Colorado Awards $100K Grant to Preserve Historic Hartman Castle, Transforming It into Tourism and Community Hub

Description: Colorado grants $100K to restore Hartman Castle in Gunnison, turning the historic site into a community venue and heritage tourism destination by 2026. Read the full Press release from Colorado Department of Labor and Employment...

Preserving the Past, Investing in the Future: State Announces $100,000 in Grant Funding to Support for Hartman Castle Preservation

Hartman Castle will transform into a community gathering space and tourism destination.

(Gunnison, CO) – The Colorado Office of Just Transition (OJT) within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), in partnership with the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), is pleased to announce a $100,000 grant award to the Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation. The funds will support the organization’s acquisition of the historic Hartman Castle property — recently listed among Colorado’s "Most Endangered Places."

“This grant will help Gunnison protect and preserve a symbol of the community’s past and create a space for the residents and visitors. By reimagining the use for Hartman Castle the Gunnison community can preserve an architectural landmark, build an exciting new community gathering space, and support the local economy, and the state is excited to be a partner in this effort. As Colorado celebrates our sesquicentennial birthday we are finding innovative ways to celebrate our history and strengthen our communities for the next 150 years,” said Governor Polis. 

The Hartman Castle was built in the late 1800s by Alonzo Hartman. Photo provided by the Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation.

This investment is part of a broader state effort to support Colorado’s coal-transition communities by funding locally driven projects with the potential to diversify economies and create jobs. 

By securing the property, the Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation can begin the multi-phase process of stabilization and restoration. Ultimately, the project aims to create a ‘living landmark’ for use as a community gathering space, event venue, and heritage tourism destination.

"We hope this grant will protect a place that tells a compelling story about our State’s past while looking clearly toward the future," said Wade Buchanan, Director of the Office of Just Transition. "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."

“We are incredibly grateful to OJT and OEDIT for recognizing Hartman Castle's potential as more than just a historic site,” said Pam Williams, a Gunnison resident and board president of the Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation. “It’s a remarkable community asset that will drive meaningful economic and social benefits. This grant allows Hartman Castle to transition from endangered to enduring.”

“The opportunity to preserve a local landmark like Hartman Castle is an opportunity to support local economic development priorities. Already, the Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation is demonstrating its commitment to community engagement and working across sectors like the creative industries and outdoor recreation. We are pleased to support this important project,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.

The "Castle" was built in the late 1800s by Alonzo Hartman, a cattleman and pioneering founder of Gunnison, and his wife Annie, an accomplished painter. Preservation of the property will be an important win for Gunnison, a community that has seen many of its most prominent landmarks, such as the grand La Veta Hotel, lost to time.

The Castle will make its debut as a community venue on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Photo provided by the Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation.

About the Office of Just Transition 

Colorado created the Office of Just Transition within Colorado’s Department of Labor and Employment in 2019 to assist workers and communities that will be adversely affected by the loss of jobs and revenues due to the closure of coal mines and coal-fired power plants. Its purpose is to help workers transition to new, high-quality jobs, to help communities continue to thrive by expanding and attracting diverse businesses, and to replace lost revenues. To learn more about the Office of Just Transition, its action plan and the corresponding legislation, please visit cdle.colorado.gov/offices/the-office-of-just-transition.

About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. OEDIT partners with businesses and communities to offer financial, technical, and advisory assistance. From business retention services to incentives and funding, OEDIT supports economic growth across Colorado through its diverse programs and services. To learn more, visit oedit.colorado.gov.

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