Montrose Business Times
The Colorado Office of Just Transition has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation to help the nonprofit acquire and preserve the historic Hartman Castle property, according to a news release from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
The funding, administered in partnership with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, is part of the state’s broader effort to support economic diversification in communities affected by the transition away from coal-based industries, the release said.
State officials say the investment will allow the preservation group to begin stabilizing and restoring the late-1800s structure, which has been identified as one of Colorado’s “Most Endangered Places.” Long-term plans call for the site to serve as a community gathering space, event venue and heritage tourism destination.
“This grant will help Gunnison protect and preserve a symbol of the community’s past and create a space for residents and visitors,” Gov. Jared Polis said in the release. “By reimagining the use for Hartman Castle, the Gunnison community can preserve an architectural landmark, build an exciting new community gathering space, support the local economy, and strengthen our communities for the next 150 years.”
The castle was built in the late 19th century by cattleman Alonzo Hartman, an early Gunnison settler, and his wife Annie Hartman, an artist. Preservation advocates say saving the structure is particularly meaningful in a community that has lost other historic buildings over time, including the La Veta Hotel.
Wade Buchanan, director of the Office of Just Transition, said the project could help create a foundation for heritage tourism and creative economic activity.
“By securing the site now, we are providing the placemaking foundation for a hub that supports both heritage tourism and the local creative economy in a way that new construction could simply not replicate,” Buchanan said in the release.
Pam Williams, board president of the Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation, said the funding will help ensure the historic property remains a long-term community asset.
“This grant allows Hartman Castle to transition from endangered to enduring,” Williams said in the release.
Eve Lieberman, executive director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, said preserving the landmark aligns with broader economic development priorities and reflects collaboration across sectors including creative industries and outdoor recreation.
The property is expected to begin its transition into a public-facing venue this spring. Organizers plan to host the first Hartman Castle Art Fair on May 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in partnership with the Gunnison Creative District. The event will include local artists, live music, children’s activities and tours of the property, and is scheduled to coincide with the Growler mountain bike race at nearby Hartman Rocks.
According to the release, state officials view the project as an example of locally driven investment aimed at preserving historic assets while creating new opportunities for community use and economic growth.
Info comes from a Colorado OEDIT news release.
