SAN LUIS — There is an empty building in San Luis that has caused division within the community. The Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center has been the center of debate for many years.

The Centennial School District has owned the building since the 1950s and the building has been used as a school and museum over the years, according to school district Superintendent Toby Melster.

The current situation stems from events in 2018. The cultural center was leased at the time by the nonprofit Costilla County Economic Development Center (CCDEC). An open window on a winter night caused frozen pipes.

It was then discovered that the lease CCDEC had with the Centennial School District was not valid. Insurance from the school district covered the damage, Melster said.

“The division comes from the fact that the CCEDC and the city have been hesitant to either renegotiate a new lease or discuss how best to have the city obtain ownership without the district forfeiting an asset they have,” Melster said. “The district wishes to work with one or both entities and has continually kept the lines of communication open." 

The issue is unresolved currently. Centennial School has a school board meeting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 17 and will be discussing the situation. The public is invited to voice their opinions.