STRANGES GROCERY

1909
Grand Junction, Colorado
National + State Register Nomination

Listed to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013, Stranges Grocery represents the social and commercial development of Grand Junction's Little Italy, which has largely disappeared. This store is representative of the strong commercial center that helped Little Italy remain helped Little Italy remain viable. Going to the local market was something that occurred either every day, or every couple of days; beyond being a necessary shopping trip, it also served as social center for the community.

Stranges Grocery exemplifies the central role of Little Italy in the local Italian community. Stranges is also one of the few remaining buildings in Grand Junction built of rusticated sandstone. Though the Stranges Grocery building is not a pure form of either Italianate or Romanesque Revival, it is a local derivation reflecting regional architecture. In addition, the grocery stands as an example of the masonry works of the well-known Grasso family. Stranges Grocery is significant due to its architectural style and materials as well as its association with Grand Junction's Little Italy.