Colorado’s Oldest Business to Be Reopened in San Luis

Here in Colorado, there is a ton of history you can dive into.

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First of all, you can visit old buildings that can give you a perspective of the state’s history. Whether it’s old chapels or the gigantic homes built by the Puebloans, there is a lot to see.

There’s even the remains of what was supposed to be the summer White House, which you can still visit to this day.

However, Colorado’s oldest active town predates the state itself; San Luis. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the town itself has a fascinating history. 

It also is home to what was Colorado’s oldest active business and grocery store, San Luis People’s Market, hit hard times and had to temporarily close. Fortunately, it looks like things are turning around for the store.

San Luis People’s Market Gets Grant Funding to Help With Cleaning Asbestos

San Luis People’s Market seemed to be saved in 2022 after ownership changed hands. It had originally been called R & R for 165-years.

Once it changed hands and got its current name, it continued R & R’s legacy while also looking to provide San Luis mutual aid and give the town better food security.

However, it was found that the building itself was full of asbestos, and had to close to remove it all. Asbestos causes incredibly severe lung diseases, like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. 

The market also had lead paint as well as mold that needed to be removed.

San Luis People’s Market seemed to struggle with the closure at first. However, incredible news has come through for the market; the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) awarded them a $200,416 grant to remove all hazardous materials.

The grant is called the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund, and it looks to help local businesses with support in removing contaminated surfaces on properties.

San Luis People’s Market has served as a beacon for its community for over 165-years. The fact it had to close was devastating for San Luis. With the new grant funding, it will be able to continue its legacy of providing food security and aid for one of Colorado’s most historic towns.