The former Federal Garage Buildings at 2100 California and 2101 Welton streets are being considered for landmark preservation after decades of neglect. Originally bus depots for the Rio Grande Motor Way in the 1940s, the red‑brick structures sit on the National Register of Historic Places and could soon receive special tax credits for new owners.

Century‑old California Street depot slated for landmark preservation

City records confirm the California Street bus depot was constructed roughly 100 years ago, making it one of Denver’s oldest transportation facilities. According to Denver Community Planning & Development, the General Services Administration (GSA) has formally applied to elevate the site to landmark status, a move that would protect the buildings from demolition .

Potential tax credits could lure developers to the site

The landmark application includes provisions for historic‑preservation tax incentives, which could offset renovation costs for investors. As the source notes, “new owners” would benefit from these credits, a financial lure that may spur adaptive‑reuse projects while retaining the garages’ historic character.

Rio Grande Motor Way’s 1940s bus hub reflects a national shift

During the 1940s, the Rio Grande Motor Way operated multiple bus depots out of the Federal Garage Buildings, mirroring the broader U.S. transition from rail to highway travel .. The buildings’ inclusion on the National Register underscores their role in that pivotal transportation era, a fact highlighted by the historic‑preservation listing.

Who will take charge of the redevelopment?

The source does not identify any prospective buyer or developer, leaving the next steward of the property uncertain. While the GSA’s preservation push aims to attract interest, the lack of a named party raises questions about the timeline and scale of any future project.

What remains unclear about the preservation plan?

Key details such as the exact tax‑credit amounts, the projected cost of restoring the plywood‑covered facades, and the GSA’s deadline for a final decision are not disclosed. As the report states, the buildings are “in the process of being considered,” indicating that final outcomes are still pending.