Year Listed: 2001
County: Mesa County
Construction Date: 1909
Threat When Listed: Road Configuration
Status: IN PROGRESS
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 their road re-configuration 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 is one of five key EPP sites prioritized for 2022.
Additional Links:
National Register Nomination