Historic Main Ave

200 S. Main — The Leanor (Engleman–Thomas Building)
Built 1906 — Individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places

This two-story Decorative Brick commercial building was erected in 1906 for N. M. Engleman and later purchased by J. M. Thomas, who operated a general merchandise store on the ground floor. The upper rooms historically served as offices and short-term living quarters, while street scales added by Thomas provided essential weighing services for draymen, coal haulers, and grain dealers.

Architectural details include zipper-brick and dentil cornices, segmental-arched windows, and finely crafted masonry that mark it as one of Aztec’s most distinguished early 20th-century mercantile blocks.

Today, after a careful renovation, the building thrives as The Leanor:

• Upstairs, a fully restored Airbnb suite accommodates up to nine guests, offering a boutique lodging experience with historic character and modern amenities.
   
• Downstairs, the Wines of the San Juan Tasting Room welcomes visitors with award-winning regional wines in a historic setting.
   

Though located just beyond the Main Avenue Historic District, the Engleman–Thomas Building is considered a landmark in its own right and remains a vital anchor of Aztec’s downtown heritage.

Early 20th Century — Now San Juan County Historical Society

This building originally served as Aztec’s volunteer firehouse, built with street-level swinging doors wide enough for horse-drawn fire wagons and later early fire trucks to make a fast exit.

The fire department was composed entirely of community-minded volunteers. When the alarm sounded, it was not unusual to see men sprinting down Main Avenue, half-dressed and pulling on trousers and shirts as they ran to answer the call. The firehouse stood as both a symbol of civic duty and a hub of neighborly cooperation in the town’s early years.

Today, the building is home to the San Juan County Historical Society, which maintains a vast archive of historic photographs, documents, and artifacts. It now serves as a repository of memory, preserving the very history that its original volunteers helped protect.

Opened March 1907 — Listed on the National and State Historic Registers

The American Hotel opened its doors in March 1907, quickly becoming a centerpiece of Aztec’s growing downtown. A one-story rear wing housed the dining room, kitchen, and laundry, supporting the hotel’s reputation for serving some of the finest meals in the region.

Architecturally, the building is notable for its segmented-arched windows, several still containing their original glass panes—a rare survival from the early 20th century. The broad front porch offered both comfort and community, serving as a stage where travelers traded stories, locals conducted business, and news of the wider world was shared.

The arrival of the railroad in 1905 transformed Aztec into a hub of trade and commerce, creating new demand for accommodations. Guests arriving by train were greeted by the Red Apple Flyer Taxi, a horse-drawn buggy that ferried visitors from the station to the hotel’s welcoming doors.

Celebrated for its warm hospitality, the American Hotel remains a cherished landmark, reflecting both Aztec’s boom years and its enduring tradition of community gathering.