In 1958 Harry and Grace Harkins bought the El Rancho Hotel, 300 E Broadway St. They expanded from 8 rooms to 11 rooms, changed the name to the Bel-Aire Motel. They sold the original building to Tony Perrin, and moved it to the Downtown Motel Annex, 338 E. Spruce St.

In 1959 Harry completed the new 18 rooms that are here today.

In 1963, the Harkins added a 16-room wing, a second level, large laundry and service room. At a whooping cost of, $100,000, this made the headlines and put the Bel-Aire on the Montana travel map.

In 1969, 19 rooms were added, making an elongated U-shape as it
is today. The Bel-Aire Motel opened 53 rooms, including family and
bridal suites, an enclosed swimming pool, with a sundeck above the lobby-reception area and added central controlled heat and airconditioning to each room. The Bel-Aire quickly became the coolest motel in Missoula.

In 1989, the Bel Aire added a hot tub in the as well as new technology in order to attract the businessmen and businesswomen

Harry Harkins, a true Montanan, was born in Butte. Orphaned at a young age, grew up during the depression and was known quickly for his work ethic. Harry was a natural horseman, stemming from his days of the beer wagons on the streets of Butte. He met and married his wife Grace, at age 17 and 19. Off to Europe in World War II Harry flew B-17 Bombers as gunner. His 35 missions awarded him the Distinguished Flying Cross. Harry and Grace moved to Shelby, Montana where they built their first motel then to Missoula. They bought land on the Rattlesnake creek and built the Big Chief Motel, where the Campus Inn is today. Later as the family increased in the late 1950’s they bought the El Rancho Hotel, 300 E Broadway St. They expanded from 8 rooms to 11 rooms, changed the name to the Bel-Aire Motel. Today, the Bel Aire stands as a monument of Missoula.