Projects

As part of GGCF’s downtown revitalization efforts, the windows of the historic Old Chamber Building—located by the Merrill & Towne traffic light—were transformed into a vibrant community showcase.

The project invited local residents to submit high-resolution photos capturing life and leisure in Dawson County, including scenes from:

• Makoshika State Park hikes
• Fishing or paddlefishing on the Yellowstone River
• Motorbiking adventures
• Playtime at the skatepark or splash pad

The selected images were printed as large-scale banners and now brighten the building’s windows, celebrating Glendive’s community spirit and outdoor culture. Contributors were credited on each banner, and after three years, they’ll have the option to keep their banner or allow GGCF to continue displaying it in public spaces like the airport or city lobbies.

This project added a dynamic, visual element to Glendive’s downtown—and stands as a great example of how small beautification efforts can have a big impact.

As a foundational project for the Greater Glendive Community Foundation, the Downtown Master Plan represents a pivotal step in reimagining the heart of Glendive.

In collaboration with the Montana Main Street Program, GGCF played a key role in funding and facilitating this community-driven initiative. The plan was developed with the input of residents, local leaders, MSU Architecture students, and partnering organizations to create a shared vision for a more vibrant, connected, and resilient downtown.

The comprehensive plan focuses on:

• Economic Development: Supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and tourism.
• Historic Preservation: Highlighting Glendive’s architectural character and restoring key buildings to reflect the town’s unique identity.
• Public Spaces & Streetscapes: Enhancing walkability, safety, and the visual appeal of downtown through improved landscaping, signage, lighting, and gathering areas.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging collaboration between government, nonprofits, businesses, and citizens to implement the vision.

Thanks to this blueprint, GGCF and community partners have already launched several improvement projects—from façade renovations and the Old Chamber Building makeover to beautification of the Barry Street underpass. The plan continues to serve as a roadmap for current and future efforts to revitalize downtown Glendive, promoting pride, sustainability, and growth.

View the full Downtown Master Plan here.

As part of GGCF’s long-term commitment to making downtown Glendive a vibrant, inviting space for both residents and visitors, the Downtown Beautification and Revitalization initiative continues to bring positive transformation to the heart of the city.

This multi-phase project includes efforts like:

• Installing colorful hanging flower baskets along 12 blocks of downtown, bringing seasonal beauty and a sense of charm to the commercial corridor.
• Upgrading the Barry Street underpass, with painted murals, landscaping, and structural improvements to create a safer and more attractive gateway into downtown.
• Encouraging storefront improvements by working with property owners to revitalize building facades and contribute to the area’s historic character.
• Community clean-up efforts, where local volunteers, teachers, and students come together to remove weeds, sweep sidewalks, and contribute to shared spaces.

These ongoing enhancements foster community pride, support local businesses by attracting foot traffic, and lay the groundwork for future economic growth. GGCF continues to support new beautification efforts each year, guided by the Downtown Master Plan and in collaboration with city departments, local businesses, and other nonprofits.

Beautification/Cleanup
Healthy Communities
Board up windows in GTA elevator
Community GATE
Parent Resource Center (matching grant)
Playground equipment – Kool Kids
Brett Fitch Skate Park – Jaycees
Refurbish grand piano – Eastern MT Concert Assoc.
Equestrian program – Special Olympics
Miss MT added to Fallon Billboard
Miss MT Scholarship Program
Hub City newsletter
Roof over grandstand – Legion Baseball
Gallery roof repairs – DC Arts Unlimited
Youth outreach (music) – Eastern MT Concert Assoc.
Little Bucs Mentoring Program – DCC
Tennis workshop – Glendive Tennis Association
iPad & case for family use – DEAP
Bell Street Bridge brochures – Bell St Bridge Committee
Wrestling Mats – Mat Devils
Art Gallery lighting – DCAU Gallery
Composting Bins – Community GATE
BB Shooting Rebounder – DCC
Freezer & Refrigerator – Dawson Co Food Bank
Splash Park – Through DCHCC

Photo banners in windows – Old Chamber Building

Painted Old Chamber Building (w/ community help, Guelff Lumber, Thrivent)

Landscaped by Barnicks – fence, rocks, bench

Cleanup 2016 – Taco John’s lot (Angie Hagen)

Downtown Revitalization – MSU Architecture Students

Cleanup 2017 – Deb Toepke incentive funds

Downtown Master Plan – GGCF Matching Funds

Lifesize “Born to Hunt” bronze statue – In memory of Ty Milne

Underpass Beautification – Murals and landscaping (w/ community donors and businesses)

Little Growers Garden Club – Raised bed supplies

Frontier Gateway Museum – Siding/exterior facelift

Bridger Bronze Statue Trail – “Ground Tied” and “Gonna Be a Rodeo”

GROW (Glendive Recycles Our Waste) – Start-up, signage

DCEDC – Refurbish & light T-Rex sign

Friends of Makoshika – Outdoor movie screen/projector

Underpass project – Trees, dirtwork, murals

Community GATE – Pigeon control

Love Like Justice – Lighting Bell Street Bridge

Yellowstone Plains Foundation – Airport bronze “Radio Flyer”

Dawson Co. 4-H Council – Poultry building at fairgrounds

Makoshika Wellness – Kayaks, life jackets

Hanging flower pots – Northwest Farm Credit grant

Flowers & Brackets – Mindt Machine, water tank, wand

Neighbors Helping Neighbors – Signage

Dawson Community College – Bikes for student use

Dawson County Arts Unlimited – Summer Kids art camp (2 years)

Dawson County 4-H – Dividers for fair displays

DCHS Art Dept. – Community art murals

EPEC – Refurbish exterior: paint, lighting