PRESS RELEASE
City Seeks Community Input on
Future Programming Options for Historic Armory Hall
Community can take questionnaire and share ideas on Aspen Community Voice
Contacts: Jennifer Phelan, Project Manager and Capital Asset Department Development Manager, City of Aspen, 970-429-1797 or Jennifer.Phelan@aspen.gov
Denise White, Communications Director, City of Aspen, 970-765-1391 or Denise.White@aspen.gov.
Aspen, Colo. – Thursday, February 24, 2022 – The City of Aspen is seeking community input on the development of a long-term strategy regarding the remodel and future programming of Armory Hall (Armory), located at 130 South Galena Street.
Built in 1891, the Armory has a long, rich history in the City of Aspen. The building has served as a place to store military equipment and practice drills, a home to numerous Aspen lodges and clubs, a roller rink, and Aspen’s City Hall. With most City departments recently moving to the new City Hall location on Rio Grande Place, Aspen now has an opportunity to explore what future programming options at the Armory may be.
Previous conversations regarding the Armory, including ballot questions in 2015 and 2018, have indicated a preference to maintain some level of community access and use at the facility. The City hopes to engage the community on this project to check-in on the values Aspen has expressed in the past as plans for the building’s future develop.
“The City understands that community use is a priority for the building, but we need to hear more about what that really means,” shared Jenifer Phelan, Project Manager with the City of Aspen. “For example, how should the property be used and what type of access is needed? Should the Armory be used for public activities, or should it house local services that support the community? These are areas we will be seeking clarity on as we move forward in the planning process.”
The City is seeking input to ensure that in developing a recommended option, the plan will reflect the variety of perspectives and needs in our community. Anticipating robust public participation with a myriad of potential programming ideas, the City developed several guiding principles to assist in considering and evaluating any proposed remodel and programming options. These factors, presented to Aspen City Council at the recent February 7 work session, include:
- The building remodel will incorporate sustainable systems showing a commitment to the environment.
- The Armory should be able to be used by a diverse range of people.
- The uses within the Armory should provide meaningful and affordable participation in programs and offerings.
- The operational structure of the Armory should limit the public financial burden of operating and maintaining the building.
- The remodel will respect the historic context and contribute to Aspen’s small-town character.
- The programming of the Armory should contribute to a lively and diverse downtown.
- The programming at the Armory should focus on unmet needs within the community.
“The first round of engagement will help us define what are the community’s values and priorities for the Armory. We’re also excited to learn what ideas are out there for this space,” Phelan said.
The community is encouraged to submit ideas, share stories, ask questions, and participate in an online questionnaire. The questionnaire is open for submissions and will close at 5 p.m. on March 18. For more information and engagement opportunities, please visit www.aspencommunityvoice.com.
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