Right now, multiple groups are trying to convince city government that they should be allowed to use the empty library space for offices. The Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts had its main location flood earlier this summer. YouthZone, another nonprofit, found out it would have to leave its current location after a land swap agreement put its building in control of the city, which has other plans for it (affordable housing).
“We’ve been a little spoiled, I have to say,” said Lori Mueller, executive director of YouthZone. “We’re very grateful, but now we have to look for different options.”
YouthZone rented its current space for a dollar a year, but it’s currently considering other options. It has one and a half to two years before it has to vacate its offices. One option is a donation in the form of a building. Another is a vacant former library located at the corner of Blake Avenue and 10th Street.
Christina Brusig from the Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts has been trying to convince city council to let her group, along with YouthZone and other organizations, use the vacant building. It’s been a hard sell because city officials aren’t sure what to do with the space.
Mueller said having an art organization near her clients, typically troubled children, would be a great benefit.
“It would be awesome,” said Mueller. “Kids coming in to see our counselors would love to see what’s going on at the Arts Center. It’s opening doors and helping them see things that are going on. These are kids that normally wouldn’t go to the Arts Center.”
Brusig also sees a benefit for the city of Glenwood Springs. She said having all of her events in one spot is a huge plus. Her current location’s flood damage is being repaired right now.
The city of Glenwood Springs is still trying to figure out what it wants to do with the space currently. Symphony in the Valley would also be involved should this arrangement go forward. There have been no formal proposals from either group, although there has been public support at City Council meetings for the Center for the Arts, as well as petitions in favor of the move.