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.
This listing is in combination with 2 buildings & the Ford's Department Store ( 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
Listed 3 ways:
This listing~ Both buildings and the Fords Department Retail Business
OR
Building alone ~ MLS# 30073930
OR
Business alone MLS # 30073931 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
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
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
o 75 years of continuous operation in the Hamilton market
o ~$700,000 in retail inventory (at retail value) - actively maintained through transition
o Experienced staff in place and operational
o Fully equipped with fixtures and point-of-sale system
o Established brand recognition and community goodwill
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.
o Growing population base with strong local and regional retail demand
o Significant tourism draw from fly fishing, hunting, hiking, and the Bitterroot River corridor
o Limited quality commercial inventory in the downtown core - this offering is genuinely
rare
o Proximity to Missoula (approximately 45 miles north) with easy access to a regional
employment and amenity base
Acquisition Options
What's Included:
Everything above - building and business together
$4,999,900
Building & Business can be offered separately :
Building Only
Both structures, ~17,000 SF, upper-floor apartments & offices
$4,500,000
Business Only
Ford's inventory, fixtures, POS, goodwill, staff transition
$499,000
Buyer inquiries are subject to execution of a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Additional financial documentation, lease summaries, and operational detail will be provided upon NDA completion