A historic Pueblo church building built before the turn of the 20th century will soon be given new life.
St. Patrick’s Church was completed in 1882, at which point it was the only Catholic church in Pueblo. The church held its last service in 2008 and the property has since sat vacant.
It recently was purchased by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pueblo, which will soon renovate the building to create a new family resource center that brings all its family programs and services under one roof.
“We’re hoping to turn St. Pat’s into a one-stop shop family resource center for families in Pueblo where they can come, feel comfortable and get information, referrals and access any of our 25 different programs and services we offer,” said Erika Retzlaff, director of advancement for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pueblo.
A Pueblo school building constructed nearly a century ago was recently recognized by state and national preservation organizations for its role in city and state history.
On Dec. 7, Keating Junior High School on East Orman Avenue officially joined the National Register of Historic Places the federal government’s list of historic structures, places and objects deemed worthy of preservation as well as the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties.
In a letter to Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar from Holly Norton, the deputy state historic preservation officer for the state historical society, History Colorado, Norton said the property’s listing recognizes its “contribution to the heritage of the State of Colorado.”