SigMT

58 | SIGNATURE MONTANA Raised on farms, Cheryl and Jim were no strangers to hard work, so they rolled up their sleeves and, together with some friends, completed much of the labor required to prepare the building for renovation. e Gagnons started the restoration with what was literally a shell of the original hotel. e ambitious restoration included basics such as plumbing and electrical to all the minute details. ey located artist Dick Boecher to complete the intricate faux painting mimicking wood grain, which was used as a less expensive option when the hotel was built. e original hotel had 56 small rooms, so Cheryl worked with an architect to enlarge the second and third-floor rooms to create 26 luxurious guest rooms. e hotel's charm and elegance were retained while adding modern amenities. e first-floor space was kept intact with modifications made to convert the saloon into a meeting room; the former bar became the library and the saddle room a gi shop featuring Montana artists and crasmen, one of Cheryl's pet projects. Cheryl's design work for commercial offices and a historical restoration in Hong Kong provided her with valuable sources for replicating the old furnishings of the hotel. She had lighting fixtures recreated and furniture custom built to resemble the original marble- topped washstands and walnut and iron headboards of yesteryear. Old photographs were used for reference as Cheryl created a style she describes as Cowboy Victorian. She explains, "I wanted both men and women to be comfortable here." e result was a distinguished, elegant, and confident style that is understated yet powerful. Dark, rich colors create a warm and elegant atmosphere. Terra coa-toned walls and carpets are in step with the exterior color and traditions of the original hotel. Born in prosperity but repeatedly crushed by hard times, the Cinderella story finally had its happy ending. e multi-million dollar restoration culminated with a grand opening for the Grand Lady on the 117th anniversary of the hotel on November 2, 1999. e Gagnons had taken care of the body of the hotel, and now they turned to create its heart and soul. e doors opened like open arms greeting old friends. For the first year, Cheryl ran the hotel with her two friends, Kris Kelly and Mary Jo Rowe. e women did everything from cleaning rooms to serving breakfast to throwing fancy parties. e following year, they expanded the staff to 30, opened the Union Grille restaurant, and began hosting special events and gatherings. e luxurious accommodations combined with first-class dining in an exquisite location made it a destination hotel. e romance and nostalgic qualities of the hotel make it a popular site for weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Cheryl leafs through one of the many articles written about the colorful hotel. The gift shop with Montana-made artwork is one of Cheryl's pet projects. The grand piano at the hotel entrance has provided music for numerous events and sometimes an impromptu performance by a guest.

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