Montoya Ranch

Listed: 2014

Constructed: 1860

Threat: Demolition by neglect

Closest Town to Resource: Gardner adobe buildings in the area known as the Plaza de los Manzanares, dating back to 1849. The perfectly square building sits on the site of the first Hispano settlement in Colorado. The building retains many historical elements and is relatively intact. The school has great potential as a remote learning center for the Centennial School District and as a community resource.

Significance: Montoya Ranch in Huerfano County is an excellent example of Spanish Colonial and Territorial Adobe architecture. Potentially the only adobe basement building in the United States, it housed different functions after its construction in 1860. The ranch was used for sheep ranching, a rare industry for this part of Colorado. Remarkably several of the sheep pens are still extant on the property. All the buildings have suffered from neglect, and future fundraising is needed to preserve the site. The site is privately owned, and as a result, funding options are difficult to acquire.

Site Needs: Funding, master plan, adobe stabilization.

Update: Unfortunately, the awarded SHF grant had to be returned due to concerns that the property owner could not make the match. CPI has visited the site and is trying to work with the owner on a new plan.

At one time, the school served as a library and Head Start location. The Centennial School District, however, has received $3.2 million in grant funding from the Connecting Colorado Students Grant Program to build out its internet in nearby San Luis and establish a Remote Learning Center at Garcia School that will enable all students who have Centennial-provided equipment to access this Internet bandwidth.

Site Needs: Funding, master plan, adobe stabilization.