Commodore Mining District

Year Listed: 2006
County: Mineral County
Construction Date: 1890s
Threat When Listed: Natural Elements
Status: IN PROGRESS
 
 

Believed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, the complex lies one mile north of the historic mining town of Creede. Activity in the area began with the early silver bonanzas of the 1890s and continued into base metal production during World War II. The Commodore Mine finally closed in 1976. The district has stood as a regional icon and one of Colorado’s most scenic and photographed mining sites.

Since its 2006 listing, a group of dedicated citizens formed the Creede Minding Heritage, Inc. with a mission to preserve historic mining sites in the Creede area. This group is now working to control the erosion, runoff, and possible contaminants within the area.  With the completion of an environmental assessment and boundary survey, the organization hopes to purchase the site and start its restoration process.

A recent meeting at the Commodore Mine demonstrated the strong support from the City of Creede and local groups, but with the EPA Superfund listing and concerns over ownership – the buildings remain in jeopardy. The American Mining Association, a 501 c3, has been formed. CPI Preservation Services secured a major rehabilitation and stabilization grant in 2021, now underway, and will continue to support a State Register listing by the EPA. 

“American Mining Foundation as a goal wants to stabilize, preserve, restore where required the structures making them safe for tourism tours and educational tours.”-Craig Sparks Board Member at American Mining Foundation

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Preservation for a Changing Colorado

Historic preservation has a direct economic benefit to communities and Colorado! Take a look at the 2017 study, which considered the ways adaption of historic places has a direct financial effect on the state.

This updated, most resent study, was the result of a partnership between Colorado Preservation, Inc and History Colorado, funded by a grant from History Colorado's State Historical Fund. Prepared by Clarion Associates, the new report document the economic benefits of rehabilitation projects, analyzes property values and neighborhood stability in local historic districts, and summarizes the increasing impact of heritage tourism, private preservation development and the success of Colorado’s Main Street program.

In a key finding, researchers determined that for every $1 million spent on historic preservation in Colorado it produced $1.03 million in additional spending, 14 new jobs, and $636,700 in increased household incomes across the state!

The 2017 report also considers the important role preservation plays in helping Coloradans provide new spaces for creative communities and co-working, create and sustain meaningful places, responds to the state’s changing demographics, and addresses climate concerns.

Click Here to see download and read the full report, "Preservation for a Changing Colorado".