The team behind the Walsenburg Mercantile, a historic warehouse in Southern Colorado featuring mixed-use space, was recognized by Gov. The award is named after the state’s first historic preservation officer. “Historic preservation is such an important tool as we honor and protect our state’s storied history,” Polis said in a social media post later that day. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the local historic register. Walsenburg Mercantile is located at 408 Russell Ave.Editor’s note: History Colorado is a financial contributor to KRCC but has no editorial influence.