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Aspen council approves Armory Hall remodel and moves project forward with $44.8M estimate
Summary
City Council approved Resolution 129 to advance the Armory Hall remodel into design development. Presenters described a three‑level food hall and flexible event space; staff reported a preliminary total project estimate of about $44.8 million and outlined financing options including fund balances and potential interfund borrowing.
The Aspen City Council voted Sept. 9 to approve Resolution 129 (Series of 2025), advancing the Armory Hall remodel and reuse project to the next stage.
Designers from CCY Architects presented a program that includes three kitchen vendors and a lunch counter on the main level, a community lounge on a mezzanine, an upper‑level bar with dormer seat niches, and a flexible basement intended for events such as lectures, markets and banquets. Simon Elliott, principal at CCY, said the design emphasizes flexibility so the space can adapt over decades and accommodate varied operators.
"We want to set the food hall up for its next hundred years of life," Elliott said.
Interior designer Sydney Quinlan described a palette drawn from local nature and an approach that preserves exposed historic brick while adding durable, flexible furnishings. Staff and designers addressed operational details that had been raised by councilors, including loading and delivery access from the alley and making the elevator large enough to accept a stretcher.
City asset department staff member Jen Phelan told council the project team had identified options to modestly increase elevator size and to provide back‑of‑house space for deliveries. Council members pressed for durable flooring and for furniture testing before final selection.
The cost estimate presented to council was preliminary and based on design‑development drawings. The team reported an estimated construction (hard) cost of roughly $42.8 million and a total preliminary project cost of about $44.8 million when the addition, park work, right‑of‑way improvements, soft costs and a 15% owner’s contingency are included. Pete, the city manager, cautioned the council that the figure had risen from earlier estimates because of scope changes and construction inflation and that pursuing the project at this cost would affect fund balances and reserves.
"This is a big number, and we definitely have some resources in some of the different funds," Pete said, noting options including the asset management plan fund, the general fund, interfund borrowing and potential private fundraising.
Council members emphasized the need to balance design quality and durability with fiscal prudence. Councilor Sam said, "I don't want us to be fiscally irresponsible, but if it's done as intended, this is something this community can be proud of for generations to come." Several council members urged continued exploration of public‑private partnerships and early engagement with a master‑lease operator.
Council approved Resolution 129 after deliberation. The motion directs staff to continue the design process and to return with more detailed cost estimates and funding options as the plan sets are finalized.
The city will refine cost estimates as plan sets progress toward a building permit and will report back to council on financing strategy, potential fundraising and operator selection.
