These Are the Largest Buildings You’ll Find in Grand Junction

Colorado's tallest building rises 56 stories, measuring about 717 feet. If you placed the mighty Republic Plaza at the base of the Arkansas River, it still wouldn't be tall enough to reach the Royal Gorge Bridge, which is about 955 feet.

We're taking a closer look at some of the largest buildings ever constructed in the Centennial State, beginning with the 25 tallest in Colorado, followed by the tallest in Grand Junction.

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Grand Junction's Largest Building

Grand Junction's Largest Building

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The story of Grand Junction's largest building dates back to 1896, when the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth founded the institution that would become St. Mary's Regional Hospital. This group was directly tied to the start-up of 18 hospitals from Kansas to California between 1864 and 1952.

The hospital grew over the years, adding a 125,000-square-foot facility in 1985. The five-story tower, completed in 1994, stands 146 feet (45 meters) at 2635 N 7th Street. By 2010, it had been fully renovated, becoming the tallest building in Grand Junction. 

Grand Junction's Second Largest Building

Grand Junction's Second Tallest Building

According to the Mesa County Library, the Alpine Bank building in Grand Junction was built by the Valley Federal Savings and Loan at 5^th and Rood during the early 1970s. First, Valley Federal had to buy the lots between 4^th and 5^th Streets, and between Rood and White Avenues. Next, the old Gene Taylor’s Sporting Goods Store had to go (the old YMCA building).

The Alpine Bank building is described as an 11-story building measuring approximately 140 feet. Until the completion of the tower at St. Mary’s, the Alpine Bank building was the tallest in Grand Junction from the early 70s until about 2010.

Another Noteworthy Structure

Another large Grand Junction structure

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Completed in 1983, Grand Junction’s Ratekin Tower is one of the forgotten ‘high-rise’ buildings located downtown. Reaching six stories, the Ratekin Tower originally had a library, lounge, dining, and laundry areas, and 107 one-bedroom apartments for seniors. It was also home to the offices of the Grand Junction Housing Authority. Ratekin Tower’s six stories mean it measures about 90 feet tall.