In 1909, Nunzio Grasso constructed the rusticated sandstone Stranges Grocery Store, now the last remaining building in what used to be Grand Junction’s “Little Italy.” The building has become part of the West-Side Redevelopment Area. The City of Grand Junction designed its road reconfiguration to avoid affecting the store. Colorado Preservation, Inc. contacted the owner, who returned to Colorado after the listing. Unfortunately, the owner passed away in 2019, which left the building looking for a new buyer. Thankfully, a preservation-minded buyer has purchased the property and requested information on grants and tax credits from CPI. Plans include adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of the original stonework. CPI will help identify a preservation architect to assist with the exterior scope for a 2022 SHF grant, as well as help mitigate the impacts of CDOT’s planned highway widening project along this stretch of road. Stranges Grocery was one of five key EPP sites prioritized for 2022.
The building has undergone significant stabilization, including a full interior gutting, re-plastering, basement mitigation, window and door restoration, and new concrete work. The window signage was recreated to match a pre-1925 photo. Upcoming repairs include mortar and stone work, structural reinforcement of the second floor, and sewer line replacement. Due to CDOT road changes eliminating vehicle access from Pitkin Avenue and redirecting traffic to the rear alley for a future Transportation Hub, the second floor may no longer be viable for residential use. The building is now stable and will remain vacant until further developments justify continued renovation.