Capital Campaign Update

Thank you to everyone who has supported the effort to revitalize the Pulliam Community Building. Our collective successes are making it possible to see our community use their building again one day soon. The Pulliam served Loveland well for decades; before long, it will benefit downtown and the greater area for another 80 years. 

Phase One of construction began in March of 2019. Renovation tasks include: fire sprinkler systems added, electrical and plumbing upgrades, elevator shaft installation, egress tower addition in the rear, handicap ramp removal, new water access installed, and preparations for new handicap restrooms. The cost will be about $2 million. 

As with all historic buildings some surprises arose. Workers were tickled to expose a vintage WPA safety poster tucked under the balcony. It reads, “You take a chance, you may take a life.” The poster was rescued and currently resides at the Loveland Museum. Someday, we hope it will be on display at the Pulliam Community Building. 

Another unexpected discovery was the building’s original coal bin behind and near the boiler. No one knew it existed until work began on the egress tower. Workers filled in the bin and poured a new foundation for the tower. 

Construction slowed during mitigation of asbestos found covering some pipework. In all, the amount of hazardous materials has been surprisingly low. Mitigation has been completed as required. 

Because the building will be handicap accessible via a new internal elevator, the concrete wheelchair ramp on the front steps was broken up and hauled away. The front steps will be rebuilt. This work will restore the front facade to its 1938 look. 

Construction Manager Fransen Pittman oversaw the installation of a new water service line from Cleveland Avenue, under the front plaza area. A new marquee will greet visitors at a future date. 

The Pulliam Community Building Foundation (PCBF) is currently in the middle of a capital campaign for the remainder of the renovations. Support of the PCBF has been broad, with the City of Loveland taking the lead by matching pledges for the renovation of their City-owned historic building. 

 

Due to the remarkable support of the City of Loveland, the generosity of the community and the commitment of our foundation, we are at 76% of our $7.3 million goal! 

Because of significant cost savings, it is hoped that construction can continue into 2020 on Phase Two of renovations. Further donations will assure this uninterrupted progress. 

Phase Two will complete the many code upgrades to include: an elevator to all floors, handicap accessible restrooms on two floors, a new heating and cooling system, and the ballroom remodel.

 

 

Most importantly, the Pulliam Community Building will be usable by the public after Phase Two is completed.

During his 2018 visit to Loveland, Tom Murphy—former mayor of Pittsburgh PA and a
respected name in urban revitalization—toured the Pulliam. See his bio at: https://
americas.uli.org/senior-resident-fellows/tom-murphy/ Please read his letter of endorsement
below:

December 18, 2018 

To: Norm Rehme, President, Pulliam Community Building Foundation From: Tom Murphy, Senior Resident Fellow, Urban Land Institute Via eMail 

Norm – Below is an endorsement for re-developing the Pulliam Building: Now is not the time for Loveland to stop dreaming!! 

This past Sunday’s (12/16/18) article in the NY Times entitled “ Nashville’s star rises as midsize cities break into winners and losers” captures the challenges facing every community, big and small. The rules have changed. Globalization, climate change, demographics, financing and technology have disrupted the status quo for many communities. The ability of communities to proactively respond to the disruptions, not to protect the status quo, is the central challenge. 10 years ago leaders in Loveland decided to challenge the status quo and to re-image a vibrant, lively city replacing vacant buildings and empty sidewalks. The Rialto Theater, the new housing and movie theaters under construction, the Plaza, the new shops are testimony to what leadership, vision and having an appetite for risk can do. 

There is the old Yogi Berra saying: When asked about the quality of a restaurant, he responded, “No one goes there anymore, it is too crowded”! Think of all that has happened as just the foundation for your re-imaged city. The goal is to get to a threshold of events in town that attracts enough people to keep shops and restaurants busy and attracts residents and companies who want to live within an easy walk and work in a place with vibrancy. 

The Pulliam Building is so well positioned to add to the momentum. Now, it sits vacant; but imagine it refurbished and programming events 200/year. It is the logical next step in the transformation of Loveland. It represents the next opportunity to add to the vitality. It is a wonderful space filled with good design and a community history. 

I am sure that people say “but we cannot afford to rehab the Pulliam Building” or “ what will we use it for, it’s old and in disrepair”. They are the wrong questions. You heard them before. Now building on your success. You have demonstrated the community and political will to reach for the future. Do it again for the Pulliam Building!! 

Good luck!! Tom 

 

Major Contributors 

City of Loveland The City is investing heavily in their community building. This renovation will allow the Pulliam Community Building to support Loveland for another 80 years. Every dollar donated by the public is being matched by the City. Additionally, the project is in the Larimer County Enterprise Zone which makes potential state income tax credits a significant benefit for donors. 

Pulliam Family Charitable Trust This trust is instrumental in the effort to revitalize the community building which bears the family name. The trustees play a major role in our success. 

Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) This state agency made a grant to the City of Loveland for specific fire safety upgrades. 

Mary and David Gullikson The Pulliam Community Building Foundation is humbled by the support of these long-time Loveland residents. Equally important has been their encouragement and guidance during the last 10 years. 

Loveland Community Fund Committee of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado This committee is a catalyst for Downtown Loveland. They led the way with the Rialto Bridge project, and are now a strong influence for our historic undertaking. 

Earl and Lis Sethre These Loveland philanthropists recognize what strategic donations can do to leverage investment in our community. 

And Many Others 

 

 

 

We are grateful for our foundation’s Board, campaign co-chairs, campaign Steering Committee, and our many donors for their gifts large and small which are making it possible to renovate and revitalize the Pulliam Community Building. 

Our Invitation 

We invite you to make a gift to help us reach our goal. If you already have made a donation, we are deeply grateful. If you’d like to add your support, or add more, please contact us. We need it to reach our goal. The community building cannot be opened to the public until we raise enough to complete Phase Two of construction. Remember, your gifts double because of the City’s matching pledge. 

Contact Norm Rehme 970-481-3234 or any member of the Board or Campaign Steering Committee. Email: norm@pulliambuilding.org. Visit our website: www.pulliambuilding.org for more information. 

Thank you for supporting this community-wide effort.