Greeley City Hall, a landmark structure located at 1000 10th St., is set to be demolished as part of the Downtown Civic Campus Project. The city is inviting the community to participate in farewell events scheduled for February 20-21, 2026. These gatherings will honor the building’s history and significance to the Greeley community.
The first event will take place on February 20 from 10 a.m. to noon, featuring light refreshments and a commemorative coin for attendees, while supplies last. This event is open to all, requiring no prior reservation. On February 21, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., a more informal open house will be held, allowing former employees to revisit the space before it closes to the public.
City Hall was originally established as the United Bank of Greeley in 1968, following a land purchase by bank president Norman Dean. The building was designed by Colorado architect Marvin Knedler and constructed by Hensel Phelps Construction Company. At its opening, historian Hazel Johnson described the building as exuding “beauty and quiet dignity.” Its unique circular design, which included six drive-up windows, caught the attention of Empire Magazine shortly after its completion.
According to Aimee Freeland, a long-time communications specialist for the city, the building’s circular layout meant that all furniture had to be custom-made, a feature that 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. Freeland noted that the round design fostered connections among employees, stating, “You get to know people because there are no hallways or corners.”
The Greeley City Council previously convened in the building’s basement, which featured murals in the window wells. In a final official function, the basement served as the venue for Greeley’s recent special election, where votes were tabulated for significant local projects.
The city anticipates around 150 attendees for the farewell event, 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 had previously sought to have the building designated as a historical landmark in December.
The farewell events will coincide with the start of the building’s closure to the public on February 24, after which city services will shift to a new location at 1200 11th Ave. The same services, including utility billing assistance and water utility payments, will continue at the new site.
As Betsy Kellums, City Historic Preservation Planner, stated in a news release, “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, while eagerly looking forward to embracing future growth and community engagement.”
Efforts to preserve the building as a historical site were unsuccessful, as the Greeley City Council declined to grant such designation. Officials noted that the building’s demolition is essential for land swaps with Weld County associated with the Downtown Civic Campus project. Repair costs, including asbestos removal and replacement of the original HVAC system, were estimated to exceed $33 million.
Under the project’s plans, the site will be transformed into a temporary parking lot for up to 200 vehicles. The farewell events provide an opportunity for the community to reflect on the building’s legacy while looking ahead to future developments in Greeley.
