What to do about Aspen’s historic Armory Hall — city seeking feedback on future of building
Aspen Historical Society/Courtesy photo
Aspen’s historic Armory Hall is set to take center stage on Wednesday, July 31, as the city hosts an open house from 4-7 p.m.
Located at 130 S. Galena St., Armory Hall, the event offers a unique opportunity for community members to view design concepts and engage directly with the project team. The city encourages residents to attend and share their insights, helping shape the future of this significant community space.
According to Aspen’s Capital Asset Department’s Development Manager Jennifer Phelan, “The work to be presented on Wednesday continues to build upon the public engagement, assessments, and direction provided by City Council regarding the Armory. Community engagement results prioritized casual dining, a community center, and flexible space; a place to gather. City Council has prioritized ‘food/food hall, community lounge, affordable retail, flex space, and a visitor center.'”
She continued to say that the consultant team has developed two concepts, each considering the opportunities and limitations of the site and building.
“One concept prioritizes a food hall and market approach to redevelopment, and the second concept includes food vendors as well as more community uses that City Council has prioritized,” she added.
Opinions have been mixed — not only for local businesses but with residents, as well. The proposed uses have been at the center of the debate over the Armory Hall redevelopment. The open house will be an opportunity for opinions to be heard and allow residents and businesses to participate in the conceptual design process.
Marty Voller, operator of Butcher’s Block, which sells sandwiches on the go, was not shy about sharing how he felt about this project.
“I think the government is getting into capitalism with this project,” he said.
He added he did not think the food court would impede his business but said, “I do not know why my tax dollars might fund a private entity.”
Outside of his opinions on the use of tax dollars for this project, he did say that from a business perspective, he may be interested, someday, in potentially bringing the Butcher Block to the food hall in the Armory.
Phelan said, “We have not gotten that far on who would be eligible to be a vendor.”
She reiterated that there are a couple of different operating models that City Council can consider for the building.
“On May 28, staff had a work session with City Council on the results of an initial operating budget for the Armory, using an operator form of management,” she said. “In this scenario, the city would contract with an operator for the building, who would then manage day-to-day operations and select vendors.”
She said that any contract with the city would have the ability to include some selection parameters required by the city.
“As we continue to move the design forward, the consultant team will continue to refine the operating budget and develop a proforma,” she continued. “Operating models and expectations will continue to be discussed with City Council as the project progresses.”
Past community surveys have highlighted a strong interest in casual dining, community gathering areas, and flexible multi-purpose spaces. The open house will show how these elements might be integrated into the Armory’s redevelopment.
“The advancement of the Armory design has been grounded in two and a half years of progressive community feedback, and this next round of community engagement further hones in on future uses,” said Phelan. “Public feedback is crucial in shaping the Armory’s future.”
After the open house and survey analysis, the findings will be presented to the City Council on Aug. 19. The council’s direction will guide the project’s next steps, ensuring that the redevelopment of Armory Hall remains a reflection of community desires.
For those unable to attend in person, the design concepts will be available online at Aspen Community Voice (aspencommunityvoice.com). The survey, open from July 31 to Aug. 14, invites feedback, ensuring that everyone has a voice in the redevelopment process.
The city encourages the community to come and review the concepts, ask questions, and consider which programming concept best meets community needs. For more details, visit AspenCommunityVoice.com.
Westley Crouch covers the City of Aspen and general reporting for The Aspen Times. He can be reached at 970-384-9124 or wcrouch@aspentimes.com.
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