A. J. Gibson designed the Babs as distinctive luxury apartments. His vision was implemented with exquisitely executed detail. It was built with the best of materials and the highest-quality craftsmanship. We’re echoing that commitment to excellence as we convert the Babs to condominiums.

Our goals are to preserve the character and the essence of this very special, very cool place; to protect and enhance the ambiance that makes the Babs unique; to perpetuate the vibrant story of its colorful past; and to preserve a community icon.

The old ultra-narrow plank oak flooring in the units are etched with years of use—but those scars tell stories, and we’re saving them. It would cost less to rip out the old wood and buy bamboo, but we would lose the tenor of the rooms. So, we’ll meticulously refinish each board.

We’re also saving the fabulous old heavy plaster walls—run your hand along them and you’ll understand why.

We’ll spend twice as much money reworking the two-panel clear Douglas-fir interior doors as we would if we simply bought something new. But we’ll spend the extra, and we’ll take the time to return those doors to their original luster (one bathroom door we tackled had nine coats of paint—everything from lime greet to hot pink). The old hardware and antique Yale lock-works will also stay right where they belong—securing those doors for generations to come.

Some components will have to be replaced.

The windows aren’t original. They’re brushed aluminum and butt ugly. So we’re donating them to a local nonprofit group that can find them a new home. We’re replacing them with energy efficient double hung windows that reflect the aesthetics of Gibson’s 1905 architectural intent.

The electrical system will also be brand new. We’re pulling out all the old wiring and putting in a state-of-the-art electrical, voice, and data network. We’re installing new appliances as well—Aga ranges with their classic good looks and cast iron construction, Leibherr refrigerators, and Bosch dishwashers, washers, and dryers.

We’re also changing how some of the space is used.

The first and second floor hallway closets that held the old electrical breakers will now house a couple of vintage styled Aga ice makers—perfect cubes whatever your drink. They’ll also do a great job of sitting in a bucket and putting just the right chill on some Cold Smoke, Doppel Bach, or Moose Drool.

The laundry room downstairs will become the Owners Club. We’re outfitting it with a vintage eight-foot Brunswick pool table with perfect slate, fully equipped wet bar, Sony Bravia XBR LCD television, card table, and bathroom. You might just hear the echoes of Tampa Red playing some licks on his National resonator in the corner, or Blind Willie McTell working a twelve-string off a stool near the bar.

When we landscape the eastside garden we’ll add a patio, barbeque, and grill—because every sane person on earth would rather eat outside.

The Babs has been entrusted to our care. We will do our best to perpetuate its eclectic straight-laced, elegant, and bawdy character. We are caretakers of Missoula’s vested interest in the spirit that the Babs embodies. We take the project (not ourselves) seriously. We’re fiduciaries—but we’re having fun.