The Apple Shed, historic Penrose landmark, set to reopen
PENROSE, Colo. (KRDO) — A historic Penrose landmark has found new life after two decades.
The Apple Shed is scheduled to resume operations this autumn after remaining vacant for 20 years. Located near Highway 115, the site features a massive rocking chair that has occupied the property for 36 years.
Constructed in 1912 and originally opened in 1913, the landmark was recently acquired by new proprietors Sam Banning and Leah Cooper Banning. The owners purchased the property to preserve its history and restore operations for the local community.
Historically, The Apple Shed served as a multipurpose space for the surrounding community. It functioned as a cafe, a general store and a sports facility that once featured a basketball court. Local track athletes would sprint through the facility, leaving their names etched into the second-floor railing.
The property is widely recognized for its massive rocking chair, which was once the largest in the world and remains among the top three today. The landmark chair has been repainted in red, white and blue to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, with a dedicated area designated for visitors to take photos.
Cooper Banning emphasized the significance of reviving the quiet location for local residents.
“You know, they've seen that rocking chair for 20 years. There's not been anything happening to it... It's exciting to be able to give Colorado a history bump,” Cooper Banning said.
The decision to acquire the property came after the couple learned about potential industrial development at the location. Sam Banning explained that commercial plans would have altered the building's historic facade.
“We found out that they were gonna put another trucking company through here,” Banning said. “They were gonna take out the front where they could back in the semis and we go oh no. There goes the whole building. You can't do that.”
Under the new ownership, the site will restore features for community visitors. Patrons will be able to purchase goods from area merchants. The upper level will be available as a wedding venue, and the facility will offer child-safe axe throwing activities.
Penrose residents have expressed strong excitement about the project. Banning noted that community members frequently approach the owners in public to confirm the return of the venue.
“We get stopped everywhere we go,” he said. “People I don't even know stop me. And let me just make sure that we're going to open up. They're so excited.”
The Apple Shed is scheduled to reopen in mid October, but an exact date has not been announced.
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