Historic Durango
Durango, Colorado, was founded in 1880 as a railroad hub and smelting center for high country mines in the San Juan and La Plata Mountain ranges. Located along the banks of the Animas River and surrounded by rugged peaks and high desert plateaus, Durango is a feast for the eyes, for adventure, and for recreation.
Today, Durango is a vibrant community with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, the arts, exceptional dining, and a casual, yet sophisticated, lifestyle. Main Avenue is a collection of historic buildings, intriguing galleries, and those aforementioned, fabulous restaurants.
While different neighborhoods around the city have their own feel, few are more distinct than Durango’s historic downtown. It provides:
- A nearly fully walkable lifestyle
- Quick access to the main shopping and dining district
- An extensive system of dirt and paved trails
The downtown district is also the architectural connection to our city’s history, which makes for a charming and visually sumptuous living experience. The historic buildings span a range of architecture and style, including: Victorian, classic cottage, Italianate, Queen Anne, Craftsman, bungalow, and Mission styles.
Whether you’re interested in restoring a Durango historic home, moving into a turnkey historic home, or some combination thereof, the Durango historical district offers a variety of prices, styles, and conditions.
Historic resources are finite and cannot be replaced, making them precious commodities that many buyers seek. Therefore, preservation adds value to private property. Many studies across the nation document that, where historic districts are established, property values typically rise or at least are stabilized.
Property owners within the district know that the time and money they spend on improving their properties will be matched with similar efforts on surrounding lots; these investments will not be under minded by inappropriate construction next door. There are also income tax credits offered at the state and federal levels for appropriate rehabilitation. Historic homes are one of the more aesthetic pleasures of Durango.