The Billings Gazette’s building put on sale

Billings, Montana – The Billings Gazette’s downtown headquarters, which has been the newspaper’s home for the past 50 years, is up for sale for $7.865 million, the paper said Wednesday.

Since 1967, the newspaper has been located in a 94,000-square-foot facility at 401 N. Broadway, which was upgraded in 2007. Berkshire Hathaway Commercial Services in Billings has the property listed.

The sale of the building, according to Gazette Publisher Dave Worstell, will have no impact on journalism or advertising. A big printing press is placed in the building, and Worstell expects that the paper’s local printing and production will be impacted at some point.

Worstell said the newspaper is searching for a new, smaller location in downtown Billings, but he didn’t name a location or provide a timeline for the move.

“This decision is being made simply because the building is too large for our current needs. Financially, the Billings Gazette is in good shape. We are very optimistic about our future as the preeminent news provider in the city, region and state, and a partner in helping local businesses connect with customers through our digital and print marketing products. The Billings Gazette will be serving the communities that depend on us for news and information for many, many years to come,” said Worstell in a statement.

The Billings Gazette’s building, built by Drake, Gustafson and Associates, is located in the heart of downtown Billings, with more than 120 parking spaces available on the adjacent lot.