It was very disheartening to see the illustration of the possible new building at the corner of Main and Camino del Rio. Although attractive, it reflects none of the character of Durango. In my opinion any building in or near downtown should “say Durango.” Case in point: The Wells Fargo Bank building, though new, still reflects the history of the area.
I would like to propose that Durango establish a design commission which would give a thumbs up or down to potential building designs in the central area. This commission could award prizes to buildings that strive to reflect an Old West character. As a tourist town, this would be of great benefit to its future development. Consider, if you will, Santa Fe, a prime tourist destination. If the city let developers put a building such as the one proposed here on the Santa Fe plaza, they would destroy the character of the town. I would hate to see Durango turn into just another plain vanilla town.
Admittedly, this proposed building won’t be in the heart of Main Avenue, but Camino del Rio is the main artery through town seen by all who come here. The city was very smart in requiring Walmart to be south of town and have landscaping. Hopefully, the same wisdom will prevail in the design of this major new building.
Marcelle Borgers
Durango
