San Rafael Church

Listed: 2001

Constructed: 1895

Threat: Demolition by neglect; vacant

Closest Town to Resource: Mogote

Significance: Traditional Hispanic Catholicism collided with conventional Anglo Protestantism in southern Colorado and resulted in the construction of the unusual San Rafael Church. Located in the San Luis National Historic District, the church represents the clash and subsequent merger between Protestant Anglo and Hispanic Catholic missionaries.

A State Historical Fund grant funded asbestos abatement, a new wood shingle roof, bell tower restoration, indoor plumbing, and reinforcement of one adobe wall. The efforts from supporters have resulted in the complete restoration of the church. In addition to restoring the church building, the community is working to revitalize the surrounding land via irrigation water rights.

Listed: 2005

Constructed: Various

Threat: Demolition by neglect

Closest Town to Resource: Monte Vista

Significance: Established in the San Luis Valley in 1889, the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake (also known as the Soldiers and Sailors Home) provided a peaceful place for aging and displaced Civil War veterans. This continuously operated complex is the state’s oldest veterans’ center and contains over eighty structures. Fiftytwo structures on site are considered contributing to the State Register Historic District; five buildings are listed individually. The Homelake Foundation was established to spearhead the preservation of the site. Colorado Preservation, Inc., the Department of Human Services, and a growing network of supporters, including national and state representatives, have joined forces to emphasize the importance of the site and its need for funding. The State Historical Fund awarded a grant in May 2006 for a master plan of the campus. Improvements to buildings that are in use have been a high priority. However, those not in use continue to decay. These early-20th-century buildings contain asbestos, and no government funding can go into their repair.

Site Needs: Asbestos removal (possible Brownfields grant), a master plan for unused buildings, reuse plan for these buildings, and identify funding, HSA.

Update: CPI has had meetings with the Homelake Historic Preservation and Restoration Foundation. Unfortunately, the block of early 20th-century buildings currently not being used by the Veteran’s Center remains threatened. They have no funds or plans for reuse. CPI has tried to market these sites to CCI and other Colorado Creative groups for potential artist studios. Efforts continue.