The Montrose United Methodist Church has been an anchor in downtown Montrose for over 100 years. In the summer of 2020, large cracks appeared in the walls of the building located on the corner of Park Avenue and South First Street. Investigations, assessments and an engineering report from Knott Laboratory, LLC, https://knottlab.com/, pointed to shifting soils below the foundation due to water infiltration.
FCI Constructors, Inc. in Grand Junction, Colorado, https://fciol.com/, has been selected as the lead contractor for underpinning and stabilizing the church foundation, mitigating water infiltration around the building, and exterior masonry restoration in places on the historic structure.
Work begins June 10, 2024. Demolition of alley pavement and the original coal bin on the north side of the building will allow access to hand-hewn foundation blocks and earth below. Micropiles (large steel pins) will be installed along several of the foundation walls 50 to 60 feet deep to stabilize the foundation of the historic structure.
Resolving water problems and improving surface and storm drainage will also take place as grading around the historic structure must be recontoured to provide positive drainage away from the building. Some sidewalks, curbs, parking and concrete pavement and landscaping will be removed, the contour of the ground remade, and then the features will be replaced.
Restoration of exterior walls includes replacing cracked or missing bricks, repointing of historic building mortar, replacing gutters and downspouts, and other renovation work.
The alley on the north side of the building is expected to be closed during parts of the project. Brief lane closures of South First Street and South Park Avenue will occur intermittently. The restoration work is expected to continue until September 30, 2024.
Original construction began on the church foundation in 1912, and continued through World War I, the Spanish flu epidemic, and the social struggles of the early 20th Century. The building was completed in 1920 and is listed on the National, Colorado, and Montrose registers of historic places.
Previous historic renovation has included work on the noteworthy front staircase, repairs to the roof, restoration of some of the stained-glass windows, and replacement of the old boiler with an HVAC system to control temperature and climate.
The church has supported the people of Montrose in a myriad of ways. Among those who have received or partnered with the church are Shepherd’s Hand, Sharing Ministries, Kids Aid, Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous, Habitat for Humanity, and Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club. There are many others and the church looks forward to anchoring another 100 years of caring for the community.
For more information contact Paul Zaenger 970-275-9458.
