There is an ongoing program of newsletters, progress celebrations, and personal contact with established local and regional private donors lending to assurance that the locals commitment to "finish the job" is in place. Since the project has locally recognized public benefit, the Association continues to receive enthusiastic support and endorsement by the town and county governments, local organizations and hundreds of individuals who have contributed toward the hotel's restoration.

The Organization --

The Windsor Restoration and Historical Association, Inc. is a 501c3 corporation. It was established in 1996 for the purpose of raising funds and overseeing the restoration of the Windsor Hotel and its adjoining retail spaces.

The Board of Directors is comprised of local concerned citizens and members of the local business and agra-business community. It receives continued registered engineering, architectural and legal support from board members and emeritus members.

The board has successfully taken to completion multiple grants and projects. All have been done professionally and in a timely manner. Construction projects have not only met or exceeded the building codes, but have been done under the watchful eye of the Colorado State Historical Society, which is also an investor in this project.

The Windsor is a Qualified Colorado Enterprise Zone Project. All donations over $100 are processed through the San Luis Valley Development Resources Group-Enterprise Zone. Each donor receives a certificate that will allow a direct credit of twenty-five percent on his/her Colorado income tax return. This is in addition to the standard charitable deduction on his/her state and federal tax returns.

The Association has installed a Donor Plaque on the north wall of the Lobby, listing benefactors. In addition, the "Legacy Commemorative Gift Program" was established whereby parts or entire sections of the restored hotel can be sponsored and paid for by donors who will be acknowledged with a commemorative plaque.

Hotel History -

Construction on the original Hotel (8,260 square feet) was completed in 1875. In 1884 and 1886 two brick commercial blocks, including additional hotel rooms were added, bringing the complex to a total of over 23,000 square feet. This is one of the oldest Hotels in Colorado. As the most prominent structure in downtown Del Norte, the hotel has been a significant presence in the history and development of the town.

For many decades the Windsor served as the main social and commercial center for the community and ran continuously until the 1970s when it was closed due to a dispute with the town attorney. While closed, neglect and vandalism took a toll, which prevented the success of a few attempts at re-opening. When the building was threatened with demolition in 1993, a generous local benefactor stepped forward, and the renovation process began.

The Future -

The Windsor Hotel is the most prominent (occupying nearly one half of a city block) historic structure in the economically depressed community of Del Norte. The Association believes the project's goal is to promote economic development in this small town by re-establishing the Historic Windsor Hotel/storefront complex as a viable tourist attraction.

The Windsor Economic Plan analysis indicates that, once completed the Windsor will capitalize on its heritage tourism potential and become an attractive and repeated destination for travelers, as well as, dramatically increase overall commercial activity in Del Norte. Its public Multi-Cultural Courtyard and meeting rooms with attendant luxury overnight accommodations will be attractive for family celebrations, conferences and group retreats.

It is estimated that 40 to 50 full time equivalent (FTE) employees will be required to operate the complex once it is fully restored. These are badly needed new jobs in this economically depressed community of 1,700. Its anticipated sales and property tax assessments will contribute significantly to local governments. An outcome of success in revitalizing this center of community life will bring a renewed focus and pride in the community's shared history and future potential.

The Windsor will be sustained and preserved in the long term by an endowment funded by income from the banquet food service concession, the heritage tourism hotel operation, historically themed business leases, and annual concession events that have become popularly traditional within the community, and will be overseen by the Association and its annual contributions. The Association will remain the non-profit owner of the property and long-term steward of its historic integrity.
Click here to return to News page