Greeley City Hall Bids Farewell Ahead of Demolition

The city of Greeley, Colorado, is preparing to say goodbye to its iconic City Hall, located at 1000 10th St., as plans for demolition are set in motion to make way for the Downtown Civic Campus Project. A series of farewell events will take place on February 20 and 21, 2026, inviting the community to commemorate the building’s rich history.

On February 20, from 10 a.m. to noon, the city will host a gathering featuring light refreshments and commemorative coins for attendees, available while supplies last. This event is free of charge and does not require a reservation. The following day, an informal open house is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., primarily aimed at former employees wishing to revisit the building before it closes to the public.

Greeley City Hall originally opened as the United Bank of Greeley in 1968, after bank president Norman Dean commissioned architect Marvin Knedler to design the structure. The building quickly gained attention for its unique rounded design, which included six drive-up television windows and customized furniture to match its circular shape. According to Aimee Freeland, a Greeley communications specialist with over 21 years of service at City Hall, the design fostered a sense of community among employees, as the absence of hallways encouraged interactions.

In 1987, the city acquired the building for $1.57 million, a figure that equates to approximately $2.83 million today when adjusted for inflation. Since then, City Hall has served as a hub for local government and a beloved workplace for many. “There’s something to be said about being in a round building,” Freeland noted. “You get to know people because there are no hallways or corners.”

The farewell event will also feature a ceremonial flag removal and speeches from Dale Hall, Greeley’s mayor, and Annette Jaehn, director of Historic Greeley Inc. Jaehn previously advocated for the building’s designation as a historical landmark, a proposal that was ultimately declined by the Greeley City Council in December 2023. The council’s decision was influenced by the necessity of demolishing the building to facilitate land swaps with Weld County and address significant repair costs, including an estimated $33 million for asbestos removal and HVAC system upgrades.

As part of the transition, Greeley City services will be temporarily relocated to 1200 11th Ave. beginning on February 24, with in-person assistance available only at the drive-through window in the current City Hall parking lot. The city anticipates around 150 attendees for the farewell events.

“City Hall is more than just the round building on 10th Street; it’s a beacon of history,” remarked Betsy Kellums, Greeley’s Historic Preservation Planner. “This celebration honors its rich past and the enduring dedication to public service it symbolizes, while eagerly looking forward to embracing future growth and community engagement.”

The farewell events not only mark the end of an era for Greeley but also reflect the community’s connection to a building that has been a cornerstone of local governance and public life for decades. As Greeley prepares for its next chapter, the memories and stories from City Hall will undoubtedly continue to resonate with its residents.