What Is the Bluebird Building?
Once known as Higgins Block, this multi-use building is now fronted by the Opportunity Bank of Montana!
What Makes It Historical?
This building was the final project of Missoula founder, Christopher P. Higgins, who wanted this to be his town’s new commercial hub! Sadly, Mr. Higgins died before his building could be completed in spring of 1889, but the building’s first tenants were his C.P. Higgins Western Bank and the D.J. Hennessy Mercantile Company!
Many companies have taken up residence in this building, like the Cobban Realty Company, one of the main companies that planned out the subdivisions of Missoula! There was also scandal surrounding R.M. Cobban, who sold this building to an influential senator, William Clark, at such a low rate it broke the Higgins estate!
As for where the name “Bluebird Building” came from, in 1913, this building was used as the Empress Theatre, which became the Bluebird Theatre in 1925! Though it’s unclear why “bluebird” stuck through the shoe shops, shirt shops, and architecture firms that cycled through, today, it’s a cheerful name for a historic building that was key to shaping the Missoula we know today!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Montana Historical Society!
- Donate to the Montana Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
200 N Higgins Ave
Missoula, MT 59802
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!