El Corazon de Trinidad
Year Listed: 2000
County: Las Animas County
Status: PROGRESS
Context: Commercial
Date Constructed: c. 1878
Significance:
On the National Register of Historic Places and an official Save America's Treasures project, this district in central Trinidad served as the retail, financial, and cultural hub of southern Colorado since the arrival of the railroad and development of nearby coalfields in the 1870s. It is thought to be one of the most intact 19th century towns in Colorado.
Threat When Listed:
Neglect, unsympathetic renovation, demolition, outlying retail sprawl
Since Listing:
Funding from the State Historical Fund and others was secured to complete a comprehensive building survey. The City of Trinidad has been encouraged by an upturn in business and renewed interest to utilize existing structures including the Trinidad Opera House, the McCormick Building, and the Toltec Hotel. The Columbian Hotel, McCormick Building, and Toltec Hotel are currently being renovated.
In 2003, Colorado Preservation, Inc. applied for and received a State Historical Fund grant to begin Phase I of critical stabilization work on Temple Aaron, located within the district. With the initial phase complete, Phase II stabilization was funded in 2005 by private donations and the State Historical Fund and is underway.
Related Links
City of Trinidad
Last Updated:
January 2006