DISCOVER
THE historic reed BUILDING
The Reed Building was built in 1908. For a time, it housed the Merchant’s Cafe on the first floor, and The Biltmore, a gambling establishment run by J.W. “Big Kid” Eames, on the second floor. The Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce had its office on the second floor, across from The Biltmore, in the 1920’s. The Redlands Company, whose financial and infrastructural investments led to the agricultural settlement of the Redlands, also had offices in the building from the 1910’s. The building later became identified as the J.C. Penney building in the mid-Twentieth century.
From a 1903 article:
Evidence of what outside capitalists think of Grand Junction and the Grand Valley is shown in the investments of The Heed Building Company which is located in Colorado Springs. This firm has all along believed that monev spent ii: this section and particularly in this city was spent s fely
and with almost a guarantee of good and permanent results. The Reed Building Co. is at present building a fine business block on their lots on the corner of Fourth and Main streets. This property is one of the best locations in the city o< Grand Junction, and the building will cost in the neighborhood of 115.000. The block
will be divided into six store rooms. The building is so constructed that a second and third story may be added at any time in the future. It is built of Grand Junction brick with the exception of the front which is made of white fire brick manufactured in Colorado Springs. This building is one of the most substantial in the city and will add greatly to the general appearance of Main street.
