700 Block Reconstruction

Visitors to Durango’s Downtown will note a blemish in the 700 block of Main Ave. – the scar remaining from a tragic fire that destroyed three historic buildings, and three cherished businesses – Seasons Rotisserie & Grill, Half Price Tees and Le Rendezvous Bakery & Café – in February 2008.

Fortunately, no lives were lost during the fire, and injuries to the first responders were relatively minor. Livelihoods were, however, greatly impacted, and in response, the Business Improvement District established the “700 Block Main Ave. Disaster Relief Fund.” The fund, administered through the Community Foundation, provided for immediate needs for those impacted by the fire – food, fuel, housing. The fund assisted dozens of local community members, and it now has been permanently established as the Community Emergency Fund. It will remain in place to assist impacted citizens if and when another communitywide tragedy occurs.

Downtown Durango is never “down” for long. The community has banded together to facilitate the rebirth of the 700 block. Seasons will return in its same location, and the designs are already in place for the “new” restaurant. Half Price Tees has found a temporary home at the corner of College Drive and Main Ave., but plans to relocate in the 700 block once its “home” is rebuilt. The future for Le Rendezvous is yet to be announced.

To help local residents and Durango’s out-of-area friends keep current on the reconstruction of Main Ave., the BID, with local internet service provider Brainstorm Internet, has established the Eye on Main web cam. The camera is situated directly across the street from the construction site. All are invited to “tune in” on a regular basis to see the progress as the Phoenix rises from literal ashes.