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$ 3,999,500
Est. payment /mo
Price Dropped by $500K
136 W Main ST Hamilton, MT 59840
17,000 SqFt
UPDATED:
Key Details
Property Type Commercial
Sub Type Building/Land
Listing Status Active
Purchase Type For Sale
Square Footage 17,000 sqft
Price per Sqft $235
MLS Listing ID 30073930
HOA Y/N No
Year Built 1947
Annual Tax Amount $7,735
Tax Year 2025
Lot Size 9,757 Sqft
Acres 0.224
Property Sub-Type Building/Land
Property Description
Rarely does a commercial property of this caliber come to market. Situated in the heart of
downtown Hamilton, Montana, this iconic two-building complex represents approximately
17,000 square feet of well-maintained, historically significant commercial real estate — home to
the same beloved retail institution for 75 consecutive years. It is a cornerstone of the Bitterroot Valley community, a
proven commercial address, and a canvas for an extraordinary range of future uses. Whether
you are a visionary entrepreneur, a real estate investor, or a developer seeking a trophy asset in
one of Montana's most vibrant small markets, this offering demands your attention.
Offered separately or in combination with the building, Ford's Department Store is a 75-year
Bitterroot Valley institution.
The current ownership has been deliberate stewards of this community legacy. The sellers'
preference is to find a buyer who recognizes the value of what has been built — but the property
stands on its own merits regardless of intended use.
There are actually 2 deeds for each of the buildings that are included in this listing see assessor #'s
See supplemental remarks for more information The Buildings
Size & Structure
Two connected commercial buildings totaling approximately 17,000 square feet
Ground floor: expansive retail showroom — currently operating as a full-service department store
Upper floor: two beautifully finished residential apartments + multiple private offices
Offices on the upper level offer strong conversion potential for additional residential units or professional suites
Condition & Character
The buildings have been exceptionally maintained throughout their operational history. Ownership has taken pride in ongoing updates, cleanliness, and preservation of the property's structural and aesthetic integrity. This is a turn-key asset — not a renovation project.
Consistently updated and remodeled over the decades
Excellent structural condition throughout
Iconic historic facade with strong street presence on a prime downtown block
Beloved and recognized by the Hamilton community — reputation built over three generations.
Income & Use Potential
Residential Upside
The upper floor presents an immediate opportunity to generate rental income. Two finished apartments are move-in ready, and the remaining office spaces are well-positioned for conversion to additional residential units — a compelling proposition in today's Montana housing market.
Commercial Flexibility
The ground floor footprint — with its high ceilings, wide open layout, and established loading
and access — accommodates an enormous range of retail, hospitality, office, or mixed-use
concepts. Downtown Hamilton's growing foot traffic and tourism profile make this a particularly
attractive destination address & business.
Potential Use Scenarios
Continue existing retail department store operations ( inventory and business available separately MLS #30073931 )
Boutique hotel, inn, or event venue conversion
Mixed-use redevelopment: ground-floor retail/restaurant + upper residential
Professional office complex with residential above
Brewery, distillery, or specialty food and beverage destination
Arts, gallery, or community anchor with private offices above
The Business — Ford's Department Store
Offered separately or in combination with the building ( MLS #30073742 ), Ford's Department Store is a 75-year Bitterroot Valley institution. The business includes an active retail operation with experienced staff, an established point-of-sale system, and an estimated $700,000 in retail inventory (at retail value). Fixtures and equipment are included. Notably, ownership is continuing to operate and actively replenish inventory through the transition — the business will transfer to a new owner as a fully stocked, going-concern operation.
Business Highlights
• 75 years of continuous operation in the Hamilton market
• ~$700,000 in retail inventory (at retail value) — actively maintained through transition
• Experienced staff in place and operational
• Fully equipped with fixtures and point-of-sale system
• Established brand recognition and community goodwill
• Offered at $499,000 ( MLS # 30073931 )| Combined with building: $4,999,900
Hamilton is the county seat of Ravalli County and the commercial hub of the Bitterroot Valley —
one of Montana's fastest-growing regions. With strong in-migration, a thriving outdoor recreation
economy, and a tight inventory of quality commercial properties, Hamilton presents a compelling
long-term investment environment.
• Growing population base with strong local and regional retail demand
• Significant tourism draw from fly fishing, hunting, hiking, and the Bitterroot River corridor
• Limited quality commercial inventory in the downtown core — this offering is genuinely
rare
• Proximity to Missoula (approximately 45 miles north) with easy access to a regional
employment and amenity base
Acquisition Options
What's Included
This listing:
Both structures, ~17,000 SF, upper-floor apartments & offices
$4,500,000
Optional:
Business Only MLS# 30073931
Ford's inventory, fixtures, POS, goodwill, staff transition
$499,000
Combined MLS# 30073742
Everything above — building and business together
$4,999,900
downtown Hamilton, Montana, this iconic two-building complex represents approximately
17,000 square feet of well-maintained, historically significant commercial real estate — home to
the same beloved retail institution for 75 consecutive years. It is a cornerstone of the Bitterroot Valley community, a
proven commercial address, and a canvas for an extraordinary range of future uses. Whether
you are a visionary entrepreneur, a real estate investor, or a developer seeking a trophy asset in
one of Montana's most vibrant small markets, this offering demands your attention.
Offered separately or in combination with the building, Ford's Department Store is a 75-year
Bitterroot Valley institution.
The current ownership has been deliberate stewards of this community legacy. The sellers'
preference is to find a buyer who recognizes the value of what has been built — but the property
stands on its own merits regardless of intended use.
There are actually 2 deeds for each of the buildings that are included in this listing see assessor #'s
See supplemental remarks for more information The Buildings
Size & Structure
Two connected commercial buildings totaling approximately 17,000 square feet
Ground floor: expansive retail showroom — currently operating as a full-service department store
Upper floor: two beautifully finished residential apartments + multiple private offices
Offices on the upper level offer strong conversion potential for additional residential units or professional suites
Condition & Character
The buildings have been exceptionally maintained throughout their operational history. Ownership has taken pride in ongoing updates, cleanliness, and preservation of the property's structural and aesthetic integrity. This is a turn-key asset — not a renovation project.
Consistently updated and remodeled over the decades
Excellent structural condition throughout
Iconic historic facade with strong street presence on a prime downtown block
Beloved and recognized by the Hamilton community — reputation built over three generations.
Income & Use Potential
Residential Upside
The upper floor presents an immediate opportunity to generate rental income. Two finished apartments are move-in ready, and the remaining office spaces are well-positioned for conversion to additional residential units — a compelling proposition in today's Montana housing market.
Commercial Flexibility
The ground floor footprint — with its high ceilings, wide open layout, and established loading
and access — accommodates an enormous range of retail, hospitality, office, or mixed-use
concepts. Downtown Hamilton's growing foot traffic and tourism profile make this a particularly
attractive destination address & business.
Potential Use Scenarios
Continue existing retail department store operations ( inventory and business available separately MLS #30073931 )
Boutique hotel, inn, or event venue conversion
Mixed-use redevelopment: ground-floor retail/restaurant + upper residential
Professional office complex with residential above
Brewery, distillery, or specialty food and beverage destination
Arts, gallery, or community anchor with private offices above
The Business — Ford's Department Store
Offered separately or in combination with the building ( MLS #30073742 ), Ford's Department Store is a 75-year Bitterroot Valley institution. The business includes an active retail operation with experienced staff, an established point-of-sale system, and an estimated $700,000 in retail inventory (at retail value). Fixtures and equipment are included. Notably, ownership is continuing to operate and actively replenish inventory through the transition — the business will transfer to a new owner as a fully stocked, going-concern operation.
Business Highlights
• 75 years of continuous operation in the Hamilton market
• ~$700,000 in retail inventory (at retail value) — actively maintained through transition
• Experienced staff in place and operational
• Fully equipped with fixtures and point-of-sale system
• Established brand recognition and community goodwill
• Offered at $499,000 ( MLS # 30073931 )| Combined with building: $4,999,900
Hamilton is the county seat of Ravalli County and the commercial hub of the Bitterroot Valley —
one of Montana's fastest-growing regions. With strong in-migration, a thriving outdoor recreation
economy, and a tight inventory of quality commercial properties, Hamilton presents a compelling
long-term investment environment.
• Growing population base with strong local and regional retail demand
• Significant tourism draw from fly fishing, hunting, hiking, and the Bitterroot River corridor
• Limited quality commercial inventory in the downtown core — this offering is genuinely
rare
• Proximity to Missoula (approximately 45 miles north) with easy access to a regional
employment and amenity base
Acquisition Options
What's Included
This listing:
Both structures, ~17,000 SF, upper-floor apartments & offices
$4,500,000
Optional:
Business Only MLS# 30073931
Ford's inventory, fixtures, POS, goodwill, staff transition
$499,000
Combined MLS# 30073742
Everything above — building and business together
$4,999,900
Location
State MT
County Ravalli
Interior
Fireplace No
Building
Foundation Poured
Others
Tax ID 13146725450010000
Special Listing Condition Standard
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