Telluride Colorado USA - The Depot, a stately wooden building that sits on the banks of the San Miguel River at the end of Townsend Avenue, has been through many incarnations in its 122 year lifetime.
 
Built as a train station for the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, the building went on to house a bustling brew pub, and later a fine dining restaurant.
 
These days, the 5,764 square foot building is home to Telluride's art center, the Ah Haa School for the Arts.
 
In the halls and rooms of the worn-in building, artists young and old hang works for gallery exhibits, learn how to paint, or throw pottery, participate in Zumba classes, or cooking courses, and enjoy special events.
 
Now, it looks like the Depot will remain an arts center for many more years to come.
 
The Ah Haa School has paid off the final debt on the historic building securing a measure of permanence.
 
The Ah Haa School purchased the Depot in 2007 after outgrowing its former home at the Silverbell Building on South Spruce Street.
 
The transaction involved a trade of the Silverbell with the Depot's former owner James Loo also financing the remaining US$1.5 million balance on the property.
 
The Depot is designated as a local landmark in the Telluride National Historic District.
 
Mary Slosson.

Article abridged - non-railway related text removed.