A celebration of Durango’s “spirit and resilience” will be held on Friday, March 21 – one month after a devastating fire destroyed three businesses in the town’s historic district.
Bob Kunkel, the city’s business and promotions specialist, said time has flown since the fire hit the heart of the district.
“It’s been difficult for all involved, and we don’t want folks to forget the people who saved lives and the adjoining buildings. And we want to support those businesses that we hope will rebuild,” said Kunkel.
Destroyed were the Seasons Rotisserie & Grill; Le Rendezvous Swiss Bakery & Cafe; and Half-Price Tees, a shop that sells T-shirts.
Seven firefighters and rescue personnel who were standing on the roof of one of the buildings were injured when the roof exploded. However, their injuries were relatively minor and all but three were treated and released within hours. The other three were released within 36 hours.
In addition to the three businesses being completely destroyed, adjoining businesses had to be temporarily closed because of structural, smoke and/or water damage.
The celebration on March 21, scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m., in the 700 block of Main Avenue, is part of an effort to raise more money for the “700 Main Avenue Disaster Relief Fund,” and to honor those who battled the fires. Also, plans to help rebuild will also be unveiled.
Kunkel said that far from being a solemn occasion, the community gathering will feature veteran local rocker Ralph Dinosaur followed by a short presentation to honor the firefighters and learn of relief efforts and reconstruction plans.
Refreshments will be offered by the Rochester Hotel, BBQ Jim and Steamworks Brewing Co.
John Wells, the presiding officer of the Durango Improvement District, said the district is pleased to be supporting and participating in the event.
“While it’s a celebration of the phoenix that will be rising from the literal ashes, it will also be a reminder that Durango is not just bricks and mortar. The people of our community are cause for celebration.”
To further the relief fund efforts, Seasons will be selling wine recovered from the restaurant’s extensive wine cellar; Half-Price Tees will offer “aftermath” T-shirts for sale; and Le Rendezvous will have souvenir bricks for sale, 700 of which have been salvaged by the city from the restaurant’s exterior.
Donations to the relief fund are being accepted at the First National Bank of Durango or by mail to the Durango Business Improvement District, PO Box 1405, Durango, Co, 81302. The checks should be payable to: “Community Foundation – 700 Main Avenue Disaster Fund Relief.”
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
