Masonic Lodge - La Junta

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Otero Partners, Inc. is applying for a History Colorado State Historical Fund grant in the April 2026 grant round. If successful, this grant and the cash match will provide funding for the project to rehabilitate the first-floor store fronts. In addition, funding is being sought from Congressional Directed Spending to configure the first floor for a new ADA elevator including undertaking the mechanical/electrical upgrades needed for the new shaft and elevator. Through these efforts the goal is to ensure that the building provides functional, accessible and secure facilities for the 16th Judicial District Attorney, associated offices and organizations and that this important historic building can continue to serve the region and contribute to the revitalization of downtown La Junta.

The project architects, Form+Works, have completed the final draft of the construction documents for the rehabilitation of the interior and remaining exterior elements of the historic Euclid Masonic Lodge building. The architects, working in conjunction with structural, mechanical and other engineering specialists, developed the CDs with the input of the District Attorney's office, stakeholders and users of the DA's office services, and the county commissioners. Otero Partners, Inc., the county commissioners and the DA's office will use the developed documents and updated cost estimates to plan for future phases of the rehabilitation. This work was funded in part by History Colorado-State Historical fund.

Phase III: funding received! In January 2024, Otero Partners, Inc. received notification they had been awarded a History Colorado-State Historical Fund grant to develop the construction documents for the interior and exterior rehabilitation of the building, including the first-floor storefronts. The kick-off meeting for the project was held on April 23, 2024.

In the April 2023 History Colorado - State Historical Fund grant round, Otero Partners, Inc. received a grant for the next phase of rehabilitation of the Masonic Building. This project will rehabilitate all the remaining historic windows in the building - twelve round 4th floor windows and the fifteen large 3rd floor windows.

Rehabilitation of these windows will help protect the interior of the building, increase energy efficiency and return these historic windows to their original appearance and functionality. This work will be completed to the Secretary of Interior Standards for Historic Preservation.

Currently, the project team is planning for the next phase of the Masonic Building project which will include development of the complete construction documents for the rehabilitation of the building's interior and the first floor storefronts. Construction documents will include the architectural work and structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and geotechnical engineering for completion of the interior and store rehabilitation.

All roof work was completed in April 2023. All work was completed to meet the Secretary of Interior Standards for rehabilitation of historic properties. Also completed was the planning stage for the interior rehabilitation of the first floor storefronts which can be rented to provide cash-flow for rehabilitation work and building maintenance.

The Colorado Historic Preservation Tax Credit for this work was approved by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and Tourism. Those tax credits have been monetized, with funds committed to future phases of the rehabilitation.

Thank you to the History Colorado - State Historic Fund for their support of this important project. Once rehabilitation is complete, the Masonic Building will be able to better serve the people of the region through the work of the District Attorney's office and associated services.

Revitalization and rehabilitation of the Masonic Lodge building in downtown La Junta, owned by Otero, Bent & Crowley Counties, and managed by Otero Partners, Inc. has begun. The project intent is to rehabilitate this large, key building in the community promoting adaptive reuse, historic preservation, economic development, and downtown revitalization. The current primary user of the building is the 16th Judicial District Attorney. Other local retail businesses and programs also rent space. After long delays due to the disruption in supply chain and roofing materials, along with the demand for roofing labor, Deep Roots Craftsmen (a company specializing in historic preservation), our general contractor, and their subcontractors were able to begin work on the roof in early October 2022. Work is anticipated to be completed by December.

Project updates will be provided throughout the project timeline as milestones are reached. Make sure to check back for more updates!

We actively support local preservation initiatives by providing grants, technical assistance, and advocacy to ensure historic sites are maintained for future generations. Our efforts include educational outreach programs, partnership development with other nonprofits, and lobbying for policies that favor preservation. Together, we aim to foster a community that values its rich history.

Our latest project focuses on the rehabilitation of historic windows and facades, including restoring original features and improving energy efficiency. This work involves careful preservation techniques to maintain historic integrity while incorporating modern materials where necessary. Such efforts help protect the building’s character and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Collaboration is key to our success. Otero Partners, Inc. partners with government agencies, private investors, and other nonprofits to secure funding and resources necessary for large-scale rehabilitation projects. These partnerships enable us to maximize impact and ensure the sustainability of preservation initiatives across the region.