Congratulations Walsenburg Mercantile 2026 Governor's Award Winner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Ally Sullivan | ally.sullivan@state.co.us |(720) 668-1681

Governor Polis Presents Walsenburg Mercantile with the 2026 Governor’s Award for the Stephen H. Hart Awards

DENVER - This evening, Governor Polis presented Walsenburg Mercantile with the 2026 Governor’s Award for the Stephen H. Hart Awards, which recognizes exceptional work in archeology and historic preservation initiatives across the state. 

“The Stephen H. Hart Award was created to push Colorado innovators to preserve Colorado’s bold architectural history, while spurring investment, economic activity, and addressing the unique needs of our communities. I recently had the pleasure of visiting Walsenburg Mercantile to present the award in person, and meet with the amazing Coloradans that saw the potential of an old building and transformed it to create a vibrant community hub for the residents of Walsenburg and people traveling across our state,” said Governor Polis

“This is such a big night for Colorado preservation. The Hart Awards remind us that Colorado is too beautiful for a singular story and that community, elders, and families are always the first keepers of historic knowledge,” said Dawn DiPrince, History Colorado’s President/CEO and State Historic Preservation Officer. “History Colorado is lucky to work alongside so many Coloradans who are true leaders in historic and archaeological preservation and advocacy.”

The conversion of the Walsenburg Mercantile activated the vacant building into seven long-term housing units, eight short-term housing units, and a vendor space for 80 local vendors. Walsenburg Mercantile is one of five renovations being honored with the Governor’s Choice 2026 Stephen Hard Award. This building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Watch the Governor's Presentation Here