Aspen's Armory Hall
Identifying future programming use and remodel options for Aspen’s historic community asset
The Armory Reimagined: Respecting history, shaping the future.
The City would like your input on the potential redevelopment of Aspen's Armory Hall and has added a survey to the bottom of this page. The results will be presented to City Council during a Nov. 13 work session.
As part of the process to redevelop Armory Hall, city staff has met with Aspen City Council seven times over the past year, with the most recent work session held on June 5, 2023. Council came to general agreement that mostContinue reading
Identifying future programming use and remodel options for Aspen’s historic community asset
The Armory Reimagined: Respecting history, shaping the future.
The City would like your input on the potential redevelopment of Aspen's Armory Hall and has added a survey to the bottom of this page. The results will be presented to City Council during a Nov. 13 work session.
As part of the process to redevelop Armory Hall, city staff has met with Aspen City Council seven times over the past year, with the most recent work session held on June 5, 2023. Council came to general agreement that most of the building should be a community use, with reference to the top results of community outreach that provided more specificity: casual dining, community center, multi-purpose space, non-profit services, and lower price point retail.
Council directed staff to proceed with the design process on the Armory so that a condensed timeline can be implemented.
City staff and consultants in the summer and fall of 2023 are conducting a “test fit,” which is part of concept planning to determine how much square footage is necessary for different types of uses.
Concepts and floor plans were presented at an open house held at the Armory on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Over 200 people gathered in the space, formerly known as City Hall, to review preliminary concepts, ask questions of the design team, and provide input.
Guided tours through the building provided history and an up-close perspective of the building’s potential and its constraints.
More guided tours will be available onsite on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The project’s current direction is based on extensive public outreach and community engagement, which included two online questionnaires, an open house, two focus group meetings and surveys. Staff heard overwhelmingly that the community needs a place to gather, that the Armory should be the heart of town, a community living room with the ability to eat, experience entertainment, shop or just hang out.
The remodel is estimated to cost $18-$23 million.
The RFP Process
The City of Aspen conducted a RFP process for the Armory Remodel and Reuse project. Below outlines how the RFP process works. Visit "The RFP Process" tab on the right hand side to see the submitted RFP's for this project, or click here.
Project Overview
The City of Aspen is currently updating its long-term plan for Armory Hall (The Armory), located at 130 South Galena Street. For many decades, the Armory served as Aspen’s City Hall, though many departments recently relocated to the new city hall facility at 427 Rio Grande Place. The facility is currently being used to house the utility billing and IT departments. As the City of Aspen organization prepares for the next phase of the Armory’s history, we are engaged in community discussions about the future possibilities for the building’s programming use and remodel options, as well as the strategies necessary to achieve proposed goals.
Project Information:
The Armory sits on a 6,000 sq. ft. lot in Aspen’s downtown Commercial Core Historic District, adjacent to Conner Park. It is located within the Public zone district and is designated as a historic resource. The City has allocated money for planning the redesign of the project. Next steps will be to determine funding options to undertake the remodel.
The City recognizes the importance of community use as an element of future programming and remodel options. In 2015, the city initiated an advisory ballot question to gauge the electorate’s preference for the Armory site as a future community use or city offices; the community use narrowly passed. Once again in 2018, the election cycle included a ballot question presenting two locations for a new city hall; the results confirmed a preference for the Rio Grande/Galena Plaza site with a 57 to 43 percent margin.
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Funding, Maintenance and Operational Ideas for the Armory
about 2 years agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Community-driven ideas for the future operations, funding and management for the Armory
Staff would like to explore available opportunities, list needs for additional information or exploration, gain insight from the community perspective and remain open to creative solutions that arise.
In February/March, we asked you for your programming ideas for the future of the Armory. Now that we’ve started to narrow down those options, we’d like to tap into community ideas on operations, maintenance, and financial responsibilities. Please share your expertise and creativity in sharing ideas on how these could be managed best by the City so we can incorporate this feedback into information shared with Council at the May 16 work session.Add your ideas and vote on others submitted (voting ends at 11:59 p.m. on April 24).
Results are intended to be shared with Council and our community at a Council Work Session on May 16. -
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Programming Ideas for the Armory's Future Use
about 2 years agoCLOSED: This ideas collection has concluded.Community-driven ideas for the future use and remodel options for the Armory
Staff would like to explore available opportunities, list needs for additional information or exploration, gain insight from the community perspective, and remain open to creative solutions that arise.
Please review the project information on the Armory and memo sent to City Council on February 7, 2022 for use and remodel considerations and constraints.
Add your ideas and vote on others submitted (voting ends at 5 p.m. on March 18).
Results are intended to be shared with Council and our community at a public meeting in May.Gestalten_Aspenabout 2 years agoCommunity/Arts Center
A large flexible studio space for local artists to work in. Different than the dedicated studio spaces of the red brick this spice would be a facility suitable for printing (etching press), painting, work tables for multimedia work, where artists could reserve studio time online. Additionally, a space where budget wedding receptions, 8 or 80th birthday parties could be held with a kitchen, or if not booked a place where people could brown bag it for lunch.
0 comment0bryceabout 2 years agoMixed Use Residential/Retail/Restaurant
0 comment0Rich Pabout 2 years ago12 step recovery & resource center in Aspen for meetings and community outreach
0 comment1Community-4-Allabout 2 years agoGenerations Center: Community innovation/solutions hub, impact-oriented and community-serving (co)working; multi-use space for unmet needs
About us: We are a collective of local impact-oriented professionals dedicated to community, inclusivity, solutions, and wellness. The following is a concept we have developed that we believe embodies the Aspen Idea while meeting the moment of the challenges and opportunities that face us today. The concept also meets the criteria that Council has prioritized for use of this building. We propose that the Armory should – in part – create new opportunities to help solve community challenges while simultaneously enhancing equity, modeling sustainability, and providing community fun and dining affordability. At present, we are calling this concept the “Generations Center” to embody the idea that the programming and use of this community asset can acknowledge the past, address the present and benefit the future. Concept: A place to gather and maintain community vibrancy, the Generations Center has four categories: (1) a mission driven innovation hub and impact-oriented (co)working space, (2) a community dialogue and event venue (3) a beautiful place for affordable eats, drinks and activities, and (4) community focused programming and services that address critical but unmet community needs (fill in the blank). Serving the greater RFV, the Generations Center fosters community connections, and the development of collective solutions, by housing a vibrant community of anchor tenants that work in the "impact" space. Hosting such individuals and community serving NGO’s downtown will fulfill a glaring gap in community fabric and vibrancy. It is critical that the Armory provide direct benefits, and daily joy, to the full community. We envision this concept working in tandem with others that have been proposed! We think the innovation hub/impact oriented co-working space would fit well with an affordable marketplace, and that space could be provided for currently unmet community needs. As a whole, the Armory would then provide a vibrant, fun and appealing space that provides accessible amenities while also supporting broader community needs and contributing to the vitality of Aspen. A more complete description of the innovation hub/co-working concept is below. Again, we envision this as one component of a multifunctional community space and acknowledge that this proposal would benefit from inclusive and intensive community refinement. ---- About: The Generations Center fosters community connections, and the development of collective solutions, by housing a vibrant community of anchor tenants that work in the “impact” space and convening a diversity of RFV residents and visitors in a myriad of ways. Mission*: “To demonstrate sustainability in action and mobilize change agents to accelerate solutions”. (*Borrowed from The Alliance Center in Den. We would work with the community to perfect the mission for Aspen) Creating Impact: The Center’s ‘anchor tenants’ work in fields including climate action; equity and justice; democracy and governance; responsible consumption and production; attainable housing, impact film, the arts and more. Anchor tenants work for mission positive organizations and initiatives and, are most importantly, community members invested in supporting community dialogue and problem solving. The Center will leverage the dynamic environment to host accessible, valley-wide dialogues about its pressing current and future challenges, developing measurable solutions for community members to inform engagement in local policy/program development. Systemic Need and Benefit: The challenges faced in Roaring Fork Valley and beyond are multidisciplinary, intersectional and regional. Developing and implementing solutions requires broad community engagement, access for historically underrepresented communities, neutral ground, and cross cutting approaches that extend beyond the scope of any single organization. The Generations Hub will bring this approach to the Valley, disseminating community driven insights and solutions to decision-makers. Community Need and Benefit: While Aspen remains the economic, jobs and activity center of the RFV, much of the workforce increasingly feels that Aspen is “no longer for them”. This reduces vitality, broad community discourse and associated political representation. By bringing a venue for all back to downtown Aspen, the Generations Center will help restore what makes Aspen great: a broad diversity of Valley residents coming together in a welcoming environment for all. Additionally, because of the anchor tenants and targeted co-working spaces, the Center will bring otherwise untapped insights and passion for place, into the core of community service. Why this Should be in the Armory: 1. Civil society is missing in the City of Aspen. A presence would contribute greatly to the community‘s vitality, diversity and accessibility. 2. The Center does not need to occupy an entire building. It can be one component of a multi faceted/functional community space. We envision this use working in tandem with other concepts, such as the “Marketplace Commons” concept. 3. Hosts organizations, individuals, innovators and entrepreneurs dedicated to service, impact and solutions. Funding/how: The Generations Center is an independent 501(c)(3), driven by a board of directors and supported by private and public donors. The Center’s most significant expense, its physical location, is sponsored by area local governments. An enterprise fund within the nonprofit, funded by the rental of co-working spaces, supports various operating expenses. Motto: “You belong here”. Making it Fun: Depending on the specifics of the location, there are ample opportunities to make the Center a fun and engaging place for everyone. From “stationary food trucks”, ping pong and foosball, yoga, kombucha taps, etc… All of the following would present opportunities to partner with local businesses and emerging local entrepreneurs. • Happy Hour – o have local wine shops bring in new wines to try o Feature a bartender from a local restaurant o Brewer’s Outpost - rotating taps from regional brewers and distillers • Physical Activities – o Yoga in the “Quad” o Building strength for winter o Breathwork and meditation • Community Engagement – o Talks from local experts o Mom support classes o Art classes o Science talks from the Science Center o Community discussion boards o Environmental education sessions o Kid apres – babysitting for kids while parents can enjoy the town o Child care for targeted audiences – such as parents who clean area homes – to enhance equitable access/reduce barriers. Modeling sustainability: The space will reflect the values of its occupants with a strong emphasis on modeling environmental sustainability throughout the building and with the community. As a guiding principle, social and ecological sustainability will be woven through the DNA of the Generations Center from member contracts to venue specifications, strategic planning, communications and procurement. Collaborative partnerships with local organizations like CORE, ACES and Aspen’s Office of Sustainability will equip the Generations Center with the tools and resources needed to align goals with those of the RFV. Furthermore, GC’s local efforts will be informed by SDG global indicators, Science Based Targets and Planetary Boundaries with a commitment to be a state of the art carbon neutral, zero waste space by 2030. Serving as a “living lab,” members will be encouraged to engage with the GC spaces to identify and make sustainable improvements, supported by a regular meeting green team, an evolving sustainability plan and a Board of Directors and staff who have environmental responsibility in their job description. Efforts may include, but are not limited to: • Composting in the kitchens • Energy efficient appliances • Clean energy powered • Ample use of plants and natural light • E-waste recycling collectors • WELL or LEED building certified • Farm-to-table dinners • Rain water harvesting • B-Corp Certified • Sustainable Purchasing Policy • Sustainable Events Guidelines • Partnership with Impact Hub Global • Host local environmental awareness trainings • Host unConferences and social labs • Host local green drinks Possible Model and Example: The Alliance Center, Denver. https://www.thealliancecenter.org/ Other examples to draw inspiration from: https://impacthubboston.net/ https://venturecafeglobal.org/ https://greentownlabs.com/
0 comment48Jena Sabout 2 years ago12 step clubhouse
Space for meetings daily and open space for other events
1 comment2
Follow Project
The RFP Process
Key Dates
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November 13 2023
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October 04 2023
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June 05 2023
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February 06 2023
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May 16 2022
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April 14 2022
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April 13 2022
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April 12 2022
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April 06 → April 24 2022
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April 01 2022
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February 23 → March 18 2022
Project Life Cycle
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Define the Issue & Provide Background Information
Aspen's Armory Hall has finished this stageJanuary 1-February 23, 2022
- Research project history, constraints, opportunities
- Provide an overview and seek City Council direction at the Monday, February 7 Work Session
- Ensure the community has a thorough understanding of the situation and issues involved with the property
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Collect Community Input on Values & Use Options
Aspen's Armory Hall has finished this stageFebruary 23-March 18, 2022
- Facilitate a variety of opportunities to share information, outline the options and receive and consider community feedback and idea
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Evaluate Input & Identify Preferred Options
Aspen's Armory Hall has finished this stageMarch 19-April 5, 2022
- Evaluate all ideas and feedback to identify preferred options for further research and consideration
- Present transparent process of consideration of all feedback from community stakeholders, City Council and subject experts
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Collect Community Input to Refine Options
Aspen's Armory Hall has finished this stageApril 6-24, 2022
- Solicit final community feedback on preferred options prior to seeking consideration and approval
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Evaluate Input and Refine Recommendation
Aspen's Armory Hall has finished this stageApril 25-May 8, 2022
- Evaluate all ideas and feedback to refine preferred option for recommendation
- Present transparent process of consideration of all feedback from community stakeholders, City Council and subject experts
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Finalize Preferred Option Plan
Aspen's Armory Hall has finished this stageMay 9-16, 2022
- Prepare the preferred option for review and consideration of City Council approval
- Share the plan with the community, including clear communication about the decisions and rationale as well as how community input was considered and incorporated
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Implementation of the Preferred Option
Aspen's Armory Hall has finished this stageMay-December 2022
- Outline the implementation strategy and next steps
- Evaluate process to capture successes and areas for improvement
- Continue to evaluate plans shifts for alignment with any future shifts such as construction costs
- Update community stakeholders on project process
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Feb.-Nov. 2023
Aspen's Armory Hall is currently at this stage- Council reviews preferred options based on public feedback. Options identified are causal dining, community center, multi-purpose space, non-profit services, and lower price point retail.
- Council prioritizes Armory as an essential project.
- Design team conducts "fit test" to determine how much square footage is necessary for different types of uses.
- Open house scheduled for Oct. 4 to collect future public input.
- Council to meet Nov. 13, 2023 to provide direction on next steps.
Documents
- 6-05-23 WorkSession FollowUp Memo.docx (2.56 MB) (docx)
- 1_Council work session_Main Street cabin, OPH & Armory memo_6.5.23.docx (779 KB) (docx)
- 2-06-23 WorkSession FollowUp Memo (002).docx (2.56 MB) (docx)
- 02.06.2023 Memo to Council (16.4 MB) (pdf)
- 05.13.2022 Memo to Council for May 16 Work Session (36.5 MB) (pdf)
- Refining Future Options Engagement Report | April 2022 (27.6 MB) (pdf)
- 04.05.2022 Information Only Memo to Council (9.89 MB) (pdf)
- Community Values Engagement Report | February-March 2022 (2.85 MB) (pdf)
- The History of Aspen's Armory Hall (6.21 MB) (pdf)
- History assembled by AHS.pdf (3.77 MB) (pdf)
- 02.22.2022 Memo to Council for February 22 Regular Meeting (110 KB) (pdf)
- Resolution #023 - Series of 2022 - Resolution on City Buildings.pdf (116 KB) (pdf)
- 02.07.2022 Memo to Council for February 7 Work Session
Who's Listening
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Phone 9703192791 Email Carolyn.sackariason@aspen.gov