In the heart of Colorado's San Luis Valley, nestled near the New Mexico border, lies a remarkable story of resilience, community, and a vision for the future. The San Luis Peoples Market, formerly known as the R&R Market, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this small Western town, as it embarks on a new chapter in its 167-year history.

Reviving a Cherished Legacy

A Timeless Treasure

The San Luis Peoples Market is a living museum, its walls adorned with the scars of time and the echoes of generations past. The original adobe structure, with its exposed earthen bricks, has weathered the elements for over a century and a half, each crack and scorch mark a testament to the resilience of this community. As the new executive director, Devon Peña, guides visitors through the market, he invites them to touch the ancient bricks and smell the faint aroma of burnt ash, a tangible connection to the market's storied past.

A Community-Driven Vision

When the last family owners of the market retired in 2022, the future of this cherished institution hung in the balance. But a local nonprofit stepped in, purchasing the property and ushering in a new era. With Peña at the helm, the San Luis Peoples Market is poised to become a community centerpiece, a hub of activity and a celebration of the region's rich agricultural heritage.

Revitalizing a Fading Town

The challenges facing San Luis are not unlike those of many small Western towns – a shrinking and aging population, aging infrastructure, and a need for economic revitalization. The San Luis Peoples Market, however, represents a glimmer of hope, a beacon of renewal in a landscape that has seen better days. As Linnette Ramirez, the market's general manager, notes, "It feels good to be one of the first buildings brought up to standards now that may continue another 167 years into the future."

Cultivating the Next Generation

One of the market's most pressing challenges is the demographic gap between the 18- and 50-year-olds, a problem Peña is determined to solve. Through paid internships, the market is engaging local high school students, teaching them the art of farming heritage crops and preparing culturally rich meals. While some, like Saphira Rael, dream of exploring the world, Peña hopes that the revitalized market will become a draw, a place worth staying for and contributing to.

A Culinary Destination

The San Luis Peoples Market is poised to become more than just a general store – it's a culinary destination, offering a taste of the region's agricultural bounty. From a brand-new rotisserie serving up roasted chicken to fresh soups and salads made with locally sourced ingredients, the market is set to redefine the shopping experience. Ramirez envisions a future where the community's own produce fills the shelves, creating a symbiotic relationship between the market and its surrounding farms.

Preserving Cultural Traditions

At the heart of the San Luis Peoples Market's vision is a deep respect for the region's cultural heritage. Peña and Ramirez have tasked the young interns with growing and preparing dishes infused with Indigenous and Hispanic traditions, from prickly pear cactus ice cream to the humble purslane. By celebrating these culinary legacies, the market aims to preserve the rich tapestry of San Luis's past while shaping its future.As the San Luis Peoples Market prepares to reopen its doors this fall, the community eagerly awaits the transformation of this cherished institution. With a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to honoring the past while embracing the future, this small-town market is poised to become a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of community, and a celebration of the enduring spirit that has defined Colorado's oldest continuously run business.