Though attempts to establish a YMCA in Butte were made before the turn of the 20th Century, it wasn't until well over a decade later that a fundraising campaign was initiated, within a few months enough money being raised to finance the construction of a six-story building. Built at a cost of $350,000, the cornerstone for the building was laid in 1917, completion coming about in 1919.
Though Floyd Hamill of Butte is sometimes listed as the architect of the YMCA, it was actually designed by a team of YMCA architects who designed YMCAs worldwide. Well equipped when built, it included a bowling alley, a temperance bar, dormitory rooms, a pool, a court carpeted running track, a library and a two-story gymnasium.
In 2005 the Butte-Silver Bow Arts Foundation bought the building from the YMCA for $1 and had occupied it until 2013, at which time it was
sold into private hands. Unfortunately, the building became vacant and remains so today, though it is for sale once again.
Y.M.C.A.
The cornerstone was laid in 1917 for this multi-purpose facility, designed by international Y.M.C.A. architects. All contracting, however, went to local firms. The $350,000 building opened in 1919, entirely paid for by citizens’ contributions and built by local laborers. It was “in a very real sense a workingmen’s club.” The six-story landmark included a bowling alley, temperance bar, dormitory rooms, a cork-carpeted running track, and two-story gymnasium. Skylights originally brightened both the second-floor swimming pool and locker rooms, and the library was specially wired to accommodate a “moving motion picture machine” for use by mine rescue and first aid personnel. Following early-twentieth-century conventions, boys and men were strictly separated as the North Washington Street entry inscription “Boys Entrance” demonstrates. Today, the Y.M.C.A. is a fully integrated, co-educational facility.
From the NRHP plaque at the building