The Mining Exchange Building

The Mining Exchange Building, built by Winfield Scott Stratton in 1902, sits on the southwest corner of Nevada and Pikes Peak. True to its name, it was the financial nerve center of the mining business. Once the gold boom went into decline, the stately building became the home to many different professions: lawyers, accountants, insurance companies, the railroads. In recent years there's been a bank on the ground floor. But in the last several months I've noticed that the Mining Exchange Building was empty and yet furiously under renovation, so I finally googled it after taking this picture the other day. Silly me, I seem to have completely missed the boat on the big news: this lovely edifice is being restored to its original beauty inside and out, so that it may become a luxury hotel! (Read THIS article in the Colorado Springs Independent to learn more.) I have always loved the Mining Exchange and its companion next door, the Independence Building, which is part of the big plan as well. In addition, the structure to the south of the Mining Exchange, the former Utilities Building, which is a true Art Déco gem and one of our few surviving examples of the Déco style of architecture, will be put into use as part of the hotel -- perhaps housing a fine dining restaurant or a jazz bar?

Well I can hardly wait. I can't believe I didn't hear this great news a year ago, when it was first announced. By all accounts they must be nearly finished with the project. I hope to shoot a wedding there very soon. It's going to be fabulous!