Pueblo family continues tradition of putting up 17-story illuminated cross

It’s a holiday landmark that has lit up an apartment complex for more than 30 years.

The Azteca Apartments on the East Side of Pueblo has a 17-story illuminated cross on its building.

Michael Escobado said his family has been doing this for 37 years.

Originally, it was meant to give their tenants holiday spirit, but it had a deeper meaning when his brothers Phillip Escobado, who died in 2007 because of liver disease, and Artie Escobado, who died in 1981 because of a car accident, passed away.

“It’s a special thing for members of my family and myself. When I see the cross, I remember my two brothers, and like I said, they played an important part in helping us build the building, and when I see the cross, I think of them,” he said.

The cross has more than 5,000 lights.

It will be up until Jan. 20, which is Escobado’s father’s birthday.