Effort to save Como Depot underwayBy Tim BiltoftStaff WriterCOMO, Colo. — Deb Stremke first came to Colorado in 2000 in need of a vascular surgeon. Her doctor in Wisconsin had referred her to Dr. Charles Brantigan in Denver.Following the successful surgery, Stremke was once again able to pursue her love of photography. Stremke enjoys photographing old structures and historic architecture.Stremke said Como Roundhouse owner Brantigan tossed her the keys and told her to head up to Como and enjoy herself.“ I fell in love with the Roundhouse and the Depot,” said Stremke. “It’s like the depot is just asking to be saved.”The effort to save the Como Depot was launched soon after Stremke’s initial visit. Stremke submitted the privately-owned depot to the Colorado’s Most Endangered Places List in August for consideration for placement on the 2006 list.If included, the Como Depot will be eligible to receive grant money and funding. “It’s awareness that this is a treasured part of the train history,” said Stremke.Pat Mauro, president of the Park County Historical Society, has acted as the middle-man for the effort, talking to both the owner of the depot and Stremke. “I am really, pretty hopeful it will make it on the list this year,” said Mauro.An historical site assessment is the next step, explained Mauro. Following an assessment, Mauro said an application to the Colorado State Historical Fund could be submitted, gaining access to funding coming from Colorado’s gambling proceeds.Mauro said the Como Depot is one of only six depots from the Denver South Park & Pacific Railroad left standing. “As an asset to Como, we feel it would enhance the town to at least preserve the depot,” commented Mauro.The DSP&P Railroad was founded in 1872 and reached Como in 1879. The exact building date of the depot is unknown. The last scheduled passenger train left Como on April 10, 1937, and the last train left on Sept. 2, 1938, pulling the track up behind it as it departed.The Como Depot was once adjacent to the Pacific Hotel which opened in 1881. The hotel burned on Nov. 9, 1896, and was rapidly replaced by the currently existing building.