Alamosa is located along the Rio Grande in the San Luis Valley, in the highest general agricultural land in the United States. Elevation is about 7,544 feet (2,299 m) in Alamosa with peaks over 14,000 feet (4,300 m) within 23 miles (37 km) of town in the Sangre de Cristo Range.
Alamosa is the gateway city to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
The building’s elaborate stamped metal upper story represents a period of construction associated with the arrival of the railroad and the resulting ability to import prefabricated architectural elements. Built in 1887, it was one of the first major buildings to be constructed on what would become Alamosa’s main street. Street-level retail stores supported the second-story hall both physically and financially.
Built in 1887, it was one of the first major buildings to be constructed on what would become Alamosa’s main street. Street-level retail stores supported the second-story hall both physically and financially.
The Alamosa Masonic Temple Association, with its own funds, city support, and SHF grants, installed emergency exit doors, replaced the roof, and repaired and repainted the windows. The second story cornice-and-cast-iron facade, with its elaborate Italianate trim, was badly damaged, weather, and faded. Restoration required replacement finials, cornices, and parapet caps, all of modern zinc-coated steel and sheet aluminum.
