Renovation

                       Restoring the past;

                                               Building the future!


Caring for the Historic Montrose United Methodist Church

MILESTONES


The Montrose United Methodist Church is located at the corner of Park Avenue and South 1st Street in Montrose, Colorado. For more than 100 years it has been a landmark for the people of Montrose through successes and challenges. 

 

Today, this historic treasure that has helped many in times of need needs your help. Restoring the old structure means preserving the cultural legacy of our community, and strengthens an understanding of our Montrose heritage.


Read on to learn of the structure’s important role, the renovation ahead, and how you can be part of the preservation in Montrose.

Stewardship

The engineering report that was included in the 1999 National Register Nomination pointed out that the foundation and the total structure were sound.

 

Since then we have found that subsurface water seeping under Montrose has caused shifts in the building’s foundation.

 

Knott Laboratory, LLC, a leader in structural and forensic engineering, was contacted for an assessment. They conducted a 3D laser survey of the entire building using a Leica RTC360 scanner. They noted several deficiencies. These are the most urgent and critical:

Cracks opened up in the lathe and plaster wall construction inside the building and can be seen running through bricks and mortar outside.

Replace Bricks & Mortar


The job of repairing and replacing wall features will be undertaken after the foundation is stabilized and water control elements are installed. Most of the walls are still sound. Others are in need of renovation.


“It is Knott’s goal to provide feasible repair recommendations to maintain the stability and safety of the structure and to mitigate future issues.”


From the 2022 Knott Laboratory Report

Historic Montrose

Recognizing the historic value of our building, the City of Montrose added it to the city’s Register of Historic Places in 2023. Established by ordinance in 2018, the register is founded on the belief that the preservation of the architecture, culture, and heritage embodied in these sites is fundamental to maintaining the community's unique character and a tangible connection to its roots.

 

This building is recognized for its historic role in the community along with many other vintage structures in the downtown area.

Denver and Rio Grande Depot


Completed in 1912, the current depot replaced the original building constructed when the railroad line reached Montrose after the town’s founding. The station served both passengers and freight shipments for decades. 

 

“All of the historic buildings in our town have to be alive and in use in order for our legacy to be preserved.”


Kenn Huff, Board President, Montrose County Historical Society


Montrose City Hall


This Art Deco style building is one of a few treasures in town with plans that were popular and adapted in the Rocky Mountain West. At the time of its construction in 1926, it was designed to also house the city’s library, so there were two main entrances into the building. 

Montrose was founded over 140 years ago. As a rural western town, it adapted to changing economic and social conditions. The people of the past came together in all of the historic structures that we see today. Through the transitions they built community.

 

Today, these buildings bring us the life experiences of those people – we can come to know them. The Elks Building, the Knights of Pythias Building, the Methodist Church, and the Post Office structures, with others, tie our heritage of community together – now and for generations to come.

New Montrose Potato Growers Association


The historic brick structure was built in 1908 after the original wooden structure burned down. It was initially a warehouse for the Montrose Fruit Growers Association, but it became a center of commerce for much of the community. Its significance includes the agricultural history of Montrose and the Western Slope overall. 

 

 

“There are only so many original buildings in Montrose that represent our world as it was then, that still look the same, or close to the same appearance, as when they were originally built. We need to protect our heritage.”


David Fishering, Historic Preservation Pioneer

Times of Need

Many people in the community come to this building when the unexpected strikes. 


We are often unaware of the tragic situations that some people in our community have to face. Your participation in Renovation helps to rebuild an enduring Montrose for the future.


This downtown building stands as critical support when troubles arise. 


  • Sunday Supper - There was no place for people in need to find a warm meal on Sundays in Montrose, so in 2016 our doors were opened to fit that need. During 52 weeks in 2023 1,300 meals were served.


  • Shepherd’s Hand - The people here have had a long-term partnership with Shepherd’s Hand and provided a home for this vital downtown assistance when they urgently needed a place to operate for over two-and-a-half years.  

People in Crisis

From charities to private business, the building has been a partner and haven when times get rough. Here is a look at a few of those who have been served:

  • Sharing Ministries - 3,000 pounds of food supplies in 2023/financial contributions annually. 
  • Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous - up to 190 people meet in the building 9 times per week. 
  • A Time to Dance studio
  • Belize Kids Elementary/Secondary School 
  • Blue Christmas - Time of Reflection
  • Boys and Girls Club 
  • Dolphin House 
  • Ghana Mission 
  • Habitat for Humanity 
  • Heifer International 
  • Kids Aid
  • Lighthouse Homeless Shelter
  • Northside Elementary School
  • Redman-Priest Education Pod (during COVID-19)


"The Montrose Methodist Church was a welcoming beacon for me at a time when I needed to deal with my addiction and better myself. Their patience and compassion exhibit a spiritual goodness that today allows us to come to a place where nobody else wants us. They rescued me and continue for other people every day." 

 

Mike, former resident of Montrose, lifetime member of AA.

Your Role in the Renovation

There are two ways that you can assist with the financial needs of this work. 

 

  1. You can make a direct contribution to the Renovation Initiative through Electronic Funds Transfer, credit or debit card, paper or electronic check, RMD transfer, or securities transfer.

  2. You can buy a brick on which you are able to include a name of your business, your family name or the name of a loved one. Bricks are available in increments of $500, starting with a $500 minimum.


Grants: Work is ongoing to secure grant funding from History Colorado’s State Historic Fund. Several other sources for grant funding are also being pursued.

 

Tax Credits and Incentives: Work is also happening to make use of available tax credits as a means of additional financial support.

Share by: