The Central Block building which was located on the southwest corner of 1st and F Streets in Salida, Colorado.
'Another important building, completed on the opposite corner of First Street at 102-24 F
Street, apparently incorporated sections of buildings that survived the fire. Known as the
Corbin Building or the Central Block, the building was erected by E.W. Corbin, William E.
Robertson, and W.W. Roller. On 17 December 1886, the Salida Semi-Weekly Mail reported,
“Work is still being pushed on the new Central block and already the brick work is finished.”
The Leadville Herald Democrat described the building as an important feature of Downtown
Salida: “While the effects of a large fire are injurious to a town, in Salida it has proved
beneficial, for instead of cheap frame houses, substantial bricks have been constructed in the
burned district...[The Central Block] is two stories in height, all brick with marble
trimmings, window sills, cable and keystones over the windows, door steps and water tables,
with galvanized iron cornices. The lower story is divided into six store rooms, iron and plate
glass fronts.” The men who constructed the building were among the most prominent of Salida’s pioneer businessmen. The stores that occupied the building were among the most
successful commercial operations of the early days. Ben Disman & Co. Clothing, which
offered clothes, men’s furnishings, and shoes, advertised as “Ben Disman on the corner, the
home of good clothing.” Next door James M. Collins had a saloon selling wines, liquors, and
cigars. Smith & Randol Brothers operated a dry goods business, as did Craig, Sandusky &
Company. Harbottle & Company, whose space also contained the post office, offered
stationery items. The upstairs was operated as a hotel in 1886.'
History Colorado's Architectural Inventory Forms have more information and are available at the Salida Library.
This image is from the Bob Rush Photo Collection.
