New Update: ‘Monumental Step Forward’ in Butte’s New Center

BUTTE, MT - The long-anticipated Butte CommUNITY Hub has received a significant boost with the announcement of a $15 million grant from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.

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The grant, revealed on Tuesday, will support the construction of the new community center, a project that has been in development for years.

Here's an in-depth breakdown of the new update.

A Major Investment in Community Development

J.P. Gallagher, Chief Executive of Butte-Silver Bow County, expressed deep appreciation for the Washington Foundation’s contribution, calling it a "monumental step forward" in the effort to create a vibrant gathering space for Butte residents.

The grant also opens the door for an additional $2.5 million in matching funds, which the county hopes to secure through donations from local businesses and individuals in the coming weeks.

Expanding Community Resources

According to the foundation, the grant will enhance several features and amenities at the facility, including:

• Expanded fitness and exercise options
• Community engagement spaces
• Outdoor recreational amenities
• An indoor park
• Childcare and workforce development areas

The Timeline of the Community Hub in Butte

The facility, which will serve as a wellness and resilience hub, was also awarded a $20 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program in January.

The center is set to be built on remediated land near the Butte Civic Center, with a tentative groundbreaking scheduled for the summer of 2025 and completion expected by the spring of 2028.

Despite recent federal spending cuts that have resulted in the cancellation of numerous EPA grants, local officials have confirmed that funding for the Butte project remains intact.

A Legacy of Giving in Butte

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation has a long history of supporting community projects in Butte.

The foundation has previously awarded $1 million for the Miner’s Field at Copper Mountain Park, $10 million for the renovation and expansion of Stodden Park, and more than $2 million in annual contributions to the Montana Folk Festival over the past 15 years.

With the Butte CommUNITY Hub now fully funded, attention turns to the next phase: securing matching funds and finalizing preparations for construction.

If all goes according to plan, Butte will soon have a state-of-the-art community center that will serve as a vital resource for residents for generations to come.