A Storied Legacy on 3rd Avenue: The Jensen Home

Standing proudly on a tree-lined avenue near Gibson Park, the historic Jensen home at 207 3rd Ave N is one of Great Falls’ most enduring architectural treasures. Built in 1910, this stately three-story residence is a striking example of transitional Queen Anne and Colonial Revival design—its brick façade, intricate corbelled chimneys, and cut sandstone details a testament to a bygone era of craftsmanship.

Featured in Volume 1 of the Historic Homes of Montana Book and the Historic Lower North Side Residential Walking Tour, the home holds both architectural and cultural significance. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Lower North Side Residential Historic District, it is one of 257 contributing structures that collectively reflect the early growth and prosperity of Great Falls.

Constructed with cut sandstone used for the lintels, sills, steps, and the base of the porch, the home’s craftsmanship is evident in every detail. The asymmetrical floor plan features two gable-roofed double bay windows, a columned portico, and three enormous brick chimneys topped with detailed corbelled brickwork and horizontal banding—hallmarks of the transitional period between Victorian exuberance and early 20th-century refinement.

Originally owned by Stuart R. Jensen, the home was more than just a residence—it was part of a deeper legacy built on entrepreneurship and family ties. Jensen, born in Denmark, arrived in Great Falls in 1887 after being inspired by Paris Gibson’s promise of opportunity. He and his brother-in-law, Frederick Gustav Johnson, co-founded the Cascade Steam Laundry—the first of its kind in the city—and later invested in the Montana Brewing Company, a venture they operated until Prohibition. Jensen also served a term in the Montana House of Representatives and held positions on various local boards, contributing to the civic life of early Great Falls.

The homes are situated just feet apart on neighboring lots, mirroring each other in grandeur and style. Yet inside, each reflects the personal tastes of their respective families. While the Johnson home embraced Tiffany-style lighting and leaded glass buffet doors, the Jensen home shines with its ornate light fixtures, beveled glass doors, and a breathtaking array of stained and leaded glass windows throughout.

Rich oak woodwork defines the main floor, where columned arches, a built-in hutch, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves frame bright, welcoming living spaces. A gas fireplace anchors the grand living room, while the home’s central staircase, with its intricately carved newel post, adds to the home’s sense of timeless elegance.

The second and third floors reflect the home’s original design intent, with spacious bedrooms arranged to suit the needs of a bustling early 20th-century household. These rooms likely housed not only family members but possibly live-in help, a common arrangement for families of the family’s stature. A separate staircase provided discreet access between floors, allowing household staff to move about without passing through the main living areas. Architectural details like angled ceilings, transom windows, and warm wood trim preserve the quiet elegance of each space.

Outside, the broad covered porch offered more than shade—it was a social space, where neighbors exchanged news, children played on warm summer evenings, and the steady rhythm of daily life in the Lower North Side unfolded just beyond the railing.

Listed for sale at $745,000 in June of 2023, by Beth Giannini of Dahlquist Realtors, this piece of history is under contract at the time of this publication. The home remains a rare opportunity to glimpse into Great Falls’ early 20th-century story. Generously sized, richly detailed, and thoughtfully preserved, the Jensen home stands not just as a piece of history, but as a living memory of the city’s past and the people who helped build it.

Image Credits: Black and white images courtesy of Historic Homes of Montana. Color images courtesy of REP SPACE.