MISSOULA — It took 30 years of planning -- and nine-months of building -- but the restoration of the new Commercial Building and other structures at the Missoula County Fairgrounds is complete.
The historic Commercial Building features rand new restrooms, a new fire suppression system, new lighting, fans, and even a brand new concrete foundation.
Missoula County Fairgrounds Production Manager Tom Aldrich says the new elevator is something the entire staff was very excited about.
"It was paid for through the state department of commerce with a tourism grant. We needed this upgrade so we could use the second floor for all citizens," he explained.
"We wanted to have a glass elevator so that people could look into the building and enjoy how gorgeous it looks. Kids love that sort of thing to so it's sort of a almost a fair ride of itself," Aldrich added.
Missoula County invested $2.5 million to renovate the 1915-era Commercial Building.
The official ribbon cutting will happen next Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 10:45 a.m.
The Western Montana Fair runs from Aug. 7 until Aug. 11 at the Missoula County Fairgrounds.
