Bozeman is one of those Montana towns where historic preservation has played a positive economic and cultural role in local development for two generations.

This it comes as a surprise when you hear that a public agency, in this case the federal General Services Administration, is considering letting the downtown landmark Federal Building pass from public hands.

The building dates to 1966, as is evident from its modern style, so 1960s. The firm of Hamill and Associates designed it in the New Formalist style made popular by architect E.D. Stone. It was built during a decade of growth, from a town of 13,000 in 1960 to a place of 18,000 by 1970. The new post office, and the agencies who were headquartered at the building, contributed significantly to the boom that occurred in Bozeman over the last third of the 20th century. In other words, important work took place here.

The city government has asked for the building to stay public, and be transferred to the city. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the city has amply demonstrated the ability and the commitment necessary for the preservation and use of National Register properties. So let’s hope that transfer takes place. Bozeman cannot afford to lose another modernist landmark.