Durango in La Plata County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Gardenswartz Building
1883
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2024
1. The Gardenswartz Building Marker
Listed in The National Register of Historic Places in Recognition of its Contribution to Durangos Main Avenue Historic District
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 37° 16.4′ N, 107° 52.857′ W. Marker is in Durango, Colorado, in La Plata County. It is at the intersection of West 9th Street and Main Avenue, on the right when traveling east on West 9th Street. The marker is mounted at eye-level near the northeast corner of the subject building, facing West 9th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 871 Main Avenue, Durango CO 81301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Mountain West and at the Four Corners. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Central Durango, circa 1900 (a few steps from this marker); The Newman Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jack Dempsey (about 400 feet away); Main Avenue parade, circa 1932 (about 400 feet away); Saloon District circa 1910 (about 500 feet away); Old Durango Courthouse circa 1892 (about 600 feet away); Durango skyscraper, circa 1896
this page online
Regarding The Gardenswartz Building. Contributing property, Main Avenue Historic District, National Register of Historic Places № 80000907.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by Marjorie J. Wells, 2/28/1980:
The Main Avenue Historic District in Durango is significant because it represents the essence and core of both the evolution and development of business and commerce in the most important town in southwestern Colorado. Although often described as a late nineteenth century "boomtown," Durango has enjoyed a steady and stable growth pattern since its founding in the early 1880s. Both the physical configuration of the town and its architecture denote the fact that this commercial core once and now serves as the economic center of the southwestern corner of the state. When taken together these buildings still maintain the feelings, associations, and ambiance of a turn-of-the-century commercial district.The Gardenswartz building is a two-story brick structure built in two phases. It has a chamfered corner at 9th Street and Main Avenue which is surmounted by a pediment
and flagpole. Original storefront openings at the street level on the southern half of the building are largely intact while unsympathetic remodeling has obscured the lower level of the northern portion. Architectural features include handsomely detailed brick work.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 20242. The Gardenswartz Building MarkerLooking east along West 9th Street. The marker is mounted at eye-level on the north side of the building.
Also see . . . Durango, Colorado Railroad Town of the Southwest (Legends of America).
Excerpt: The Gardenswartz Building was built in 1901. This was the showpiece of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroads land development company and was intended to be a model for future buildings.(Submitted on March 17, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2024
3. The Gardenswartz Building (north elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2024
4. The Gardenswartz Building (northeast elevation)
From the National Register Nomination: Windows above the main level are set in rectangular recesses that create twelve bays. The intermediate pilasters thus created are decorated with darker brick bands. A light sandstone string course at the second level windowsill separates the upper and lower levels. Wider sandstone lintels step down on either side of the windows and run through the pilasters to form a continuous undulating light colored band. Corbelled brick work above the recesses creates an interesting frieze which is topped by two different sheet metal parapets. The building has vertical window and recess proportions which when juxtaposed with the horizontal string courses creates a modest example of the Italian Renaissance revival style popular at the turn of the century.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 306 times since then and 109 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 17, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
