The Baxter Hotel, Bozeman’s tallest building, sits as a sentinel at the west end of Main Street. Above it, much like a crown, sits the 45 foot wide, metal neon sign first erected in 1929. The Baxter Hotel sign is an icon of a bygone era and a landmark for the city. Other than a small blinking blue light, indicating a recent snowfall at Bridger Bowl, that sits nearby the larger sign – little has been lit on the Baxter roof. It is estimated that the sign has not lit for at least the past 40 years – but this is to change very soon.
A restoration project is finally completed on the sign. A collaborative effort by the owners of The Baxter (Loseff and Marvel), Ole Nelson of Media Station Design Works, Rob Pertzborn of Instrinsik Architecture and Darren Dust of Treasure State Signs has brought the sign back to life.
A reception is being held to dedicate the sign on Thursday, January 10th featuring food, libations, music, visits from dignitaries such as Senator Max Baucus, George McKarrow CEO of Ted’s Montana Grill (a tenant in the building) and city representatives.
I for one am excited to see the sign shine bright once again.