Supporting jobs, affordable housing, community gathering spaces, childcare services, and multigenerational learning spaces.
DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced 10 recipients of the Community Revitalization Tax Credit (CRTC). The program supports creative sector capital projects such as studio, performance, and arts education spaces that incorporate features like housing, childcare, retail, or other community spaces.
“Colorado continues to lead the way by supporting the creative industries in our state. We know that arts and culture do more than improve our quality of life. The arts help our thriving economy, contributing nearly $20 billion per year and supporting over 120,000 jobs across the state,” said Governor Polis.
Through the CRTC program, eligible applicants can receive tax credits of up to $3 million to cover up to 25% of eligible expenses. The recipients announced today are located across the state, including Denver, Durango, Grand Junction, Salida, Walsenburg and the Eastern Plains. Their work will support the development of 185 affordable housing units, community gathering spaces, childcare services, and multigenerational learning spaces.
“Community Revitalization Tax Credit recipients are elevating the role of the arts and creative industries in communities across the state, from Durango to Walsenburg. Their work, which includes creating housing Coloradans can afford and additional childcare services, will support our placemaking efforts across the state and build a Colorado economy that works for everyone. We are thrilled to support their efforts,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.
The CRTC program was established by HB24-1295 to build on the success of the Community Revitalization Grant program, which provided approximately $98 million to 59 projects across Colorado. Of these, approximately 58% are located in rural communities, 85% include renewable energy or clean energy features, 49% are located in a Creative District, and 84% are located in an Enterprise Zone or Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone. Collectively, these projects are also creating over 598 housing units, including over 500 workforce, affordable and low-income housing units.
“Recognizing the incredible economic impact of arts and culture in rural and urban communities of all sizes, the State of Colorado had the foresight to expand funding for capital investments in Colorado’s creative industries through the Community Revitalization Tax Credit program established in 2024. The CRTC program fuels more creative jobs, more attainable housing and more community amenities like cultural gathering spaces and childcare centers across the state,” said CCI Director Josh Blanchard.
The recipients announced today include:
Aspen Music Festival and School - Aspen - $630,000
This mixed-use project will renovate two Bucksbaum Campus buildings: the original 1880s Foreman’s House (also known as the Business Building or AMFS Building 18) and a maintenance building (also known as Building 6b). The project will provide housing for full-time and part-time staff of the Aspen Music Festival and School, Aspen Country Day School, and visiting artists. One of the six units will house a maintenance staff member to increase campus safety and maintenance response. Includes renovation of the historic Foreman’s House by restoring decorative elements and retrofitting an 1890s fireplace.
Artspace Projects - Salida - $1.75 million
Artspace’s Preliminary Feasibility Study as well as a Creative Space Needs Survey presented a significant need for affordable housing in Salida, particularly for the creative sector. This project is the first in and around Salida to focus on providing affordable housing for artists and the creative workforce. Nineteen affordable one- and two-bedroom rental units will provide open layouts to support residents’ live/work lifestyle, and a first-floor community space will be available for residents and the community for artistic and cultural events free of charge. There will be surface parking for residents, including handicap spaces and EV charging capacity.
Boulder Community Broadcast Association - Boulder - $850,000
This KGNU site will feature a media training room, expanded production studios available at low or no cost for nonprofits, artists and students; a community cafe and cultural space; and a performance space accommodating 60-90 people. These spaces will be accessible to nonprofits, artists, and cultural organizations who are otherwise unable to access affordable spaces in the downtown area. Digital upgrades will improve the station’s emergency alert capabilities.
Friends of the Genoa Tower - Genoa - $134,941
Restoration of the World Wonderview Tower as a community gathering place, cultural center, creative business incubator and economic driver on the Eastern Plains. Will support the development of an artist-in-residency apartment for artists working on installations for the Tower; interactive art installations that tell the story of westward tourism and life on the plains; an artisan gift shop selling works by artists-in-residence and Eastern Plains artists; and a history museum and visitors center.
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) - Denver - $1.3 million
A new Center for the Healing Arts will feature a 250-seat theatre, three movement spaces, a healing arts center for senior neighborhood residents, and shared office space. With the new facility, CPRD expects to hire a minimum of 12 full-time administrative and creative staff plus four part-time and 20 contract staff. Additionally, CPRD will employ neighborhood residents for non-arts related jobs, and through a partnership with WellPower, expand programming to include arts integrated behavioral health classes.
Foothills Arts Center - Golden - $18,891.50
Funding to complete the renovation of the Foothills Arts Center’s 1871 property at 809 15th Street as well as the historic rehabilitation and modern addition to the Astor House, built in 1867. Upgrades at the 15th Street property include ADA-accessible classrooms, a new ceramics studio, an artist-in-residency program, and artists’ studios. The project also includes galleries in the Astor House alongside a hands-on multigenerational learning space. Additionally, the backyard features a small stage and ample seating for public events.
Headwaters Housing Partners - Grand Junction - $1.95 million
The Terminal Project in Grand Junction, also a Community Revitalization Grant recipient, will redevelop a former bus terminal, rest stop, and station for Greyhound Bus Lines into a mixed-use project including gallery space, artist studios, community education and gathering spaces, culinary arts and 107 income-restricted apartments.
The Powerhouse - Durango - $ 1,080,000
To upgrade the Powerhouse, which is adjacent to Durango’s central business district, the Animas River, and Riverfront Park. The education center will be renovated to meet state licensing standards as a childcare center serving 40-52 toddlers and preschoolers, including a secure outdoor playground. A new entryway to the museum will incorporate services like indoor restrooms, multipurpose meeting rooms, and storage space. Repairs will also be made to the historic facade on the 132-year-old building, and the plaza between the museum and Riverfront Park will be developed as a community gathering place and outdoor performance venue.
Spanish Peaks Community Foundation - Walsenburg - $333,750
Revitalization of the Fox Theatre, including masonry repairs, drainage improvements, fire escape rehabilitation, HVAC replacement, new stage lighting, and a 400-amp, 3-phase electrical system. The Theatre will host movies, concerts, live performances, educational workshops, and youth-led programming. The flexible use is designed to allow for community gatherings, private rentals, and festivals, supporting artists and welcoming residents of all ages.
Adam Berger Development - Englewood - $1.95 million
This Englewood housing project will provide 52 residential units for moderate-income households earning 60% to 80% of the Area Median Income. These units will be prioritized for artists, creatives, and healthcare workers. Additionally, a 3,500 square foot artist studio and gallery space will be master-leased to Redline Contemporary Art Center at operating cost for Redline to market to artists and creatives. This live-work opportunity will enable artists to benefit from affordable residential and commercial spaces, fostering a collaborative artistic community.