The Finish Line Is In Sight!

Artist’s rendering

With the finish line coming into sight, athletes know it’s time to sprint. The same is true for the Pulliam Community Building Renovation Project as we enter the third and final phase: The finish line is in sight!

Our goal is the renovation and revitalization of this solid, unpolished gem, which will support Downtown and benefit all residents as the civic heart of Loveland.

The Prize for Winning

Facility benefits dangle like a gold medal.

This revitalized community center complements other downtown successes and fulfills a missing link: roomy, accessible community spaces for a wide range of events. As the largest downtown facility (the ballroom alone has a capacity of over 600), the various spaces will function for groups large and small.

The Pulliam Community Building will be a magnet to the city’s core, which translates into tax revenue and economic stimulus.

Area businesses will reap their own benefits. Vendors, restaurants, pubs, hotels, shops and stores … all will be patronized by those who rent Pulliam rooms.

Potential activities at the Pulliam will attract downtown and urban residents.

Because it belongs to the community, the Pulliam will be affordable for service clubs, businesses, educators, government, small groups, and families.

What other prizes do you see?

Expected Uses

Teen dances at the Pulliam

Conventions
Graduations
Boy’s and Girl’s Club events
Fundraisers, workshops
Dances like a Sweetheart Ball, recitals
Political rallies,
Art shows, retreats
Fashion shows,
Youth activities, meetings
Lectures, reunions,
Seminars
Charrettes, luncheons,
Quinceaneras
Social clubs, rock concerts
Film festivals, piano concerts, so much more

Rooms range in size from 400 to 4500 square feet. As a multipurpose facility, it gives our community a place and space to perform, socialize, collaborate, plan, eat, gather, and organize. The possibilities are unlimited.

Laps Completed

  • In the fall of 2020, total initial phases costing $3.8 million will be completed. Nearly all of the preparatory infrastructure work will be done. Total project cost is estimated at $7 million.

    Upgrades of electrical system outside and inside the building

  • Installation of new gas, water, and sewer lines into the building
  • Installation of sewage lift station
  • Retrofit of internal elevator shaft
  • Installation of handicap accessible elevator car with stops to all floors
  • Construction of elevator entrance on outside of building
  • Demolition and creation of new vestibules for elevator patrons
  • Installation of new fire sprinkler system
  • Erection of two egress towers at rear of building
  • Demolition of narrow back stairwells
  • Retrofit of temporary forced air heat
  • Restoration of front steps
  • Removal of old and installation of new fire alarm system
  • Demolition of old handicap ramp and restrooms
  • Installation of additional new handicap accessible basement restrooms
  • Initial work for handicap accessible auditorium stage
  • Patch and repair of roof
  • Abatement of hazardous materials
  • Removal of coal storage bin

Final Lap

  • A new heating and air conditioning system
  • Catering kitchen
  • Family restroom
  • Repair and refinish of maple hardwood floor
  • Balcony renovations
  • Restoration of exterior windows
  • Detail finishes to all rooms
  • Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

Phase Three construction budget for these items is estimated at $3.2 million.


Harry Devereaux Campaign Co-Chair

 

“Our community grew up with this building. We need to honor and respect it by supporting this renovation.”

 

 


Construction Paused

Regretfully, construction takes a breath in late 2020 while the Foundation reaches its capital campaign goal for Phase Three.

Can you help shorten the race and keep construction progressing?

Closing the Gap

The final capital campaign amount of $1.43 million reflects the last 19% of the total construction budget of $7 million.

Any funds raised over the capital budget will be applied to an endowment fund for community groups that need financial assistance to rent the building.

Total of Funding Sources on 8/30/2020

Race History

The Loveland Community Building, as it was originally named, was built in 1938 as a Works Progress Administration project. D.T. and Lillian Pulliam donated the land and $20,000, which was combined with city money to also house City Hall. With only about 5,000 residents, the city could fit 10% of its population into the auditorium for a single event.

Out of the dust of the Great Depression, the building rose to become a robust civic center for the next five decades. Community teens swing danced, service clubs served, and concerts echoed under the beautiful Lamella truss ceiling.

However, as Loveland grew, the building lagged, lacking modern amenities such as air conditioning and handicap accessibility. The auditorium/ballroom received only one coat of fresh paint in eight decades, with no major updates or remodels. Gradually, the facility fell into decline and disuse.

In 2010, citizens formed the Pulliam Community Building Foundation and partnered with the City of Loveland to revive this stalwart asset. Support from the community, trusts, businesses, and foundations allowed renovations to begin in 2019.

The building’s downward spiral is being reversed, but we need to complete the campaign race to get the building open again for Loveland.

Do you have a personal connection to the Pulliam Community Building’s history?

Winning the Race

The Foundation’s goal is to open the building by the end of 2021. The sooner the financial needs are met, the quicker Loveland can enjoy and use this spacious, accommodating community building.

An altruistic catalyst for success, the Pulliam Community Building Foundation is comprised of all volunteers, no paid staff-which puts every donated dollar to work. Additionally, as part of the Larimer County Enterprise Zone, donors qualify for significant Colorado state income tax credits.

Gifts or pledges can be anonymous or receive public recognition. Naming rights for rooms are available.

Will you be the wind at our backs as we stretch toward the finish?


Pam Osborn Campaign Co-Chair

 

“As citizens, we must think of preservation as both a debt we owe those who came before us, as well as a gift to our collective future.”