Office Outpost (J.C. Penney Building)

Built by the Anna and T. Gai family in 1953, this building housed the local J.C. Penney's store from 1953 until the late 1980’s. It is representative of the 1950's chain store prototype, using modern extruded aluminum storefront construction with full display glass and broad Mainstreet frontage. The closure of the Penney's retail store reflects a major shift in downtown retailing in rural communities, as big box style retailers typically locate outside downtown areas near the fringe or edge of communities. The Curtis and Stockdale families purchased the building in 1996, and the Office Outpost store relocated there that year. This two-story concrete block structure is clad with pinkish brick on the upper story and purplish marble on the street level.

Cortez, Colorado · United States