Spend some time in Cañon City, Colorado, and you may be inclined to visit the farmer’s market or a special event in Depot Park. You would no doubt notice the beautiful building anchoring the landscape. That’s the Gateway Depot & Plaza, and there’s a new kind of power flowing through the old brick and stone.

Once a bustling train station and then a bank for many decades, the Gateway Depot has long served as a point of entry for those exploring Cañon City and the Royal Gorge region. Now, thanks to the work of the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance and a unique partnership with Black Hills Energy, the historic structure is entering a new era — one powered entirely by the sun.

From ATMs to downtown gem

Rich Millard, Executive Director of the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance, shares information about the Depot’s past. “It was originally built in 1909 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad,” he said. “When they discontinued service, it was purchased by Canyon National Bank, and after a series of bank ownership changes, the last bank to own the depot was San Luis Valley Federal Bank.”

Today, the Gateway Depot & Plaza serves as the headquarters for the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance, a welcoming spot for visitors, and a hub for local events and community connection.

A sustainable second act

As plans for the restoration took shape, Millard and the Chamber team had a forward-thinking idea: What if this historic building could become a symbol of Cañon City’s future, too? That’s where Black Hills Energy came in with our community solar garden program — an initiative designed to make clean energy available to those who could really benefit from it. We’re donating some of the total subscription value of certain community solar gardens to help reduce energy costs for income-qualified customers, as well as nonprofit groups that support their communities in Southern Colorado. The first participants started receiving credits in March 2025 — this includes 125 Black Hills Energy customers enrolled in, or on the waitlist for, the Black Hills Energy Affordability Program (BHEAP) and three nonprofit organizations.

One of those organizations was the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance. Through this relationship, 100% of the electricity powering the Gateway Depot & Plaza is sourced from a solar garden.

“We’re pleased to deliver a program that offers real cost savings for Southern Colorado customers enrolled in or on the waitlist for BHEAP and nonprofit organizations in Southern Colorado, that also helps us meet our renewable energy goals,” said Devin Moeller, a senior program manager with Black Hills Energy. “By donating energy produced at our community solar gardens, we can significantly reduce electricity costs for customers, allowing those savings to be redirected for other uses. As more solar gardens are brought online, we plan to expand the program to all BHEAP-eligible customers.”

“Black Hills Energy has been a great partner,” Millard said. “This program allowed us to take a 100-year-old building and make it a model for sustainability — without compromising its historic character.”

Old meets new

The partnership between the Chamber and Black Hills Energy highlights a broader truth: historic preservation and sustainability don’t have to be at odds. In fact, they can work hand in hand. Many historic structures have features that support efficiency — like thick masonry or stone walls that regulate temperature. By tapping into the solar garden, the Chamber Alliance is helping to show how landmark buildings can evolve to meet the green energy challenges of today and tomorrow. 

This collaboration reflects our commitment to innovation, partnership and sustainable energy solutions. It’s not just about providing power — it’s about building a better future together.

A place for people

The Depot’s solar-powered transformation is impressive, but it’s only part of what makes the old building’s new life so exciting. The surrounding Gateway Plaza has become a place for locals and travelers to gather, relax and connect. Seasonal events, pop-up markets and art installations are all part of the Chamber’s vision, welcoming businesses and creating an inviting location for the community.

“The goal was always to make this more than just an office building,” Millard said. “We wanted a place where people could experience the heart of Cañon City.”

That includes preserving stories of the past even as the city looks ahead. Inside the Depot, visitors will find photographs, exhibits, and artifacts that tell the tale of the region’s evolution — from the railroads that built it to the renewable energy sources helping to shape its future. Black Hills Energy is proud to have a hand in that.

Lighting the way

As Cañon City continues to grow and adapt, the Gateway Depot & Plaza is rooted in history but reaches toward the future.

So, the next time you’re in Cañon City, stop by the Gateway Depot. Step inside. Soak in the history and learn about the area’s attractions. Then, step back outside and look up — because while the solar garden is miles away, the sun that powers the building is shining down on that classic brick façade.

Read more Positive Energy stories to find out how Black Hills Energy is powering positivity in our communities.