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

The Kalispell City Council on Oct. 20 approved Resolution 6296, authorizing the city manager to execute documents to transfer ownership of the historic Central School to the Northwest Montana History Museum under eight conditions intended to protect the building’s historic features and public access.

City staff explained the museum has leased Central School since 1997 and holds a lease through 2037; the transfer would require surveying, deed restrictions and other recordings and could take several months to complete. Staff described Condition 4 as preserving an easement to ensure ADA access to the museum’s ramp and elevator and said all city parking spaces on the property would remain city‑owned and available for public use.

Supporters said the transfer would ensure long‑term preservation and community stewardship. Carlene Ossorio, who identified herself as manager of LaLark LLC and former chair of the Save the Central School Committee, recounted the neighborhood effort to save and rehabilitate the building and said the intent of transfer is “that this structure needs to be continued to exist and be rehabilitated and renovated and kept up to par and that it exists as a museum that celebrates Kalispell’s history and the history of our valley.”

Margaret Davis, director of the Northwest Montana History Museum, said the museum needs an insured easement for ADA access and noted potential uses of adjacent parking and alleyway space for museum needs. Davis said the museum also envisions archival, temperature‑controlled storage as a long‑term priority.

Several speakers from the community described their personal and family ties to Central School and urged the council to complete the transfer. Jim Atkinson, a volunteer at the museum, said he would “celebrate” if the transfer were completed. AJ King described a multigenerational family connection to Central School and urged protection of its historic fabric.

During council discussion, Councilor Hunter asked whether the city manager’s authority under the resolution meant a future transfer document would not return to council; staff said the resolution authorizes the city manager to execute necessary documents now. Councilor Hunter also proposed, unsuccessfully, an amendment to add explicit language requiring council approval for any future building footprint expansion or renovation that could affect historic features; the amendment failed for lack of a second.

Councilor Dowd read key conditions into the record, including the city’s retention of parking and a reversion provision: the property shall revert to the city if it is used for purposes other than a historic museum. Councilor Nunally moved approval of Resolution 6296, with Councilor Carlson providing the second. The council adopted the resolution by roll call vote; all members present voted yes.

Next steps include completing surveys, recording deed restrictions and other administrative actions required to effect the transfer.