Greeley City Hall to Close with Farewell Events This Weekend

The city of Greeley, Colorado, will soon bid farewell to its iconic City Hall, located at 1000 10th St., as plans for demolition commence to make way for the Downtown Civic Campus Project. This weekend, the community is invited to participate in commemorative events on February 20 and 21, 2026, celebrating the building’s significant history.

On Friday, February 20, from 10 a.m. to noon, the city will host a farewell event featuring light food and beverages. Attendees will receive a commemorative coin while supplies last to mark this historic occasion. The event is free, and no reservations are required. Then, on Saturday, an informal open house will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., allowing former employees to visit the building one last time.

Originally constructed as the United Bank of Greeley in 1967, the building was designed by Colorado architect Marvin Knedler after bank president Norman Dean purchased the land. The bank opened its doors in 1968, and Hazel Johnson, a historian present at the time, noted its beauty and dignified presence. The building’s unique round shape attracted attention, leading to its feature in Empire Magazine in December of the same year.

Greeley Communications Specialist Aimee Freeland, who has worked at City Hall for over two decades, highlighted the significance of the circular design. “There’s something to be said about being in a round building. You get to know people because there are no hallways or corners,” she explained. The furniture within the building was custom-made to fit its unique structure, some of which remains in use today.

The city acquired the building in 1987 for $1.57 million, equivalent to approximately $2.83 million today when adjusted for inflation. Since then, it has served as a vital workspace for city employees, fostering a sense of community. “This is our second home, and that’s part of the reason why people love the building, and that’s why we need a farewell event,” Freeland added.

The basement of City Hall, which once served as the meeting place for the Greeley City Council, has been the centre of activity for recent city elections. Following the closure of City Hall, city services will continue at a new location: 1200 11th Ave., starting on February 24.

During the commemorative events, approximately 150 people are expected to attend the Friday event, which will feature a ceremonial flag removal, interactive memory boards, and speeches from Mayor Dale Hall and Annette Jaehn, Director of Historic Greeley Inc. Jaehn had previously advocated for the building’s designation as a historic landmark.

City officials have stated that the demolition is necessary for land exchanges with Weld County as part of the Downtown Civic Campus initiative. Efforts to preserve the building failed when the Greeley City Council declined to grant it historical status. The estimated costs for repairs, including asbestos removal and updating the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, were projected to reach $33 million.

As the community prepares to say goodbye to a building that has been a symbol of public service and history, Greeley Historic Preservation Planner Betsy Kellums remarked, “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.”