Historic Downtown Durango—Business as usual!

Weekend fire destroys three Main Avenue businesses.

Durango’s nationally acclaimed historic downtown opened for business as usual this morning despite the absence of three popular Main Avenue businesses.  On Friday afternoon, Seasons Rotisserie and Grill, Le Rendezvous Swiss Bakery and Cafe and Half-Price Tees were destroyed in a blaze that drew national attention. 

Despite rumors (from as far away as China) of greater Main Avenue destruction, the Durango Fire and Rescue Authority and other supporting agencies were able to contain the damage to three businesses.  Nine firefighters were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

In 2007, Durango’s received national attention for its historic downtown.   The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP), the country’s largest private, nonprofit preservation organization, named Durango, Colo., to its 2007 list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and “lovingly preserved” communities in the United States.

In addition to the scenic natural beauty, Durango’s charming and vibrant Historic Downtown is known for the preservation of original Victorian structures, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the abundance of galleries, quality restaurants and year-round activities.

Seasons Owner Karen Barger commented on the brilliant year the downtown is experiencing and her plans to rebuild and reopen by December, 2008.  “Durango’s downtown is vibrant and bustling this morning despite the loss of three historic storefronts.  It really is business as usual.  The support of this community reflects on the wonderful people who call Durango home,” said Barger as she smiled and looked to sky. “Life continues–just look around you, it’s still beautiful. Mother Nature is embracing us with trademark blue skies and beautiful snow falls.”