The Missoula Historic Preservation Commission is excited to unveil Missoula’s new Legacy Business Recognition Program! Based on the wildly successful programs of San Francisco, Seattle and other leaders in preservation and heritage tourism, Missoula is recognizing its oldest businesses for their contribution to the community. The program works to recognize businesses which have been in Missoula for 100 or more years and serves to call out longstanding, community-serving local businesses that so often serve as valuable cultural assets. The City intends that this registry of businesses be a tool for providing educational and promotional assistance to Legacy Businesses to encourage their continued viability, awareness and success. It also serves to promote Missoula’s heritage through an alternative lens, recognizing that our heritage is multifaceted, from businesses to music to buildings. Potential outcomes of the program include branding recognition, legacy business tours, walking maps, digital presence and partnerships with other Missoula entities and tourism.
2019 - For the inaugural year, five businesses have been selected which have been a part of the Missoula community for over a century: Caras Nursery, Missoula Textile Services, Union Club Bar & Grill, Bob Ward's Sports & Outdoors and Missoula’s Office City.
2020 - Three businesses have been selected which have been a part of the Missoula community for over 50 years: Worden's Market, Benson's Farm, Mountain Press Publishing Company