The Revitalization of Historic Colorado Sites: The EPA’s Role in Restoring the Belvidere Theater and Beyond

Central City’s historic Belvidere Theater, a once-glorious cultural hub situated in the heart of this old mining town, is witnessing a rebirth thanks to the concerted efforts of local foundations and significant grants from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields program. This initiative, aimed at rejuvenating contaminated and blighted properties, is breathing new life into communities across Colorado.

Rediscovering the Belvidere Theater

For decades, the Belvidere Theater stood as a symbol of Central City’s vibrant culture, hosting dances, plays, and films for local miners and their families. Despite surviving a fire in the 1970s, the theater fell into disrepair until recent efforts began to reclaim its historical significance. Led by the Belvidere Foundation, this ambitious project has turned a boarded-up relic into a beacon of hope and community gathering.

Peter Droege, president of the Belvidere Foundation, expressed his determination: “Seeing it falling apart and fully boarded up, I was heartbroken. Now, to see it coming back is amazing.”

The Role of the EPA Brownfields Grants

The EPA’s Brownfields program, initiated in 1995, has been instrumental in facilitating these transformations. By providing funding to clean up sites with potential environmental hazards, the program supports the safe reclamation of derelict properties. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, bolstered this initiative in 2024, contributing over $230 million nationwide.

Colorado received an impressive $6.9 million for various projects, with the Belvidere Theater benefiting from a $200,000 grant. This financial boost enabled the removal of asbestos—a critical safety measure before any renovation could commence. Without this support, the timeline for the theater’s restoration would have been significantly delayed, according to Betty Mahaffey, the Belvidere Foundation’s treasurer.

Challenges and Solutions in the Renovation Process

Undoubtedly, the renovation process is fraught with challenges. The Belvidere’s location against a rugged mountainside complicated asbestos containment and removal. Brady Wilson, project manager for Palace Construction, acknowledged these difficulties: “The building was drafty, making it hard to seal off and contain asbestos.”

This meticulous work involves stringent regulations, but tackling these environmental hurdles is vital. Addressing contamination ensures that properties do not remain abandoned eyesores but are instead revived into functional community spaces.

Expanding Impact: The Brownfields Program Across Colorado

The Belvidere Theater is not the only beneficiary. In Northglenn, a substantial $2.75 million grant is addressing contaminated soil on a former recreation center site. The city plans to transform this cleared land into a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces, further enriched by local visions of creating a community-centric environment.

Brook Svoboda, Northglenn’s director of planning and development, expressed gratitude for the grant: “That site would have remained vacant for many, many years if we didn’t receive that grant.”

Statewide Initiatives: Beyond Central City

Alongside federal funding, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is enhancing statewide cleanup efforts. Their budget now includes $1.76 million for Brownfields projects, significantly up from previous years. As Tracie White, director of the department’s hazardous materials division, highlighted, these funds enable work that transforms “either real or perceived contamination” into reclaimed, vibrant community assets.

The state’s contributions extend beyond Central City. The Collbran Auditorium and the San Luis People’s Market, both suffering from similar environmental hazards, have seen their futures secured thanks to focused cleanup efforts. Here, beyond restoration, these projects address food and environmental justice, underscoring the importance of equitable access to community resources.

Conclusion: A Future of Revitalized Community Spaces

Thanks to the synergy between local initiatives, state agencies, and federal funding, the dream of reviving the Belvidere Theater is closer to reality. This is more than a single theater’s restoration; it is a testament to what collaborative environmental stewardship can achieve—a future where historic sites are preserved and once-bleak properties are transformed into hubs of community activity and pride.

As these Colorado projects unfold, they set a precedent for other communities facing similar challenges, offering a blueprint for revitalizing heritage while acknowledging and addressing environmental concerns. The next time residents gather at their rejuvenated Belvidere Theater, they’ll witness first-hand the power of perseverance and public investment in enriching community life.

Source: https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/02/epa-colorado-brownfields-asbestos-lead-contamination-cleanup/