Mesa County supports historic Loma School for endangered places program

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) -Mesa County commissioners are supporting the preservation of a local building that has been around for more than a century.

County commissioners sent a letter supporting nomination of the Loma School to the 2027 Endangered Places program. The building was constructed in 1910 and served as a school and a hub for the community for more than 70 years.

County officials believe the listing will help the owners of the building raise public awareness and provide access to opportunities and programs that could help in preserving the site. The support comes after significant issues with the foundation and walls have led to the building being vacated in recent years.

“I just think it’s a part of our western heritage that we are in Mesa County and a lot of what we have built over the years just started out as a basic western town and we built up from there,” said JJ Fletcher, Mesa County Commissioner Chairman of the board.

In 2023, History Colorado, Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation, determined the building is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under multiple criteria.