Kalispell council approves sale of Central School to Northwest Montana History Museum with conditions

The Kalispell City Council on Oct. 20 approved Resolution 62-96 to transfer ownership of the historic Central School to the Northwest Montana History Museum, authorizing the city manager to execute conveyance documents subject to eight conditions.

City staff told the council the museum has leased the property since 1997 and that the transfer would include specific conditions intended to preserve the building’s historic character and ensure public access. Mr. Nygren told the council the transaction could take several months to complete because of surveying and deed-restriction work.

The resolution’s conditions that were discussed during the meeting include maintaining ADA access (an easement for the museum’s ramp and elevator), reserving several public parking spaces in city ownership, a requirement that any loans secured against the property be approved by the council, and a reversion clause by which the property would return to city ownership if it were used for purposes other than the historic museum.

Several members of the public spoke in support of the museum transfer. Carlina Ossorio Cor described past efforts to save and renovate the building, saying the structure “needs to be continued to exist and be rehabilitated and renovated and kept up to par and that it exists as a museum to celebrate Kalispell’s history.” Margaret Davis, director of the Northwest Montana History Museum, said ADA access and the ability to use nearby parking for staff, visitors and events are critical. Volunteer Jim Atkinson and descendant AJ King also urged the council to approve the transfer so the museum can continue to care for local collections and exhibits.

Councilor Nunley moved approval of Resolution 62-96; Councilor Carlson seconded. After discussion and a failed attempt to add an explicit provision requiring council approval for future renovations that might affect historic features, the council voted by roll call; all council members present voted aye and the motion carried.

Council members reiterated the city’s interest in preserving the building’s historic fabric while enabling the museum to operate and potentially expand limited archival storage. Staff said condition work—surveying, deed restrictions and drafting easements—will follow and could take several months before the transfer is finalized.

The action transfers management responsibility for day-to-day museum operations to the nonprofit while preserving specified public access and preservation protections in the recorded conditions.