Billings Downtown Building to Undergo Major Renovation
The city has approved $585,000 in funding to support a $3.5 million restoration of a historic downtown property.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Home Renovation
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The Billings City Council has approved $585,000 in tax increment financing to support the $3.5 million restoration of a downtown building at 213 N. Broadway St. The project aims to revitalize the historic property, which was formerly occupied by Edward Jones.
Why it matters
The funding helps bridge the higher costs of renovating older structures, a strategy intended to preserve downtown character while boosting local capacity for employees and visitors.
The $585,000 in assistance represents 16% of the $3.5 million renovation budget. The project aims to increase the building's capacity from three current employees to 22, and grow annual visitors from 600 to 10,000.
The players
Billings City Council
The local governing body responsible for municipal fiscal policy and approving tax increment financing for urban development.
Lee Humphrey Jr.
The building owner who purchased the property at 213 N. Broadway St. in 2019 through his firm, LDH Properties LLC.
Tony O'Donnell
A member of the Billings City Council who voted against the downtown tax increment financing proposal.
The details
The renovation project, owned by Lee Humphrey Jr. through LDH Properties LLC, includes structural improvements and a 1,000-square-foot lobby addition. The plan also incorporates exterior façade restoration and the installation of solar panels to modernize the property. To receive the full grant, the developer must provide proof of private funding by fiscal year 2030.
Timeline
Construction is expected to begin in the next few weeks.
The City Council approved the funding on October 27, 2026.
The developer must provide proof of funding by fiscal year 2030.
The Home Front
This project follows the pattern of using Tax Increment Financing to incentivize the revitalization of older commercial districts in downtown Billings. It highlights the recurring challenge of balancing historic preservation costs with modern building efficiency and utility needs.
Property owners near 213 N. Broadway St. should prepare for construction activity and potential street-level changes in the coming weeks. Consider monitoring local city planning notices if you are planning similar historic façade or structural renovations to your own older property.
The takeaway
Historic preservation often requires significant capital, leading cities to offer tax incentives to help bridge the funding gap for private owners. Keep track of local council funding decisions if you own property in districts where development plans are actively being debated.
Further reading
For more information on managing upgrades to historic properties, visit the Home Renovation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Independent Record.
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