FLORENCE — The burned-out remains of the historic tavern last known as the Kokopelli Moon Saloon will be cleared, and the tiny adobe with historic significance known as the Cuen House will be razed at about the same time.
After much discussion, the Town Council voted Monday in favor of town staff’s recommendations on those buildings. The council also supported town staff’s request to build a hallway, or “fire corridor,” through Suite 202 in the Silver King Hotel to provide a fire escape for Suite 201. The three projects are expected to total approximately $150,000.
Councilwoman Karen Wall said it’s “painful” to lose the two historic buildings, but expressed confidence in a “new beginning” for downtown. Town Manager Brent Billingsley told the council the town could “build to suit” on the vacant county lot at Sixth and Main streets for less than it would cost to stabilize the badly deteriorated little Cuen House, which has under 1,000 square feet of usable space.
