By Shannon Lukens.
An emergency grant of $15,000 has been awarded to Historic Routt County to help with repairs on the Maxwell Squire Building at 9th and Lincoln in downtown Steamboat Springs. It was damaged when a car ran into the building that houses Lyons Corner Drugstore on the main floor, in January.
Arianthe Stettner with Historic Routt County says the building was built in 1908 with local brick and sandstone quarry from across the Yampa River, before the railroad came to town.
“I can’t imagine how the plate glass windows were brought here by wagon from either Wolcott on a three-day wagon ride or some other mysterious place because there was no railroad.”
The money from the emergency grant should be released from the state sometime next week.
Historic Routt County has applied for a second renovation grant from the History Colorado State Historical Fund for as much as $250,000, which would help with the interior damage to the building.
More on the Story; Jan. 21, 2025
The Historic Routt County images were submitted with the grant application.
Press Release from Historic Routt County; April 29, 2025.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic Routt County to the rescue after car accident damages historic Maxwell-Squire Building
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colorado – April 29, 2025 – The 1908 Maxwell-Squire Building is located on the corner of 9th and Lincoln Avenue in the heart of Steamboat Springs. On January 19, 2025, someone experiencing a medical emergency crashed their car into its front corner, causing substantial structural damage. The owners had to make emergency repairs to the historic building.
Historic Routt County (HRC), a local nonprofit, applied for and was awarded an Emergency Grant from the History Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF) while the community, including the Routt County Building Department, the City of Steamboat Springs, the building’s property manager, local engineers, contractors, and the tenants, worked quickly to help with the temporary stabilization to get the building back open in less than a week. Lyon’s Drug was most impacted during that time.
Now that the temporary shoring is in place and stabilizing the building, HRC is applying for a second grant with the SHF to rehabilitate the building. As a 501(c)(3), HRC is able to apply for and administer SHF grants on behalf of an eligible private property owner. “Historic Routt County has a proven track record of successfully applying for and managing numerous SHF grant projects, including the Crossan’s Market in Yampa and the Julie Harris Theatre at Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp”, states HRC co-founder, Arianthe Stettner.
Constructed in 1908 by J.P. Maxwell, the two-story structure was constructed during a building boom in Steamboat prior to the arrival of the railroad. The building used locally made brick from Trogler’s brickyard and native sandstone quarried from nearby Emerald Mountain. Over the years, the building has been home to many local businesses and organizations. The building served as the Steamboat Springs post office from 1909-1962, and for decades has housed an independent drugstore and popular soda fountain, currently Lyon’s Drug. It also houses Beard & Braid along with twelve businesses on the second floor. In July 2024, the building was purchased by the Squire Building Partnership. As advocates for historic preservation, the new owners had already planned to rehabilitate the historic building. They intended to start with interior repairs and upgrades for existing tenants before undertaking a more extensive project.
“Pulling together a project team for the grant application by the April 1 deadline was a challenge,” said Erica Hewitt, Grant Project Manager and Historic Preservation Technical Specialist/Consultant, “especially in finding a general contractor and the tradesmen with the necessary masonry skills to repair a historic brick building back to its original design intent in such a short amount of time. Fortunately, we were able to find a knowledgeable and experienced team that understands the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards” for historic buildings.
Victor Balestra, part owner of the Maxwell-Squire Building, said, “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Historic Routt County in applying for a Colorado State Historical Fund grant to help fund this important project.” The SHF grant application was submitted by HRC to History Colorado on April 1 and the award notification is June 13. If awarded, the repair and rehabilitation project will begin this summer.
The public benefit of the preservation of the Maxwell-Squire Building is immeasurable, as it is an economic driver in the Steamboat Springs Downtown National Historic District. With its unique corner entrance and view of Mount Werner with the ski area behind it, it is an iconic image reflecting the heritage of Steamboat Springs. Kristen Rockford, the Executive Director of Historic Routt County, proudly states, “We are honored to assist with the repair and rehabilitation of this beloved historic building for many more generations to enjoy and celebrate.”
For more information on how you can support local preservation efforts, visit www.HistoricRouttCounty.org or call 970-875-1305.
About Historic Routt County: Historic Routt County is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Routt County’s rich history, ensuring that its historic sites remain an integral part of the community’s future. Through advocacy, education, and partnerships, the organization works to cultivate a preservation ethic in Routt County and protect the character and heritage of this unique Colorado region.