Legendary Beginnings
The Rainbow Hotel, a three-story brick building in Shelby, Montana, was constructed in 1923 to accommodate the influx of visitors for the historic Jack Dempsey vs. Tommy Gibbons boxing match. This event marked a significant moment in Shelby’s history, drawing national attention to the small North-Central Montana town.
The Rainbow Hotel maintains its antiquated charm of Western architecture and Art Deco style; Complete with monochromatic brick detailing, the structure has been a prominent landmark along Shelby’s Main Street since it was erected in the early 1920’s. After decades of operation and housing guests of all kinds traveling along the Montana Hi-Line, the Rainbow Hotel closed its doors in 1988. In 2011, the City of Shelby purchased the building with intentions of revitalization the historic building, recognizing its historical and architectural significance.
Preserving the Past, Building the Future
Designing the internal upgrades of a historical landmark while preserving its legacy is no small feat, but that’s exactly what our friends at A&E Design have done with the Rainbow Hotel. Redeveloping the systems of this iconic structure means that the hotel can welcome another generation of guests to enjoy its rich cultural history, while offering modern amenities and capabilities. The team at Axiom Engineering Group were honored to reimagine the Mechanical and Plumbing systems of this historic structure, and we are so looking forward to seeing how the Rainbow Hotel is revitalized through its redesign in the coming years.
Want to learn more about historical renovations and system upgrades? Axiom Engineering Group is ready to provide cutting-edge engineering solutions for your next project. For all of your design needs, connect with Axiom Engineering Group at www.aeg.design or give us a call at (406) 542-2849.
References:
- Montana State University Library (2025). Shelby, Montana – Rainbow Hotel. Ivan Doig Archive, Digital Collection.
- Montana State Library (2025). Montana History Portal. Rainbow Hotel – Shelby, Montana.
Published on 03.15.25, Shannon Frizzell.