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We are often asked about the history of La
Renaissance.
Records indicate that the oldest portion of
this beautiful structure was built in 1886 by the founders of the Mesa
Presbyterian Church. The Main Dining Room (Banner Room) now occupies this
area. The Manse (probably the current Balcony, Parsonage, and Garden Room)
was added a year later.
La Renaissance is quite old by Pueblo
standards—Rosemount, the Union Depot and the Orman-Adams House were built
several years later.
In 1956, an educational wing was added.
Fortunately, the lovely twenty-five foot high stained glass window was
retained and still enhances the Banquet Room. The Serendipity and
Nostalgia Rooms, second floor offices and basement storage and laundry
facilities occupy this wing.
A newspaper article from the 1950's
describes the church: “With its spacious lawn, its many shrubs and
flowers, and the ivy covered stuccoed walls and tower, it has become one
of the beauty spots on the South side.”
In 1966, in response to changing
neighborhood demographics, the Mesa Presbyterian Church and the University
Presbyterian Church (located then at Broadway and Adams) merged to form
the Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Sunset Park. The La
Renaissance building was subsequently owned by a series of small
congregations of various denominations.
In 1974, Jim and Bob Fredregill purchased
the property to provide office space for their Red Barn Restaurants and
much needed kitchen space for their growing catering business.
The building was in disrepair—one could
actually see the sky through the Banner Room ceiling—and the grounds were
a mass of weeds and debris.
Restoration became a family endeavor. Aided
by many talented craftsmen, the Fredregills—Jim and Jeannette, Bob and
Tryna—shared in the seemingly endless sanding, plastering, wallpapering,
painting, more painting, still more painting, and landscaping of the
building and grounds.
The facility was used for private parties
until the summer of 1978, when La Renaissance opened as a full service
restaurant. It has been in continuous operation and ownership since. A permanent staff
of thirty-five keeps the business running smoothly.
The process of restoration and renovation
is never ending. We are continually upgrading, replacing and improving.
Many of you have watched La Renaissance evolve over the years, and we so
appreciate your encouragement, support and patronage!
Bit by bit, we have added to our knowledge of the
building's history. Should you have information, clippings or photos to
share with us, we would be most grateful.
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