Durango was officially founded in 1881 and has grown immensely since then. Over the years, Durango has developed a rich history that continues to be recognized and treasured today. The Smiley Building holds a special place in Durango, serving many purposes since it was built in 1936. Situated on the corner of 13th Street and E 3rd Avenue, this historic building continues to offer a unique and vibrant space for the Durango community.
History & Renovation of the Smiley Building
The Smiley Building was originally used as the Durango junior and senior high school until the mid-1990s. In 1998, the Shaw family purchased and meticulously renovated the vacant building, preserving its original character, and opened it as a community center. Office spaces, dance studios, a coffee shop, and a few residential spaces have been the primary uses. Today, the building is home to many of these same businesses, including the Durango Montessori school, local artist’s studios, and the Smiley Café. One of the most notable changes at the Smiley Building is a conversion of the original auditorium into a collaborative studio and galleries for over 20 different local artists. Painters, sculptures, jewelers, and more work in this community space. Other local organizations and individuals commonly rent the lawn for events, including open mic nights and other performances.
Ecofriendly Practices
This large, mixed-use building in downtown Durango also uses solar panels that power 95% of its annual energy usage. In addition to the use of solar, the Shaws use other eco-friendly tools such as motion sensor light switches and water-saving toilets, among other energy-saving devices, and were one of the first commercial spaces to install electric vehicle charging stations.
This has blossomed into a wonderful retail and workspace. The Smiley Building is a great place to visit and enjoy a cup of coffee and a fresh pastry inside the café or on the surrounding grassy area. Please let us know if you have any questions about community spaces in Durango, CO.
