Group Says Iconic Colorado Sites Face Extinction

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<p>(Colorado Preservation, Inc.)</p>
<p>Temple Aaron was built in 1889 in Trinidad and was Colorado’s oldest synagogue before closing last year.</p>

There's a kitchy roadside attraction east of Limon, Colorado called the "World's Wonder View Tower." It stands high above the Eastern Plains an hour and a half from Denver. During the town's heyday, a large sign reading, "See Six States" greeted tourists traveling through. The sign is now faded and old and the tourists have long gone.

The tower is one of three sites selected by Colorado Preservation, Inc. as places in the state in danger of disappearing.

For 2o years, the group has picked a few projects for its Colorado's Most Endangered Places program. Once a spot makes the list, Colorado Preservation Inc. works to preserve the site through advocacy and technical assistance.

Over the years, 113 historic spots in Colorado have been chosen and about 41 have been saved.

Two other sites made the 2017 list. Temple Aaron, which is believed to be Colorado's oldest continuously operating synagogue, closed in September 2016 and is now on the market. The other is Centre Avenue, a street in the rural town of Raymer in Weld County, which has several historic buildings that are now vacant.

Jennifer Orrigo Charles runs Colorado Preservation Inc. She spoke with Colorado Matters host Nathan Heffel.

Related: Trinidad's Jewish Temple Closes After 127 Years