Community Input Sought in the Development of Future Use and Programming of Aspen's Armory Hall
The City of Aspen is seeking community input in the development of a long-term strategy regarding the remodel and future programming use 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’s 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 is currently engaging with the community to check-in on the values Aspen has expressed in the past as plans for the building’s future develop.
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. Several guiding principles to assist in considering and evaluating any proposed remodel and programming options were presented to the City Council on February 7 work session, including:
- 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.
As the project team prepares to bring this topic back to Council in early February, the city invites you to get reacquainted with the project, review work progress to date, and share your input and ideas on a proposed option to implement this summer.
An online questionnaire is open through March 18. The questionnaire asks you to share your thoughts and share more about what community access means to you and our community.You can also submit your ideas on what types of programming you'd like to see at the Armory and how the City can prioritize potential financial investment at the site. Feedback collected will inform refined options as it is filtered through the guiding principles listed above. This will be shared on ASpen COmmunity Voice and with City Council.
Visit https://www.aspencommunityvoice.com/aspen-armory-hall to take the questionnaire today!