CORTEZ – MONTEZUMA VALLEY NATIONAL BANK BUILDING
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Renovation of a historic bank that continues to serve as a community cornerstone
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A creative mix of local and state funding
The oldest extant bank building in the small city of Cortez, the Montezuma Valley National Bank Building has been a symbol of economic strength, as well as one of unique architectural character, since its construction at the turn of the 19th century.Thanks to visionary thinking on the part of community leaders and the building’s owners, the bank is once again a point of pride for the community, providing a voice to the community through the KSJD community radio station that now calls the building home. Yet the restoration project was no small undertaking. The building lacked heating and HVAC equipment and had electrical and asbestos issues. Taking over five years to complete, the project required over $1.1 million in investments from a mix of state grants and as much as $300,000 from local contributions.
The restoration of this building has had an impact on the surrounding commercial area. West Main Street has seen a revival in recent years, with new establishments like an ice cream parlor and developments coming forth on nearby vacant lots. Support for the project was provided by the State Historical Fund, the Montezuma Historical Society, the City of Cortez, the USDA, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, as well as the generous contributions of the Four Corners community.
“$1.1 million is what it took to get this building where it is today. And that’s where History Colorado and the legislators who created it and still support it are visionary. It makes a difference in Colorado and little towns.” – Jeff Pope, KSJD Radio Executive Director