reFRAMED: Preservation for a New Day

Arica Andreatta / Walsenburg Mercantile

Join us on this episode of reFRAMED: Preservation for a New Day as we explore the incredible transformation of the historic Walsenburg Mercantile. Host Dawn DiPrince sits down with local entrepreneur Arica Andreatta to discuss how this century-old landmark was reimagined into a vibrant community hub featuring eighty local vendors, a bustling deli, and charming living spaces that is turning a familiar industrial building into a community gathering spot. Discover how this inspiring adaptive reuse project is fueling economic growth and reigniting deep-rooted hometown pride in Southern Colorado. It is a powerful story of how preserving our architectural past can build a brighter, more connected future for the entire community.

Boys & Girls Club of Weld County / Roch Schmitz and Dave Dixon

From its beginnings as a 1940s roller rink to its new life as a teen center, this episode explores the transformation of a long-vacant building in Weld County. Roch Schmitz and Dave Dixon join Colorado's State Historic Preservation Officer, Dawn DiPrince, to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the Boys & Girls Club of Weld County to prioritize creating a dedicated space for teens. Together, they reflect on how revitalizing a property unused for more than twenty years not only meets present-day community needs, but also honors the building's historic past.

Nathan Beal / La Vista Motel

Nathan Beal and his partners in preservation looked past the so-called "stucco monster" façade of the run-down La Vista Motel and saw the opportunity to restore a piece of Colfax Avenue's history. In this conversation with Colorado's State Historic Preservation Officer, Dawn DiPrince, Nathan shares the story of acquiring the property in 2022 and restoring it as a charming motor lodge. He discusses collaborating with a talented designer to recapture the spirit of mid-century road travel, as well as the unexpected challenge of inheriting outdated online reviews. Nathan reflects on the neighborhood's enthusiastic response to the motel's reopening and the role thoughtful preservation can play in bringing new life to historic places.

Ann Tonia & Brandon Weiss / Fawn Hollow

Ann Tonia and Brandon Weiss got together with Dawn DiPrince, Colorado's State Historic Preservation Officer, to share the story behind their evolving project at Fawn Hollow in Loveland, Colorado. The property features expansive garden space and a unique WWII-era double-barreled Quonset hut with a rich past—from a convenience store to the beloved Bohemian Cottage restaurant. Together, they discuss how to honor that legacy while reimagining the space for a new chapter. From navigating preservation requirements and complex paperwork to collaborating with local organizations, Ann Tonia and Brandon offer an inside look at the challenges and rewards of adaptive reuse. They also reveal their vision for the future, including a self-pour tap house surrounded by expansive gardens, designed to bring people together and foster community.

SPMDTU / Miguel Sisneros

In this episode of reFRAMED: Preservation for a New Day, Colorado's State Historic Preservation Officer Dawn DiPrince sits down with Miguel Sisneros to explore the 126-year history of the Sociedad Protección Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos (SPMDTU) and the building that has housed it for more than a century. Join them as they discuss everything from Colorado's Latino civil rights history to Miguel's personal family connection to the SPMDTU, and the grassroots restoration of its historic building. It's preservation for a new day, and a reminder of how often a community's pride can be rooted in the places that preserve its past.