There’s more than one way to help Uptown retain its hidden beauty.
Unwrapping a sparkling new two-story building at 449 E. Park St., owner Jessica Hiner, 25, stressed that she wanted her business to stay Uptown. The county awarded her a $61,383 matching grant over two years that boosted her incentive.
“The city had this property for sale and gave me a good deal,” said Hiner, a Deer Lodge native. “If I wasn’t going to find anything Uptown, I wasn’t going to move.”
All told, Hiner estimates the project to cost about $450,000.
Already firmly ensconced Uptown since she graduated from the Butte Academy of Beauty in 2010, she likes everything about it — the loyal clientele, the unique urban feel, the spectacular views.
The East Butte Renovation and Rehabilitation Agency board OK’d Hiner for the grant.
“It’s a great project, and I’m really excited to be working with Jessica,” said Karen Byrnes, Community Development director. “She’s a real smart cookie and she knows what she’s doing.”
As sole proprietor, Hiner initially opened Beauty on Broadway in 2010 above Butte Jewelers, 53 W. Broadway St., where she stayed for one year.
Hiner then moved the shop to the old Trafford’s Fine Foods building, 109 N. Montana St., where the shop stays until Sept. 1, when the new location opens on East Park Street.
The new building keeps Hiner and her staff of seven in a prime location, with high visibility on the East Side of Uptown and a built-in clientele.
Hiner and manager Kylee Mulcahy, 26, will have new cosmetologist stations and windows looking south on East Park Street in an expansive 1,800-square foot setting.
“I have little more space,” she added.
Construction workers are creating up to six streamlined, custom-made cosmetologist booths.
The daylight basement, of equal size, is available for rent for a commercial enterprise, said Hiner, as a way to “bring another business to Uptown Butte.”
“We plan to build (the interior) to suit whoever wants to be in here,” she added. People can call Hiner at 406-691-0074.
Joseph Tobiness Construction has moved along quickly — and Hiner fully expects it to wrap up by Aug. 1.
Hiner is stoked about the builders speed and efficiency.
“I have been so lucky,” Hiner said.
Keeping young people like Hiner and Mulcahy in Butte is an accomplishment, considering the lure of higher-paying jobs, college and youthful activities that entice them out of town and out of state.
“It’s absolutely great,” said Byrnes. “Jessica is young and driven. She did everything she needed to do. She had a vision, and we were glad to be a part of it.”
The East Butte Renovation and Rehabilitation Agency, formed in 2005, has steadily helped growth on that side of town. At least half a dozen businesses have sprung up since then in the tax-increment district, said Byrnes.
Becoming a small-business owner at age 20 was a bit of a surprise to Hiner, who jumped right from beauty school graduation directly to ownership.
“I wasn’t expecting to own my own business,” she said.
Byrnes, too, is supportive of Hiner.
“It’s thrilling to me,” she said. “It’s a sign of life and vitality to see these young people want to stay and grow; it’s great news.”
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