Arvon Block, historic building in Great Falls, Montana, USA
The Arvon Block is a commercial building from the 1890s in Great Falls that combines basement stables, ground-floor retail and freight space, and a hotel with multiple rooms on upper floors. The structure features stalls for about 58 horses, hay chutes running through the building for feed distribution, and separate living quarters for stable workers.
The Arvon Block was established in 1890 by Welsh immigrant Robert Vaughn and named after his daughter Arvonia, making it one of the city's earliest commercial structures. After years of decline, the Jennings family purchased and fully restored the building in the 2010s, bringing it back to life while honoring its original character.
The Arvon Block served as a hub where teamsters, travelers, and merchants gathered around horse-powered commerce and shared living spaces. Today, suite names reference local history and figures, keeping the stories of the people who once moved through this place alive for current visitors.
The building sits in downtown Great Falls with convenient parking nearby and easy walking access to other businesses in the area. Visitors can explore the lobby displaying local Montana artwork and visit the public house, though full building tours may require advance planning with the hotel.
Guests often share stories about mysterious sounds of draft horses named Billy and Banks, reportedly heard from the old livery days, typically accompanied by a pint of Guinness. These tales become part of the hotel experience, blending the building's transportation heritage with its present social atmosphere.
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