SigMT

44 | SIGNATURE MONTANA Moving into the '90s and then the '00s, the building began to modernize, transitioning to a more tech-forward operation that housed a call center with several hundred cubicles. With each cubicle running multiple electronics, the need for power grew substantially. Whereas most buildings receive electricity that has been stepped down from transformers before hiing the breaker box, e Paris has an upgraded service directly connected to the substation in the basement, providing increased electrical output capacity. e roof was reinforced to support a massive generator that allows the building to maintain power in the event of local electrical failure. Recognizing the unique opportunity that the building offered, with its combination of notable legacy and modern tech upgrades, Justin took ownership of the Paris at the beginning of 2019. He intends to leverage his interests and connections in medicine, emergency services, aviation, and aerospace into a new hub for downtown Great Falls. Unfortunately, it was a rough transition. He took over during one of the coldest winters on record and barely knew how to turn on the heat in the building when he was handed the keys. Shortly aer that, the pandemic hit. No one needed office space. No one was looking to expand their operation. Justin spent his working hours treating hospitalized Covid patients and his non-working hours stressing over the building that he just went all in on. Justin was looking for a new challenge when he came across an intriguing building for sale, e Paris at 321 Central Ave in Great Falls. Photo by: Dr. Justin Madill Rather than focusing on residential spaces, Dr. Madill is looking to fill the Paris with tenants in the bioscience, aviation, and other technology-based fields. The roof had to be reinforced to support the massive generator installed there.

• Cover