Victorian Italianate Commercial building, Salida, Colorado

Historic commercial buildings have a unique position on the landscape.  They need, for business reasons, to stand out in a crowd.  Yet they can seem to be gaudy, especially in the case of the Salida, Colorado building  that is located in the town's historic district. Keeping the building's appearance consistent with 19th century color theory helps it fit in and yet not distract from its historic neighbors.  A period mustard body is highlighted with red trim. 

The upper cornice, always the jewel of that type of building, is highlighted with dark green, white and gray.  The owners, after painting, agreed that it did not seem like the same building.

Copyright 2002 - 2006: Robert Schweitzer. Last revised: December 6, 2005