Location
Trinidad, CO
Date of Construction
1889
History
Located in the El Corazon de Trinidad National Historic District, Temple Aaron is a prominent visual landmark in Trinidad and is the oldest synagogue building in continuous operation in Colorado. Designed by Isaac Hamilton Rapp and built in 1889, Temple Aaron is not only architecturally significant but also important for its role in the cultural history of Trinidad. Jewish merchants, who served as traders along the Santa Fe Trail, began locating in Trinidad as early as 1867 and became prominent members of the community. Congregation Aaron is small but has strived to maintain the Temple and continue to conduct services and host community functions for all members of the Trinidad community.
Project Description
In 2000, a historic structure assessment revealed weakness in façade brick and window casements of this historic structure along with safety concerns from the continued use of outdated electrical systems. In the spring of 2003, Colorado Preservation, Inc. entered into an agreement with the Alfred Freudenthal Memorial Foundation to oversee a stabilization effort to mitigate these concerns. A Masonry Pilot Project now provides guidelines for rehabilitation of the exterior and has resulted in the repair of the masonry on the north and east facades of the synagogue. Masonry repair on the Temple has been ongoing since 1997, and four phases of preservation have been completed.
Project Team
Project financed through a grant from the State Historical Fund.