STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-December 5, 2023-For the second time this year, the Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places is adding a new listing, Hugus – Schubring–Cruse VFW Post 4264 at 924 Lincoln Ave, to the distinguished list of significant buildings in the community.
“The Veteran Center building meets two significant aspects for designation for our community – historic and architectural importance,” said Historic Preservation Planner Caitlin Berube-Smith. “Connecting to our past is the best way to form our future and this building is a place that has been serving the community for over a century and never along the way lost its community spirit.”
Originally developed in 1890s and constructed in 1900 as the J.W. Hugus & Company store including the Hugus owned Bank of Steamboat Springs, which was the second financial institution in town. The Hugus Company store closed in 1926 and over the next two decades the building has been home to many things including a US Post Office temporary location, auto body shop, a roller-skating rink, and bowling alley.
Following the end of World War II, the building was purchased in 1948 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and became VFW Post #4264, named after two local boys killed during WWII – Bernard S Schubring (Anzio invasion in Italy) and Charles J Cruse (Battle of the Coral Sea). Since first opening its doors, the post has been serving veterans and the community for nearly 80 years.
The building is architecturally significant with its current visible facade, as part of a group of buildings which exemplify the progression of building styles in Steamboat Springs from those of the early 1900s to post-World War II period to the mid-1970s. In addition, it is a contributing resource to the Steamboat Springs National Downtown Historic District.
Following a fire to an adjacent building in 2019 resulting in significant smoke damage to 924 Lincoln Ave, the Veterans Center is working to remodel and restore the 1909-1915 façade to the property as well as make interior modifications that will ensure the facility is one the entire community continues to enjoy.
“The Veterans Center becomes the 30th structure posted to the historical register and one that is vital to the history of the downtown area,” commented Historic Preservation Consultant Erica Swissler Hewitt. “The building will continue to be a beacon as well as a visual reminder of our hometown heroes, who helped shape our community.”
Historic Preservation assists in the preservation of the community’s natural and built historic resources helping to maintain distinct community character and promotes the importance of historic preservation as an economic development strategy. Current historic landmarks and resources can be viewed on the Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places.
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Contact
Caitlin Berube-Smith, Historic Preservation Planner, 970.871.8228 or email
Emily Hines, Communications & Marketing Coordinator, 970.870.2060 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email