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HISTORY OF THE
HOME GUIDE
For over three decades, Homes of the Falls has been a cornerstone of real estate marketing in Great Falls and Central Montana, evolving from an innovative concept to a widely recognized publication.
The magazine’s origins date back to the late 1980s when Jane Larcombe and Ed Schoenen launched a business utilizing computer kiosks to display homes for sale. Securing early advertising support from local real estate professionals, they placed digital touch-screen kiosks in high-traffic areas, including retail locations and restaurants such as Wal-mart and McDonald’s.
While this model proved to be profitable, the high capital investment required for new technology limited its future scalability. Recognizing an opportunity for print media, Larcombe and Schoenen transitioned to publishing in response to market demand. In just a few weeks, they secured enough advertisers to produce the first 32-page issue of Easy Living Home Guide.
As demand grew, so did the magazine’s reach, expanding to 96 pages at its peak and often surpassing the Great Falls Tribune in real estate advertising volume. The transition to full-gloss, high-quality printing further solidified its reputation among industry professionals. However, maintaining consistent print production proved to be an ongoing challenge, requiring partnerships with multiple printers across Montana and, for a time, even its direct competitor, The Great Falls Tribune. Eventually, the magazine established a long-term printing relationship with a company in Denver, ensuring consistent quality and distribution.
Over time, market conditions shifted. The rise of digital real estate platforms, the overall decline in print advertising, and economic challenges led to reduced advertising demand. Despite remaining profitable, these factors contributed to a gradual decline in sustainability for the publication in it’s existing format.
After careful evaluation, Larcombe made the decision to conclude Homes of the Falls with its October 2024 issue. Shortly after, interest emerged in continuing the magazine’s legacy, highlighting its enduring impact on the Great Falls real estate community. Lindsey Godwin, frequent cover image contributor and owner of local real estate media company REP Space, and Nicole Marchion, owner of Intentionaire Marketing & the Great Falls Edit received Jane’s blessing and support to rebrand and relaunch the magazine as Montana Home Journal.
With deep respect for the foundation laid by Homes of the Falls, we look forward to building on that tradition through beautiful photos, curated articles, insights and inspiration in the months ahead.
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Real Estate
THE HAWTHORNE
The Hawthorne was designed to feel like home from the very first step inside—warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated. Every detail, from the finishes to the layout, was chosen with care to make every corner feel intentional, elegant, and deeply purposeful.
Tucked on just over 2 acres, The Hawthorne is more than just a new build - it’s a vision brought to life through
powerful partnership from Ashley & Adam Friesen. Designed with intention and an eye for detail, this custom home blends the ease of modern living with fine craftsmanship, shaped by Ashley’s passion for design and Adam’s construction expertise.
From the start, it was a joint effort. Ashley’s refined sense of style was matched by Adam’s desire to create something built to last. With his unique eye for structure, flow, and the small details that make a space feel solid and sound, Adam brought a layer of quality and craftsmanship that ensures The Hawthorne isn’t just a beautifully designed space— it’s a home you can count on.
The primary suite is a private oasis, with vaulted ceilings and a striking light fixture suspended from a wood beam, adding a refined, rustic touch. The en suite bath exudes luxury, featuring a soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and dual vanities adorned with quartz countertops and elegant gold fixtures—every detail designed to evoke a spa-like sense of calm and indulgence.
Photos by REP Space
“I wanted every part of the home to feel connected—visually, emotionally, and functionally,” Ashley says. “The layout flows in a way that encourages gathering, but still allows for quiet moments of retreat. The kitchen, especially, is the heart of the home. That oversized island isn’t just a design element, it’s where conversations happen, and memories are made. That balance of beauty and purpose was at the core of every design decision.”
Inside, you’re immediately welcomed by natural light pouring through oversized glass doors, drawing your gaze toward the expansive back porch beyond. The main living area invites connection & comfort, with a vaulted ceiling, a sleek gas fireplace, and a built-in wet bar—perfect for everything from cozy nights in, to effortless entertaining.
At the heart of the home, the kitchen stuns with a blend of beauty and function. Quartz countertops, custom-crafted hood vent, and a large island play host to culinary creativity and everyday gathering.
The Hawthorne also marks a milestone for Threshold. While real estate remains at the heart of what they do, Threshold has expanded its vision - offering not just guidance in finding the right home, but also in creating it. With a deep understanding of what today’s buyers are looking for, a passion for thoughtful design, and lasting craftsmanship, they’ve stepped into the homebuilding space with the same care and commitment that defines their real estate work. The Hawthorne is one of the first of many, an embodiment of the next chapter, where expert insight meets intentional living, and every house becomes a home.
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201 W ULM RD - ULM
VIEWS, ACREAGE & MODERN COMFORT
New 2 bed, 1 bath home w/ open floor plan and panoramic views on 448± acres. Fenced & cross-fenced with shop, quonset, paddocks, cisterns, RV hookups, & hay-producing land, ready for livestock or recreation. #30038519
807 ADOBE DR - GREAT FALLS
SINGLE-LEVEL IN MEADOWLARK ESTATES
Spacious 3 bed, 2 bath open layout condo, gas fireplace, private patio, & attached 2-car garage. Primary suite features two closets, soaking tub, and walk-in shower. Peaceful location near park & golf course. #30040939
212 3RD AVE N - GREAT FALLS
DUTCH COLONIAL NEAR GIBSON PARK
4 bed, 3 bath home with a fireplace in the dining room, wood stove in the den, 2-car garage, storage shed, and space for gardening. Close to Gibson Park, restaurants, and the River’s Edge Trail. #30041236
CROSS-MARKET DEMAND
Where is Cascade County’s Housing Demand Coming From?
Market Momentum: Why Buyers Are Eyeing Cascade County
As housing demand continues to shift, Cascade County is capturing attention from home shoppers far beyond its borders. New data from Realtor.com’s Q4 2024 CrossMarket Demand Report reveals that a staggering 85% of listing views for homes in Cascade County are coming from outside the county - and most of those are from out of state.
This growing wave of interest highlights Cascade County’s rising profile as both a relocation destination and an investment opportunity, driven by affordability, lifestyle, and a sense of open space that’s harder to come by in more saturated markets. Despite the increased attention, Great Falls still ranks among the more affordable metro areas in Montana for median home price—making it especially attractive to buyers priced out of higher-cost regions.
The Breakdown: Where Demand Is Coming From
According to the report, 63.3% of views came from other states, 22.6% came from within Montana, 11.7% were from international sources, and just 2.5% of viewers were located within Cascade County itself. That means more than eight in ten people searching for Cascade County homes are looking in from somewhere else, offering powerful insight into who is shopping here, and why.
Buyer Breakdown: Out-of-State and In-State Interest
Out-of-State Interest: Wide and Westward
Among out-of-state viewers, Maricopa County, Arizona leads the way with 21.2% of the total view share - by far the highest of any single county. The Phoenix metro area has long been a hot spot for migration, but rising prices and extreme heat may be prompting Arizonans and snow birds to look north.
Interest is coming from a wide range of locations, particularly across the West. Counties in Utah, Colorado, and Washington are among the top sources, along with major metro areas like Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York. The variety of these markets suggests that Cascade County is attracting attention from both nearby western states and large urban centers across the country.
These regions represent a mix of high-cost urban areas and high-growth western metros, suggesting that buyers are drawn to Cascade County for its affordability, outdoor lifestyle, and growing market potential.
Montana Moves: In-State Shoppers Eye Cascade County
While national attention continues to grow, interest from within Montana remains strong. Nearly a quarter of all views come from within the state, with buyers from areas like Bozeman, Billings, Helena, and Missoula increasingly exploring options in Cascade County.
Whether driven by rising prices, limited inventory, or a desire to remain in Montana with a lower cost of living, many in-state shoppers are seeing opportunity in Central Montana. With its balance of space, affordability, and community, Cascade County is becoming an appealing option for Montanans looking to make a move.
What It All Means for Cascade County
This cross-market demand highlights a big opportunity, and a shift in perception. Cascade County is part of a much larger nationwide housing market.
With increased exposure comes potential, not only for new housing development and investment in infrastructure, but also creative approaches to meet the needs of both new arrivals and long-time residents. Understanding where the demand is coming from helps pave the way for thoughtful growth in Cascade County, allowing community leaders, developers, and residents to make informed decisions about housing, infrastructure, and the future of the region.
FORT BENTON
The Town Where Montana Began
If you follow the Missouri River as it winds through the wide-open plains of north-central Montana, you’ll come to a place where time doesn’t feel rushed—where stories are passed down on front porches, and the river still sets the pace. This is Fort Benton.
Often called the birthplace of Montana, Fort Benton is more than a chapter in a history book. It’s a living community, rooted in heritage and shaped by the people who continue to call it home. Walk its streets and you’ll see the echoes of the past—brick storefronts, the old levee, and the legendary Grand Union Hotel standing tall with the kind of pride only age can earn.
Families settle here not just for the views or the pace, but for the lifestyle. Housing options range from historic homes with original woodwork to open lots ready for new builds, all framed by prairie skies and the winding river. It’s a place where you can own land, raise a family, and still be within reach of a larger city when you need it—Great Falls is just a 40-minute drive away.
The local school system is small but proud. Kids grow up not just learning in classrooms, but taking part in town parades, Friday night football games, and community-wide events that turn neighbors into extended family.
Healthcare is anchored by the Missouri River Medical Center, which provides essential care. For more specialized needs, residents often make the short trip to Great Falls. But here, there’s a certain comfort in being treated by people who live in the same town, shop at the same grocery store, and cheer for the same team.
In the summer, Fort Benton truly comes alive. The quiet of winter gives way to long, golden days filled with river floats, street fairs, and the town’s signature Summer Celebration. Live music echoes down Front Street. The smell of food floats on the breeze. And just about everyone, from residents to weekend visitors, gathers along the riverbank to take it all in.
“To live in Fort Benton is to live inside a great love storyone that’s still being written with every sunrise over the Missouri.”
It’s also a place of stories—tall tales and true ones alike. The legend of Shep, the faithful dog who waited years for a train that never brought his owner home, is remembered in a statue near the old depot. His loyalty is part of what defines this town: enduring, heartfelt, and quietly unforgettable.
Some towns you pass through. Others stay with you—long after the visit ends, long after the river slips out of view and the roads wind on. So whether you come for the history or stay for the way of life, one thing’s certain— Fort Benton has a way of getting into your heart and staying there.
Photos by REP Space
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New Developments Aim to Ease Housing Shortage
Great Falls, Montana is experiencing an unprecedented demand for housing, particularly in the category of workforce housing. With ongoing growth and upcoming projects - such as the missile base expansion, Calumet refinery upgrades, and college expansions - this demand is only expected to rise.
A recent 2024 analysis by the Concord Group highlights the housing shortage, reinforcing what many in the industry already know: Great Falls needs more housing.
In response, local developers are stepping up with new apartment projects. Loft 38 Apartments, a 432-unit complex by Reach Development, is planned for the corner of 38th Street North and 2nd Avenue North.
Set to begin pre-leasing in late 2025 or early 2026, this new residential community will offer modern studio, one-bedroom, and twobedroom apartments. Residents will enjoy premium amenities, including a clubhouse with media and gaming rooms, a coffee bar, fitness center, pool, and outdoor fireplace— creating a comfortable and connected living experience.
Another major development, Discovery Meadows, will bring 252 new units to the northwest corner of 7th Avenue North and 52nd Street North. Designed to meet growing market-rate housing needs, the complex will offer a mix of unit sizes and desirable amenities such as a dog park, ample parking, scenic walking paths, and a clubhouse for resident activities.
These developments are vital to replenishing the housing supply in Great Falls. With thoughtful design and premier amenities, they will provide much-needed rental options for the growing population. Ridgeline Real Estate supports these efforts by equipping developers with the insights, resources, and property management expertise necessary for a successful lease-up, stabilization, and long-term growth.
As Great Falls continues to expand, these housing projects will play a crucial role in ensuring the city can accommodate new residents while maintaining a high quality of life.
Wyatt Gremaux CPM, REALTOR®
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.
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.
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 20thcentury refinement.
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, & warm wood trim preserve the quiet elegance of each space.
Outside, the broad covered porch offered was a social space, where neighbors exchanged news, children played on summer evenings, & 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 Gianinni 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.
98 Memory Lane - Vaughn
ROCKY MOUNTAIN VIEWS ON 40 ACRES
Custom-built home offering over 3,600 sq. ft. of space, vaulted ceilings, & large windows for passive solar warmth. Features 4 main-level bedrooms, walk-out basement and fenced acreage for animals. #30035346
2526 3rd Ave S - Great Falls
COMPLETELY REMODELED CORNER LOT HOME
Updated 2 bed, 1 bath with refinished hardwood floors, modern kitchen, main-level laundry, and a roughed-in lower bath. Features new wiring, plumbing, insulation, metal roof, central A/C, sprinklers, & tankless water heater. #30043298
407 Central Ave - Great Falls
COMMERCIAL SPACE DOWNTOWN
Prime
173 Briggs Road - Great Falls
COUNTRY LIVING ON 5 ACRES
Built in 2020, this single-level 3 bed, 2 bath home offers open-concept living and sweeping mountain views. Enjoy the space and privacy of 5 acres with an attached 2-car garage—all just minutes from town. #30041266
215 Smelter Ave NE - Great Falls
HIGH-VISIBILITY COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY
One of the largest buildings in the Twilite Center with 4 entrances, 23 offices, 3 conference rooms, and rental income from an on-site dental office. Includes kitchen, storage units, and 60+ parking spaces on 1.189 acres. #22300463
1805
2nd Ave N - Great Falls
CRAFTSMAN CHARM W/ MODERN UPDATES
3 bed home feat. rich wood details, large den, updated fixtures, new electrical, plumbing, & HVAC. Main level has 1,500+ sqft & lower level w/ bonus space & 4th non-conf. bedroom. Offering $6,000 - buyer concessions. #30041266
1601 Central Ave - Great Falls
CENTRALLY LOCATED & FULL OF POTENTIAL
Half-acre lot with a 3,800+ sq. ft. brick church, 2,300+ sq. ft. Craftsman home, and ample offstreet parking. Zoned R-3 with conditional use— bring your ideas to City Planning and explore the possibilities of this versatile property. #30015798
Turning Houses into Homes one paw print at a time..
RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A BRAND NEW SILVER STONE HOME
Experience refined Montana living with this Silver Stone home currently being built on a 2.25-acre lot in the coveted Foothills Ranch Subdivision. Meticulously crafted with high-end woodwork and rich custom finishes, this home features one of our most sought-after floorplans - designed to impress and built to last.
Step inside to a soaring vaulted great room anchored by a dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace, seamlessly flowing into a gourmet kitchen with a statement quartz island and commercialgrade appliances—perfect for both entertaining and everyday living. The luxurious master suite invites relaxation with a freestanding soaking tub and a beautifully tiled walk-in shower.
Warm Douglas fir timber accents frame the welcoming front porch, while the expansive covered back patio offers a peaceful retreat with sweeping views and space to unwind. Upstairs, a private en-suite with its own deck adds flexibility for guests or family, and the finished lower level includes a spacious family room and an additional en-suite with a custom tile walk-in shower.
