The elevator at the Civic Center will be closed from March 10 to April 21 for an improvement project.

The project, an estimated $120,000, is being funded through State-Local Infrastructure Partnership Act and a $40,000 match with downtown tax increment financing funds.

Most of the current elevator system in the building was installed in 1983 to allow access to the upper and lower floor of the building for those with mobility access to ensure they can attend commission meetings, get to court or sit in the Mansfield balcony, according to city staff.

City Commission approves TIF funds for Mansfield Theater projects [2024]

The elevator has been prone to frequent breakdowns and service calls, according to the city.

The project will replace hoist, motor, electrical system and address code compliance. This project was an original tier one for ARPA projects.

The transition of the Municipal Court from the basement to the third floor significantly increases the need for this project, according to city staff.

City approves projects for new state funding [2024]

In August, City Commissioners approved $400,000 in downtown TIF funds for projects in the Civic Center, including the Mansfield Theater and the elevator.

The city requested, and received, $487,500 for the seats and $80,000 for the elevator through the Montana State-Local Infrastructure Partnership Act.

Civic Center elevator out of service [2023]

That funding requires a minimum match from local government’s equal to 25 percent of the total project, equating to $162,500 for the seats and $40,000 for the elevator that the city must fund.

City Commissioners approved the theater improvements and elevator projects in March for the state infrastructure funds.