Take a "Second Look" at Durango's Second Avenue

Often considered among Historic Downtown Durango's best kept secrets, East Second Avenue is certainly worth a walk up the hill. Indeed, it's a unique destination with a personality all its own.

When the founding fathers set out to define Durango in the late 1800s, East Second Avenue, between 5th and 12th Streets, was conceived as the buffer separating the hustle and bustle of Main Avenue and the stately residences and churches on Third. It would become home to civic offices and, as Durango grew, Second Avenue also adopted an "industrial" flavor. Though vital to residents, these businesses weren't especially sought after by visitors.

Early in the 1990s, however, the Komick/ Wildfang family launched a renaissance, beginning with the renovation of a rundown boarding house and hotel, which brought back to life the now highly-prized and historic Leland House and Rochester Hotel. They continued the effort with some of the smaller adjacent residential properties that have taken on new life as, for example, interesting and unique retail offerings and restaurants such as Cyprus Café, fine dining with a Mediterranean flair.

Even if not enjoying an overnight stay at the Leland House and Rochester Hotel - two separate buildings that face each other on opposite sides of Second Avenue - the establishment is well worth a visit. Designated as "The Flagship Hotel of Colorado" by Conde
Nast -Traveler (1996), the buildings are veritable history museums - the Leland honoring Durango's early leaders and "characters," and the Rochester featuring Durango's past as "The Hollywood of the Rockies."

By 1996, Steamworks Brewing Co. and the Durango Arts Center had redefined the now designated historical buildings once known more for the automobiles they housed than the food, fun and culture of today. Because they are historic buildings, the businesses have
necessarily fit their operations to the buildings, making each one-of-a-kind.

The avenue continues to evolve, and is filled with a number of interesting treasures just waiting to be discovered, including playful and unusual public art pieces scattered up and down the avenue. Second Avenue may be "up the hill" and slightly off the proverbial beaten path, but it is truly worth a "second look."

SPONSOR LISTINGS

Durango Arts Center
802 E. 2nd Ave., Durango
970.259.2606
www.durangoarts.org
DAC is the place to be! Art Programs for all ages.

Cyprus Cafe
725 E. 2nd Ave., Durango
970.385.6884
www.cypruscafe.com
Fine Mediterranean Cuisine. Patio Dining, Fine Wines, Full Bar, Open lunch and dinner. Live Jazz.

Leland House & Rochester Hotel
721 E. 2nd Ave., Durango
970.385.1920 / 800-664-1920
www.rochesterhotel.com.
Where the spirit of the old west is alive & well in Downtown Durango. An excellent variety of rooms & suites Great corporate program. Wi-Fi. Full gourmet breakfast.

Steamworks Brewing Company
www.steamworksbrewing.com
801 E. 2nd Ave., Durango
970. 259.9200
"The Best American Style Amber Lager in the world " Handcrafted Sodas, Award-Winning Beer. Entrees, sandwiches, appetizers, kid's menu. ask about our World Famous Cajun Boil.