Sidebar by Marcia Darnell
Historic Renovation – March 2001 – Colorado Central Magazine
The Creede Repertory Theatre brings many artists to that small mountain town every summer, when housing is scarce. But the Rio Grande Hotel restoration project will help with that shortage starting this summer.
The Rio Grande Hotel, constructed in 1892 to house railroad workers, will include six rooms, a dining area, and other amenities. The grounds will have paving, parking, landscaping, and an amphitheater.
In addition to revamping the old hotel (known locally as “the bordello”), three new dorms were also constructed, creating 16 units with 34 beds in all. The common areas feature kitchenettes with microwaves, and the lower levels are handicapped-accessible, including the bathrooms.
“The idea was to make the old hotel the centerpiece of the project,” says former CRT creative director Richard Baxter. “It’s the first project of its kind in Mineral County. I hope it’s a catalyst.”