Aspen Council Advances Armory Hall Remodel Plans

On a crisp spring morning, the streets of downtown Aspen are quiet, save for the occasional chirp of a bird or the soft hum of a passing car. The historic Armory Hall, a brick structure that has stood the test of time, sits idle, awaiting its highly anticipated remodel. As the Aspen City Council convenes, the topic of discussion is the ongoing pre-construction progress of this priority project, with a hefty $15 million appropriation set for 2026.

As Jen Phelan, development manager, presents the update, it becomes clear that the project is moving forward with careful consideration. Shaw Construction, the selected construction manager, has been working closely with the design team to ensure that decisions are informed by "constructability" and revised cost estimates. The council has authorized Shaw to engage additional subconsultants to complete the necessary engineering for the building lift, a critical component of the project. This lift, classified as a relocation by the land use code, will require temporary shoring design and structural bracing for selective demolition after the lift.

Council Member Bill Guth poses a question that gets to the heart of the matter: "Has anyone said we're insane to lift this building?" While Phelan reassures him that no one has used those exact words, she acknowledges that the ambition is indeed radical. "This is probably a first for the community as far as a downtown brick structure of this size," she says. The lift will be driven by the structural engineers on the project, ensuring that it is the safest means to achieve the desired outcome. Notably, the lift will be vertical, not lateral, which is better suited for older buildings like the Armory Hall.

The project timeline is ambitious, with the aim to have the building lifted in October. The Historic Preservation Commission is set to review the project on May 13, considering the lift request, finalizing stage structure materials, and reviewing design modifications to the Galena Street parkway. Asset staff have also received an initial Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal from Shaw, which is currently under review. As Phelan notes, "The project remains within the previously presented budget … actually a little bit under." The GMP proposal and two additional contracts will be presented to the council in early summer, providing further clarity on the financials.

The vacating of the Armory remains on schedule, with the Parks Department recently moving out and the Aspen Chamber Resort Association packing up. As the community awaits the remodel, it's clear that the city council's priorities are focused on this effort. The question is whether the ambitious timeline and budget will be enough to bring this historic building into the modern era while preserving its charm.

As the council continues to move forward, careful planning and execution are required to bring this vision to life. The numbers back up the city's commitment, with a significant investment of $15 million. But the city's financial investment is just one aspect - the real challenge lies in ensuring that the construction process is completed safely and efficiently, while also meeting the community's expectations. As Phelan puts it, the goal is to ensure that the work is done in a way that meets the community's needs and expectations.

The Armory Hall remodel is not just a construction project; it's about preserving history while embracing progress. As the community looks to the future, it's clear that this effort will be a significant part of Aspen's landscape for years to come. With the council's continued oversight and the community's support, the outcome of this remodel is likely to be a crowning achievement for the city. As Jen Phelan notes, "We're working to ensure that this work is completed in a way that meets the community's needs and expectations."