Cowboy Slick to Open in Historic Great Falls Building

A new retail shop will open on October 30, 2026, after extensive renovations at 117 Central Avenue.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Interior of a restored commercial building in Great Falls, showing exposed brick walls, timber ceiling rafters, and worn concrete flooring under natural light. — Cowboy Slick, a new retail outlet owned by Shirstie Gaylord, will debut on October 30, 2026, inside a restored 140-year-old building in Great Falls. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you prefer that historic buildings be renovated for new businesses rather than replaced by new construction?

Owner Shirstie Gaylord is set to debut Cowboy Slick on October 30, 2026, following a major restoration of a 140-year-old building in Great Falls. The shop aims to serve as a retail outlet for creative brand concepts that fall outside of the owner's existing Montana-focused business.

Why it matters

The project breathes new life into a historic local property by repurposing a structure that has previously served as a furniture store, barber shop, and fruit stand. It provides a dedicated space for the owner to diversify her retail offerings in the city.

The grand opening for the store at 117 Central Avenue is scheduled for October 30, 2026, from 5-9 p.m. This site follows an 18-month renovation period involving repairs to the roof and a failing wall.

The players

Shirstie Gaylord

She is the business owner who managed the renovation of the historic downtown property and established both Cowboy Slick and a secondary Montana-focused business.

The details

The renovation team preserved original character by highlighting exposed brick, rafters, and worn concrete floors. Engineers, a contractor, and an architect collaborated to address significant structural challenges within the aging building.

The property at 117 Central Avenue was purchased 18 months prior to October 2026.
The grand opening is scheduled for October 30, 2026, from 5-9 p.m.

Market Landscape

This project follows the broader trend of adaptive reuse, where historic urban properties are repurposed for modern retail instead of being demolished. The shop positions its owner to expand her retail reach in downtown Great Falls while maintaining the historic character of the district.

Shoppers in Great Falls gain a new retail destination located at 117 Central Avenue starting this October. The store offers a distinct alternative to the owner's other local business interests.

The takeaway

Preserving historic infrastructure can successfully revitalize aging commercial corridors while creating unique retail environments. Business owners can consider how historic renovation might offer a more authentic consumer experience compared to modern developments.