For Veronica Sanchez, a third-generation Grand Junction native with deep roots in the railroad industry, the decision to acquire and restore the Grand Junction Union Depot was intertwined with family history and a vision for revitalizing a cherished local landmark. The depot, a once majestic Italian Renaissance architectural gem, now stands as a symbol of potential, awaiting its transformation into a beacon of pride for the Western Slope.

“This building has tremendous sentimental value, as well as local significance. But as it sits today, it is an eyesore, a real black eye on the downtown area,” Sanchez says. “The irony is that it has the potential to be one of the most beautiful buildings on the Western Slope.”

Sanchez and her husband Dustin Anzures bring not only a personal connection to the project but also a wealth of experience in real estate development spanning 15 years. Their ambitious venture aims to erase the decades of neglect and transform the dilapidated structure into a vibrant hub for the community.

A LINK TO THE PAST AND PRESENT

The GJ Union Depot holds a significant place in both local and national history. Established in 1882, the depot played a pivotal role in the growth of Grand Junction, becoming a bustling crew change city for Amtrak and the Rocky Mountaineer. Today, it stands as a rare testament to uninterrupted passenger rail service since its inception, with roots tracing back to the iconic California Zephyr route from 1949.

“The unique thing about rail travel is that the vacation starts as soon as you step on the train,” Anzures says. “The traveling is part of the experience, and nothing connects you to the journey like riding the train.” With its rich rail heritage, the depot’s new owners believe Grand Junction has the opportunity to showcase this legacy by restoring the depot to its former glory.

While the acquisition was seamless — “especially when the seller feels like they’re tossing you the hot potato,” Sanchez adds — funding the estimated $4 million restoration is the real hurdle, despite its outpouring of local support. The restoration’s success hinges on securing grants and donations, a task made more complex due to the building’s private ownership.

The couple has navigated a maze of state grants, partnering with local agencies to access historic preservation funds. Despite hurdles, they remain committed to bringing the GJ Union Depot back to life.

PRESERVING HISTORY IN A MODERN WORLD

“The architect, Henry J. Schlacks, was a renowned church designer from Chicago; he trained at MIT and was a founder of the architecture school at Notre Dame. As luck would have it, his brother Charles Schlacks was the president of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, and he cajoled Henry into coming to Grand Junction to design our depot,” Anzures shares.

Anzures emphasizes the delicate balance between preserving historical integrity and modernizing the depot for contemporary use. As a Nationally Registered Historic Place, the restoration adheres to the Secretary of the Interior’s standards. While exterior features are carefully preserved, creative solutions are sought for modernizing interior elements like electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.

The couple’s commitment to authenticity drives extensive historic research, ensuring the restoration aligns with the depot’s original aesthetics.

A GATEWAY FOR TOURISM

Sanchez envisions the restored depot as a significant tourist gateway, particularly for Amtrak’s California Zephyr ridership of approximately 400,000 annually. While prioritizing the return of Amtrak’s operations to the historic depot, the couple plans to attract food and beverage tenants, creating a vibrant community gathering space. The economic impact, akin to Denver’s Union Station, holds the promise of revitalizing downtown Grand Junction.

“The location of the depot is in a prominent corner of lower downtown with unobstructed views of the National Monument from our trackside patio,” Anzures adds. “This is a feature we will showcase.”

A TESTAMENT TO RESILIENCE

Anzures reflects on the depot’s role in the founding and survival of Grand Junction. The depot encapsulates the story of the Grand Valley, where the railroad brought not only people and jobs but also resilience during economic downturns. He believes this restoration project will preserve these valuable stories and foster civic pride.

The establishment of Friends of the Grand Junction Union Depot nonprofit adds a new dimension to the restoration efforts, enabling access to grants and community support. Board members like JoAnn Sauvage, Bill Wade and Michael A. Nuttall express their passion for the project, emphasizing its alignment with the region’s history and the potential economic impact.

“Grand Junction really owes its existence to the railroad,” declares Nuttall, who serves as the nonprofit’s vice-chairman. “For decades, the depot was the center of the community’s spirit and a place that Grand Junction could be proud of. The Union Depot contains so many valuable stories about the Grand Valley that we don’t want to let die. Instead, we hope that the depot can one day be a place that Grand Junction can be proud of once more.”

BUILDING A COALITION FOR SUPPORT

The restoration project has achieved initial wins, securing a $50,000 state preservation fund grant, enabling design work to commence. The city’s decision on applying for a federal grant could potentially provide up to 80% of the needed funding, alleviating significant financial burdens. Friends of GJ Union Depot, through fundraising events, is actively contributing to matching funds required for grants.

The journey to restore GJ Union Depot is far from over, but with community support, strategic partnerships and a vision deeply rooted in history, Sanchez and Anzures are determined to see the depot shine once again as a symbol of Grand Junction’s resilience and pride.

Visit gjuniondepot.com and friendsofgjuniondepot.org to learn more. Follow GJ Union Depot and Friends of GJ Union Depot on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Originally published in the Winter 2023-24 issue of Spoke+Blossom.

Reviving Grand Junction's Historic Gem: The Journey Of Restoring The Union Depot