to the city in that it served as the major rail connection to the rest of Montana and the United States. in the mid 90's, a local developer with a vision for urban infill and an appreciation for well defined architecture, purchased the land from the city of Helena. With the goal of creating a destination place within Helena as an extension of the downtown district, the developer initiated a masterplan effort for retail, office, housing above main floor stores, an entertainment area including a movie theater and carousel, and a quality hotel. The area is central to Helena and is surrounded by city services and support amenities. Unlike more common fringe developments, the Town Center incorporates structured parking, in-place utilities, and zero lot-line development. This project won the Montana AIA Merit Award in 1998. The masterplan design began Oct. 1997. Mosaic worked with the developer and other private owners to complete the Discovery Block and Ahmann Block in the fall 2000, the Expedition Block in the spring 2002, the Lewis and Clark, MT Experience outdoor interpretive trail in the winter 2005, and ExWorks! Science Center in 2007. Other work in the area includes the Montana State Fund building, the 15th Street Parking Garage, and the Distillery Building renovation.