Filed Under Butte

Clark Duplex

Butte National Historic Landmark District

H. M. Patterson, Butte’s most gifted architect, designed four identical duplexes along this block in 1899 for William A. Clark, Jr., the son of copper king W. A. Clark. Two other duplexes around the corners on Silver and Mercury were also designed by Patterson and built by Clark at about the same time. Each duplex cost a substantial $4,000. Young Clark’s development of this residential neighborhood signaled the move of Butte’s affluent, socially prominent citizens to the far west side with Excelsior as the main artery. George Cochrane, agent for the Revere Rubber Company, and Clark’s business partner, John Templemen, were early residents of this double dwelling. Patterson’s keen talent is well apparent in the distinctive Period Revival residences, which feature exaggerated street-facing gables and multi-textured wall surfaces of granite, brick, clapboard, and wood shingles. Leaded, beveled glass in sunburst transoms and semicircular windows in the gables add elegance to the unique design.

Location

224-226 S. Excelsior, Butte, MT | Private

Metadata

The Montana National Register Sign Program, “Clark Duplex,” Historic Montana, accessed March 28, 2024, https://historicmt.org/items/show/1896.