RURAL REVITALIZATION GRANT PROGRAM
In 2023, Colorado Preservation, Inc. (CPI) launched the Rural Revitalization Subgrant Program through funding from the National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant. Building on a $750,000 award received in 2022, this initiative was designed to stimulate historic preservation projects in Colorado’s rural downtowns while broadening support for preservation by fostering key projects to spur and maintain local property investment, especially among private property owners.
Colorado has long championed preservation through programs like the state historic tax credit and the History Colorado State Historical Fund; however, limited direct funding for private owners has created barriers to maintaining the many historically significant buildings that define rural communities. Over half of Colorado’s National Register listings are within historic districts, but only a small percentage of these districts are within what would be considered Colorado’s most rural counties.
CPI’s Rural Revitalization Subgrant Program addressed this gap by funding small-town preservation projects that will catalyze job creation, strengthen local economies, and promote heritage tourism. The program supported the rehabilitation of underutilized buildings, helping communities retain their character while adapting to today’s needs.
CPI received twenty-six applications requesting over $2 million, demonstrating both demand and the transformative potential of strategic rural investment. Of these applications, eight projects were chosen from across the state, ranging from the Northwest region to the Central Mountains and the San Luis Valley.
Central City BELVIDERE THEATRE
Built: 1875
Award Amount: $100,000
Scope of Work: Façade restoration and repair
The Belvidere Theater, a contributing resource within the National Historic Landmark district in Central City, has seen significant progress through recent preservation efforts. As one of Colorado’s Most Endangered Places, the building represents a cornerstone of the city’s cultural and architectural identity.
Rural Revitalization Program funds successfully advanced critical Phase 1 improvements, including masonry restoration, brick repair, tuckpointing, and stabilization of deteriorated facade elements. These efforts have halted ongoing deterioration and restored visual integrity to the structure.
The impact of this work is already visible within the community. The renewed facade has generated excitement and momentum for the project’s next phases while strengthening fundraising efforts. Just as importantly, it has inspired additional facade improvements by neighboring property owners, contributing to broader downtown revitalization, increased economic activity, and renewed appreciation for Central City’s historic character.
CURTIS HARDWARE
Built: c.1902
Award Amount: $25,000
Scope of Work: Roof replacement
A prominent landmark on Grand Avenue in Paonia, the historic Curtis Hardware Building has been successfully stabilized through critical grantfunded rehabilitation. Years of wear and damage from harsh weather had severely compromised the roof, leading to active leaks and interior damage that threatened the building’s long-term preservation.
Grant funds enabled the replacement and rehabilitation of the failing roof using a durable membrane coating system designed to extend the structure’s lifespan. Additional work addressed interior damage, including mold remediation, insulation removal, and repairs to the loft space. All improvements were completed in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, ensuring the building’s historic character was preserved.
This investment will allow the building to endure for future generations as the Blue Sage Center for the Arts, supporting arts, culture, and community vitality.
Paonia
Granite Hotel & STAGE STOP
Built: c.1867, expanded c.1895
Award Amount: $83,906
Scope of Work: Roof replacement, window repair
Located in the historic mining community of Granite, this highly visible structure once served travelers along an important stagecoach route and later operated as the Commercial Hotel, supporting local commerce and community life. The building is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Grant-funded work focused on replacing the deteriorated roof and repairing and reproducing historic windows, addressing the most critical sources of structural vulnerability. The new roofing system protects the building from ongoing weathe damage, while window repairs and accurate reproductions restore historic appearance and improve overall stability. Together, these upgrades secure the building envelope and prevent further deterioration.
These improvements mark an important step toward returning the building to its original use as lodging. The project lays the groundwork for increased heritage tourism, economic activity, and long-term preservation within this historic mountain community.
Granite
HAYDEN GRANARY
Built: 1917
Award Amount: $120,000
Scope of Work: Roof replacement
The Hayden Granary, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has undergone critical rehabilitation through grant-funded roof and siding repairs. Built in 1917 and long serving as a community gathering place in Hayden, the Granary remains a defining landmark in northwest Colorado.
This project addressed priorities identified in the 2021 Historic Structure Assessment, including repair and replacement of deteriorated metal roofing, flashing, and siding to resolve rust, missing fasteners, and water intrusion issues. These improvements stabilize the structure and protect it from further deterioration while preserving its historic character.
The completed work strengthens the Granary’s long-term viability as a community hub, supporting its continued evolution into a vibrant space for gatherings, events, lodging, and local economic activity.
Hayden
SAGUACHE HOTEL
Built: 1910
Award Amount: $85,554
Scope of Work: Masonry and windows
A contributing structure in the Saguache Downtown Historic District, the Saguache Hotel has completed major preservation improvements through grant-funded masonry restoration and window rehabilitation. The hotel faced extensive mortar deterioration, damaged brickwork, water infiltration, and failing window systems that threatened the long-term stability of the building.
Project work included repointing the north elevation and portions of the south elevation using historically appropriate mortar and preservation techniques. Damaged and missing bricks were repaired or replaced to match the historic masonry. In addition, the final unrestored historic window was replicated, and all planned storm windows were successfully fabricated and installed, improving both protection and energy efficiency.
These improvements stabilize the building envelope, preserve the hotel’s historic character, and support ongoing rehabilitation efforts that will return this important landmark to active community use.
Saguache
SAN LUIS STATE BANK
Built: 1892
Award Amount: $18,475
Scope of Work: Roof replacement and structural repairs
The San Luis State Bank has completed critical stabilization work through grant-funded structural repairs and roof protection efforts. Located in San Luis, Colorado’s oldest continuously inhabited town, the building is a contributing resource within the Plaza de San Luis de la Culebra National Register District and reflects the community’s deep Hispano heritage and agricultural history.
Grant-funded work addressed severe deterioration in the south section of the building, including stabilization of the compromised south wall and installation of temporary roof protection to halt ongoing water infiltration and structural damage. These improvements secured the adobe structure and protected interior framing while long-term rehabilitation planning advances.
The project lays the foundation for a transformational community asset that will include a restaurant, bakery, youth activity center, community gathering spaces, and affordable housing, creating jobs and strengthening economic and cultural vitality within San Luis.
San Luis
San Luis Sangre de cristo heritage center
Built: 1933-35
Award Amount: $78,380
Scope of Work: Roof replacement
The Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center completed critical roof replacement work to protect one of the most important historic and cultural landmarks in San Luis. Originally constructed as a Works Progress Administration school building, the Pueblo Revival-style structure is one of the few remaining WPA buildings in the San Luis Valley and serves as a center for Hispano history, education, and community life.
Grant-funded work replaced failing roof membrane systems on key portions of the building, preventing further water infiltration and damage to the adobe walls, interior finishes, and structural systems. The project included removal of deteriorated roofing materials, repairs to roof decking, and installation of new, durable roofing systems.
These improvements protect the long-term rehabilitation of the Heritage Center and strengthen its role as a cultural, educational, and economic driver for the San Luis community.
ThE VETERANS CENTER
Built: 1900
Award Amount: $100,000
Scope of Work: Structural repairs, façade restoration, and window restoration
VFW Post #4264 has been successfully rehabilitated and reopened as a vibrant new Veterans Center in Steamboat Springs. Originally constructed as part of the J.W. Hugus Company complex, the building housed the Bank of Steamboat Springs. A contributing resource within the Steamboat Springs Downtown Historic District, the building has long served as an important community landmark.
The Rural Revitalization Program funded critical structural repairs, façade restoration, ADA accessibility modifications, and interior rehabilitation following extensive smoke damage caused by a 2019 fire in an adjacent building. Notably, the project restored the historic glass storefront hidden behind a 1956 brick façade.
The Veterans Center is now open, serving veterans, youth groups, and community organizations through meetings, events, and gatherings, creating a welcoming hub that strengthens both downtown revitalization and community connection.
Steamboat Springs
