Central City Council and staff announce that Phase I of construction for restoration of The Belvidere will soon begin! To celebrate, the Belvidere Foundation invites the public to a groundbreaking party on Friday, September 30 from 2 - 4 p.m. at The Belvidere Park next to the building.

Snacks and soft drinks will be available as well as music from the talented and dashing Dutch Van Deuchen. The Belvidere Players will be on hand for what surely will be a prize winning performance. Mayor Jeremy Fey and city council members will be there to unveil the construction sign and take credit for their unwavering dedication and determination that makes this celebration possible.

Phase I will include restoring the facade to its original historic character and renovation of the “Shoofly,” the building on the south side. Plans are to provide a restaurant/catering kitchen and, on the ground floor, tenant space. This long-awaited event is the result of years of planning and the dedication of Central City staff, led by Jamie Boyle.

In 2016, Gilpin County transferred ownership to the City to affirm its historic role as a center of community activity for the county. Since then, the City has been awarded a Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) grant in the amount of $1 million and has enacted legislation to dedicate a portion of its Colorado Historic Preservation fund each year toward construction. It is anticipated that a tax credit program from the State will provide a substantial funding source.

Last year, Central City appointed a board of directors to facilitate fundraising and to ensure the goals for this beautiful old lady are kept on track and for management of future commercial enterprises. The public has been wonderfully supportive of the Board’s efforts. To date, the Belvidere Foundation has raised $131,000 in grants and private support.

There is a long way to go to achieve the goal of complete restoration; however, this is a grand and dynamic beginning. This celebration is to thank the Gilpin community and beyond for believing in the possibilities and supporting the project. So many people have happy memories of seeing movies, dancing and socializing at The Belvidere. These memories have been an inspiration to donate in amounts both large and small.

To keep up on the progress, please visit the website www.TheBelvidere.org and The Belvidere Board of Directors would be most grateful for donations of any amount.

In case the weather does not cooperate, the event will be moved to the Elks Club.