Built in 1886, this two-story contributing brick building occupies one of Salida’s most eligible corners at 102-104 North F Street. Back then the Salida Weekly Mail wrote of it: “…we admire the push and pluck of Salida. She is coming up out of her ashes.
She is building up the place made waste by the destructive fire of last spring, building fine substantial business blocks, of brick, where before there stood wooden rows to invite the fury and greed of devouring flames. Among these and almost completed is the bank block of Mr. W.E. Robertson,” president of Chaffee County Bank, who was the first occupant. It later housed a stationery and insurance company, drugstore, barbershop, restaurant, and “a first-class gentlemen’s resort” (saloon).
Its captivating features, which include unique beveled corners, saw tooth molding, scroll brackets and column/pilasters topped by ornamented capital structures, have been neglected for a decade or more. Local investors recently purchased this gem and have begun renovation. What’s next for this beauty?
– by Leslie Walker, Salida Realty
