A two-story structure that was built more than a century ago in downtown Raton, New Mexico, is now being listed for sale.
Located at 140 S. 2nd Street, the DiLisio Building dates to World War I, and is classified as a Class B structure.
The building was built by Italian immigrant and local businessman Joseph DiLisio and for seven decades housed a department store in his name, before becoming the home of the International State Bank.
In the 1958 book Four Centuries of Italian American History, DiLisio, who in his youth was also a musician and shoemaker, is described as “one of the most prominent Italians in the whole state of New Mexico,” as well as the “prototype of the American self-made man.”
Listed with the National Register of Historic Places, the structure, designed in what is known as the Decorative Brick Commercial style, features multiple stained glass transom windows, a working elevator, skylights, and the original hardwood floors.
Entrance to the building at the southeast corner is framed by three Doric columns. The second floor features abundant office space, while a vault once used for the bank still exists in the basement.
Asking price for the structure, which is topped with a wire sign spelling out “DiLisio’s,” is $550,000. The property is being listed by the realty firm of Home Associates, Incorporated of Raton.
By Garry Boulard
