Greeley City Hall Farewell Events Mark End of an Era

The City of Greeley is preparing to bid farewell to its iconic City Hall, located at 1000 10th Street, as the building is set to be demolished to facilitate the Downtown Civic Campus Project. The community is invited to participate in commemorative events on February 20 and 21, 2026, celebrating the history and significance of this architectural landmark.

On February 20, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, the city will host an event featuring light refreshments. Attendees will receive a commemorative coin recognizing this moment in Greeley’s history while supplies last. This event is free of charge, and no prior reservation is necessary. The following day, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., a smaller open house will offer former employees an opportunity to revisit the building before it closes permanently.

City Hall began its journey as the United Bank of Greeley in 1967. Bank president Norman Dean commissioned architect Marvin Knedler to design the structure, which was constructed by Hensel Phelps Construction Company. The bank officially opened its doors in 1968, with historian Hazel Johnson describing the building as one that embodies “beauty and quiet dignity.” Its unique round design garnered attention, with Empire Magazine featuring it later that year for its innovative architecture.

As Greeley Communications Specialist Aimee Freeland noted, the circular layout of the building necessitated custom-made furniture, much of which remains in use today. The city acquired the building in 1987 for $1.57 million, which is equivalent to approximately $2.83 million today when adjusted for inflation. Freeland reflected on the building’s warm atmosphere, stating, “When Norman Dean built it, one of his goals was that he wanted people to feel warm and welcome. This is our second home, and that’s part of the reason why people love the building.”

City Hall served as a hub for Greeley’s community and governance. The basement, once used for City Council meetings, recently functioned as a center for counting votes during a special election. The city anticipates around 150 attendees for the farewell events, which will include a ceremonial flag removal, interactive memory boards, and speeches from Mayor Dale Hall and Annette Jaehn, Director of Historic Greeley Inc.. Jaehn previously advocated for the building’s designation as a historical landmark.

The final closure of City Hall will take effect on February 24. In-person city services will transition to a new location at 1200 11th Avenue, where residents can continue to access essential services, including utility billing assistance and water payments.

The decision to demolish the building stems from the need for land swaps with Weld County as part of the Downtown Civic Campus initiative. Repair estimates, including costs for asbestos removal and replacing the original HVAC system, reached approximately $33 million. As a result, the city council decided against granting historical designation to the building, aiming instead to repurpose the site for a temporary parking lot accommodating up to 200 vehicles.

City Historic Preservation Planner Betsy Kellums emphasized the importance of the building to the community, stating, “City Hall is more than just the round building on 10th Street; it’s a beacon of history. This celebration honors its rich past and the enduring dedication to public service it symbolizes.”