Filed Under Helena

Martin M. Holter House

Helena South-Central Historic District

The flamboyant Second Empire style is exceptionally well articulated in this grand residence, showcasing the considerable talent of its builder and original owner, Martin M. Holter. One of only a few well-preserved examples of this style in Montana, the beautifully restored residence offers a glimpse into the 1870s, when the style enjoyed short-term popularity and Rodney Street was the town’s most fashionable neighborhood. Holter and his brother, Anton, were Norwegian immigrants who established Helena’s first sawmill in 1865. By 1867, the successful brothers operated several Helena businesses including a distillery and grocery. Martin built this magnificent home in the late 1870s. The distinctive central tower, mansard roof with elaborately capped dormers, and ornately decorated eaves are characteristics of the style. The arched, multi-paned Venetian windows lighting the beautiful, very tall double entry doors open to an interior that continues the outer grandeur. Original hand-grained wood finishes, extraordinarily high ceilings, a wide upstairs central hall, and an elegant curved stairway contribute to an overall impression of great space and luxury.

Images

Martin M. Holter House
Martin M. Holter House Martin M. Holter House (PAc 91-51 South Central Helena Roll20 F13). Front to side view of the house, facing south to southeast on South Rodney Street. Winter scene. B&W. Source: Montana State Historic Preservation Office from the Photograph Archives at the Montana Historical Society Creator: Photographer unidentified Date: 1981
Martin M. Holter House
Martin M. Holter House Martin M. Holter House (PAc 91-51 South Central Helena Roll18 F22). Close view of the dome and upper level of the exterior of the house just above the front entry, facing northeast from South Rodney Street. B&W. Source: Montana State Historic Preservation Office from the Photograph Archives at the Montana Historical Society Creator: Photographer unidentified Date: 1981
Martin M. Holter House
Martin M. Holter House Martin M. Holter House (PAc 91-51 South Central Helena Roll18 F23). Close view of the front entry of the house/front porch to entry, facing northeast from South Rodney Street. B&W. Source: Montana State Historic Preservation Office from the Photograph Archives at the Montana Historical Society Creator: Photographer unidentified Date: 1981
Martin M. Holter House
Martin M. Holter House Martin M. Holter House. Front view of the house, facing east to southeast on South Rodney Street. Digital photograph. Source: Montana Historical Society Creator: Joe Furshong Date: June-Aug. 2019
Martin M Holter House
Martin M Holter House Martin M. Holter House. Front to side view of the house, facing east to northeast on South Rodney Street. Digital photograph. Source: Montana Historical Society Creator: Joe Furshong Date: June-Aug. 2019
Martin M. Holter House
Martin M. Holter House Martin M. Holter House. Close view of the front of the house at the entry, facing east to southeast on South Rodney Street. Digital photograph. Source: Montana Historical Society Creator: Joe Furshong Date: June-Aug. 2019

Location

15 South Rodney Street, Helena, Montana | Private

Metadata

The Montana National Register Sign Program, “Martin M. Holter House,” Historic Montana, accessed March 28, 2024, https://historicmt.org/items/show/777.