The Hugus Building on the corner of Sixth and Main in Meeker has been a downtown fixture for well over a century. Multiple businesses and offices have occupied the two-story brick building. The main retail space downstairs has housed a general store, a clothing store, a shoe store, a book store, a coffee shop, a hair salon, a craft and sewing notions shop, a gift shop, and more, but has been bereft a vendor for a number of years, filled infrequently for dances, parties and events.
The new owners of the building — three business partners out of Glenwood Springs with Bay Equity Home Loans — hope to change that. Ted Gallegos, Michael Picore and Ryan Parker purchased the Hugus Building earlier this year. Asked what attracted them to Meeker and the Hugus Building specifically, Gallegos said the building’s historic nature was a draw.
Gallegos was in town Friday to meet with a “safe cracker” to open a small safe in one of the offices. It turned out to be empty.
“We’re looking for a cornerstone business [to rent the main floor],” Gallegos said. “Maybe a restaurant or a sporting goods store.” There are some offices available for rent upstairs, as well, and the group is open to use of the main floor for events.
The Hugus Building is the fifth commercial property the partners have purchased, with the other four in Silt, Rifle, Glenwood Springs, and Steamboat Springs.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
