Ole Bakke

Ole Bakke (1889–1925) was a Norwegian-American architect who practiced in Missoula, a city in western Montana.

Bakke, a native of Norway, arrived in Missoula in 1900. As a teenager, he worked as a draftsman for A. J. Gibson, the region's leading architect. Upon Gibson's retirement in 1913, Bakke succeeded him in the business. However, Gibson continued to practice in a consulting position, and is thus credited with the design of the First Presbyterian Church, where he was an active member. Bakke practiced until his departure for Norway circa 1922. His office was succeeded by H. E. Kirkemo, who had joined Bakke as a draftsman in 1920. Bakke returned to Missoula in 1924, and died there in 1925.

In his time, Bakke was outside the American architectural mainstream. Many of his major works were designed in the Arts and Crafts style, embraced in England, but largely ignored in the United States. He designed a number of schools in this manner, including the Lincoln School in Missoula and the Alberton School in Alberton. and the Franklin School in Missoula. 1913 - First Presbyterian Church, 235 S 5th St W, Missoula, Montana Architect of record for A. J. Gibson 1914 - Lincoln School, 1209 Lolo St, Missoula, Montana 1916 - Franklin School, 1901 S 10th St W, Missoula, Montana 1918 - Alberton School, 306 Railroad Ave, Alberton, Montana 1919 - Browning School, 112 1st Ave SE, Browning, Montana 1919 - Dixon School, 411 B St, Dixon, Montana 1920 - Smead-Simons Building, 104 S Higgins Ave, Missoula, Montana 1921 - Forestry Building, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 1921 - University Congregational Church, 405 University Ave, Missoula, Montana 1922 - Heating Plant, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana In association with Clarence J. Forbis