WINDSOR ACHIEVES RESTORATION MILESTONE

In March, 2009, Rio Grande County granted a "Certificate of Occupancy" to the restored 4,200 square foot main floor of the original 1874 Windsor Hotel. This means the restoration has passed all inspections and is now legally certified for occupancy for its intended use. The restored area includes a grand lobby, parlor, new restrooms, two elegant dining rooms and a full commercial kitchen.

These spaces were built in 1874, to the standards of the third quarter of the nineteenth century. There were no codes, probably no plans---just some skilled craftsmen who did what their fathers had taught them. No electrical, no plumbing, no central heat. Nonetheless, they created gracious and elegant spaces which were very upscale for their time and location.

When the restoration of these spaces began in 2005, they were a virtual wreck, having suffered decades of neglect. The challenge was to repair the damage, but also to return them as close as possible to their original appearance. Perhaps the biggest challenge, however, was to bring them into compliance with a totally different set of expectations---the complex codes and standards of the twenty first century. These include not only structural upgrades, but also fire code separations, full fire alarm and sprinkler systems, all new electrical and plumbing and all new central heating and ventilation, as well as full compliance with ADA standards.

All this has been successfully achieved, as signified by the Certificate of Occupancy. You can view the "before and after" photos by clicking here.