San Luis, the oldest town in Colorado, was established on April 5, 1851, and has a population of approximately 629. In 2022, the Town received $534,000 from Main Street Open for Business to complete five historic preservation projects.
- R & R Market, the oldest continuously run business in Colorado, as well as four other our other local businesses, including a restaurant and gas station.
- Projects included new façades, windows, roofs, energy improvements, and new and efficient climate control.
- The goal was to save endangered businesses and spark the local economy of San Luis.
The goal of San Luis’ historic preservation projects was to save an endangered business of historical value and create positive economic momentum on Main Street. Here is how they did it.
- Funding from Main Street Open for Business allowed San Luis to focus funds on helping businesses that were anchors in the community.
- Establishing partnerships with Main Street, Town of San Luis, Costilla County Economic Council, and local businesses created an easier path to complete the projects on time.
- Focusing on property that held significant historic value enabled San Luis to prioritize those businesses that received historic preservation support and funding.
“This was a miracle for our Main Street. These San Luis businesses were looking old and tired. Now, with the support of our partners and Main Street Open for Business, our Main Street is now bright and vibrant. It has also increased the economic vitality of San Luis,” said Susan Sanderford, Town Manager & Main Street Manager.
The Town of San Luis also used Colorado Main Street’s consulting services to design and provide construction bid documents for a new town plaza. These documents helped them to successfully apply for a DOLA impact grant, receiving $544,000 to build the plaza.