I read the story (Herald, Feb. 21) regarding the city planners wanting to remove the veranda from the front of the old Francisco’s restaurant because it was inconsistent with the downtown district. Not sure what that means. I have noticed many of the old buildings that have been torn down and removed are being replaced with trendy, hip brick buildings. They seem to be the design of one architect.
Durango is a town with Spanish influence, as is our state. In fact, if you Google the meaning of Durango, you get references to a town in northern Mexico. Colorado is also a Spanish word. The point is, our state and its towns have Spanish influence. To deny architecture because it’s not trendy is shortsighted in my eyes. The veranda is only five years short of a historic designation (50 years).
I love the Spanish “cantina” vibe the veranda gives, (what Spanish town doesn’t have a cantina?), not to mention it provides shade on a hot day and shelter from a sudden storm.
I moved to the Durango area in 1984. Although I currently live in Dolores, I am often in Durango to dine and catch a live music show. My son lives there and both my kids graduated from Fort Lewis College. Please don’t homogenize downtown Durango.
Let’s not do away with the Spanish influence which is part of our history and should be reflected in our downtown district. I would love to see someone reopen a Mexican restaurant/cantina there.
Toni Kelly
Dolores
