Montana Heritage Commission Announces New Long-Term Lease Program to Revitalize Historic Properties
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VIRGINIA CITY, Mont. – The Montana Heritage Preservation and Development Commission is proud to announce the passage of House Bill 680, landmark legislation that allows for long-term leases on selected historic state properties. With this new authority, MHC is launching a formal application process for individuals, businesses and organizations interested in revitalizing Montana’s cultural assets through private investment and strategic partnership.
A new webpage detailing available opportunities and the lease application process is now live at commerce.mt.gov.
HB 680 grants MHC the flexibility to offer lease terms long enough to make capital improvements feasible and sustainable—allowing public-private collaborations that preserve Montana’s heritage while activating underutilized properties in Virginia City, Nevada City, Reeder’s Alley and beyond.
“This is an invitation to entrepreneurs, cultural organizations, hospitality partners and investors who believe that history has a future,” said Kal Poole, executive director of the Montana Heritage Commission. “We’re seeking thoughtful, creative tenants who want to be part of preserving these irreplaceable sites while bringing them renewed life through adaptive use.”
The official lease application—available for download on the new website—asks applicants to outline their vision, experience and willingness to invest in and steward a historic property. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate strong business fundamentals, cultural sensitivity and alignment with MHC’s mission of preservation and public engagement.
Key features of the lease program include:
The Commission encourages potential applicants to review the lease opportunities webpage and reach out for a preliminary discussion prior to submission.
About the Montana Heritage Commission
The Montana Heritage Preservation and Development Commission, a program of the Montana Department of Commerce, manages dozens of state-owned historic sites, including Virginia City and Nevada City. MHC is charged with preserving and promoting Montana’s rich cultural history through thoughtful stewardship, public interpretation, and strategic reinvestment.
A new webpage detailing available opportunities and the lease application process is now live at commerce.mt.gov.
HB 680 grants MHC the flexibility to offer lease terms long enough to make capital improvements feasible and sustainable—allowing public-private collaborations that preserve Montana’s heritage while activating underutilized properties in Virginia City, Nevada City, Reeder’s Alley and beyond.
“This is an invitation to entrepreneurs, cultural organizations, hospitality partners and investors who believe that history has a future,” said Kal Poole, executive director of the Montana Heritage Commission. “We’re seeking thoughtful, creative tenants who want to be part of preserving these irreplaceable sites while bringing them renewed life through adaptive use.”
The official lease application—available for download on the new website—asks applicants to outline their vision, experience and willingness to invest in and steward a historic property. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate strong business fundamentals, cultural sensitivity and alignment with MHC’s mission of preservation and public engagement.
Key features of the lease program include:
- Eligibility for long-term leases under HB680
- Opportunities in multiple heritage-rich locations
- Support for capital improvements that enhance preservation
- Options for housing, seasonal use, and interpretive programming
The Commission encourages potential applicants to review the lease opportunities webpage and reach out for a preliminary discussion prior to submission.
About the Montana Heritage Commission
The Montana Heritage Preservation and Development Commission, a program of the Montana Department of Commerce, manages dozens of state-owned historic sites, including Virginia City and Nevada City. MHC is charged with preserving and promoting Montana’s rich cultural history through thoughtful stewardship, public interpretation, and strategic reinvestment.
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