History

Discover The Leland House: Durango’s Historic Hotel

A remarkable historic hotel and landmark on East Second Avenue, The Leland House Suites is steeped in Durango’s rich history, intertwining with the city’s past and evolution. We acknowledge that Durango, Colorado, is located on the ancestral homelands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute People), who have lived and cared for these lands since time immemorial. This area is part of the traditional territories of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. It also holds historical and cultural significance for many other Indigenous peoples, including the Diné (Navajo Nation), the Jicarilla Apache, and the Pueblos.

We honor their enduring connection to these lands, their histories, and their cultures, which continue to enrich and sustain this region. As stewards of a property deeply rooted in Durango’s history, we are committed to understanding, respecting, and supporting meaningful action toward reconciliation and equity for Indigenous communities.

Read more about the remarkable history associated with The Leland House by reading Frederick B. Wildfang’s research, below!

“With so much change in Durango and the surrounding area, we felt really good about keeping this property in local hands, and honoring and continuing the legacy.”

– Tonya Ensign, Co-Owner

The Leland Legacy

by Frederick B. Wildfang

Click each image to read about the people and events that shaped The Leland House Suites.

Historical writing about the Leland House

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A history of entrepreneurship, family owned businesses, and exceptional guest experiences.

Originally constructed in 1927 by P.W. Pittman, who also designed other iconic buildings in Durango, including the Smiley Building, The Leland House was once known as the Pittman Apartments. The building reflects the vision of Durango’s early entrepreneurs who helped shape the town’s character, including J. Walter Hill, whose family later acquired the building and, in keeping with family tradition, renamed it The Leland House after Leland Hill. Its original apartment layout is preserved in our spacious suites, offering modern amenities while maintaining authentic charm.

Next door, Lola’s Place—constructed in 1890 by Durango entrepreneur T.C. Graden—began as a family Victorian-inspired home that has stood the test of time on East Second Avenue. After many years, it had fallen into disrepair, and in the early 1990s, Diane Wildfang and her son, Kirk Komick, took ownership of both properties, applying their dedication to restoration and historic preservation. When told by the state historical society that their efforts were unadvisable, they forged ahead independently, restoring Lola’s Place at their own expense and converting it to a restaurant, which served as a breakfast spot for The Leland House hotel.

Lola’s Place (before restoration)

Lola’s Place (restored and operating as the original Lola’s Place)

The pair aptly named the new restaurant Lola’s Place, honoring its historic connection to Lola Hill and The Leland House next door. In 1997, Alison Dance, a professional chef, took ownership and renamed the restaurant The Cyprus Café. She converted the adjacent vacant lot to Lola’s award-winning patio and operated the Mediterranean restaurant for over 20 years.

In 2021, history came full circle when the Ensign Martinez family purchased both The Leland House and The Cyprus Café, reuniting the two properties under one family once again. They remodeled and restored Lola’s Place to its original name, honoring the history and legacy of the original buildings and the community’s fondness for the space.

The Cyprus Cafe

Lola’s Place (remodeled in 2021 by the Ensign Family)

Experience Our Historic Durango Hotel

Today, The Leland House Suites of Durango and Lola’s Place continue a legacy of entrepreneurship, family-owned business, and exceptional guest experiences. We carry forward this legacy by blending Durango’s rich history with warm, personalized hospitality for a modern, memorable experience. Whether you’re staying in one of our spacious suites or dining in the cozy setting of Lola’s Place, you are part of a rich story going back more than a century.