Town Hall Historic Door Restoration Project
Opening the Doors to Preservation: Town Hall Historic Door Restoration Project
Preserving the Past, Supporting the Future: The Town of Buena Vista seeks to restore the original 1883 front doors of its Historic Town Hall, a significant cultural landmark and vital municipal facility located at the intersection of Main Street and U.S. Highway 24. These doors, showing signs of warping, air gaps, hardware deterioration, and limited accessibility that compromise both the energy efficiency of the building and its ADA usability. This project is part of the Town’s broader commitment to preserving historical structures, promoting community identity, and supporting economic vitality in the East Main Street corridor. The restoration enhances both cultural heritage and practical functionality in alignment with Buena Vista’s Comprehensive and Economic Development Plans.
Restoration with Integrity and Accessibility: To restore and preserve the historic front doors of Town Hall by addressing structural damage, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring accessibility, while maintaining the architectural and historical integrity of the building.
Bringing the Doors Back to Life: Step by Step:
Off-site restoration of both door leaves including:
Repair of damaged wood
Addition of top extensions to eliminate perimeter gaps
Refinishing of interior and exterior surfaces
Restoration or replacement of hardware
On-site work including:
Installation of weatherstripping
Structural adjustments to resolve door warping
Hardware installation (new accessible handle on primary door; restoration of historic handle on secondary door)
Material allowance for historic hardware replacement
Excludes glazing, full jamb restoration, or complete sanding
Collaboration for Community Preservation:
Town of Buena Vista – Project applicant and fiscal agent
Buena Vista Board of Trustees – Oversight and adherence to design guidelines
Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments (UAACOG) – Mini-grant administrator
Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) – Funding partner
Local residents and businesses – Indirect beneficiaries of historic preservation and pedestrian enhancements
Visitors and tourists – Users of East Main Street historic corridor
The Roadmap to Restoration:
UAACOG Board Approval and Contract Execution: Expected mid-2024
Project Start: Upon full execution of agreement (estimated Summer 2024)
Project Completion: On or before October 31, 2025, in accordance with UAACOG and DOLA reimbursement requirements
Final Reimbursement Submission: October 2025 (following invoicing and proof of payment)
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Project Completion
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The Town of Buena Vista is proud to announce the successful completion of the Historic Town Hall Door Restoration Project, a key initiative preserving the character and cultural legacy of one of the community’s most iconic buildings.
Constructed in 1883 and originally home to the Bank of Buena Vista, the Town Hall stands as a cornerstone of East Main Street’s historic corridor. With support from the 2024 UAACOG Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Program Mini-Grant and matching Town funds, the restoration project focused on revitalizing the building’s original double doors—preserving the structure’s historic integrity while improving energy efficiency and accessibility.
The project addressed long-standing issues including warped doors, air infiltration, outdated hardware, and difficult access for individuals with mobility needs. Through careful off-site restoration and detailed on-site installation, the Town ensured that the doors retained their original design features while meeting modern standards for usability and environmental sustainability.
“This project reflects our deep commitment to preserving the rich history of Buena Vista,” said one BV resident. “These doors are more than just an entrance, they’re a tangible link to our past, and now they’re ready to serve future generations with renewed beauty and function.”
Funded in part by a $5,000 UAACOG mini grant administered in partnership with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), the project leveraged local investment and specialized craftsmanship to honor both form and function.
The restored doors now greet visitors with renewed strength, improved insulation, and enhanced accessibility that contributes to the vitality of Buena Vista’s historic downtown, a walkable, people-centered environment that remains a focal point for community life and tourism.
The Town extends its gratitude to UAACOG and DOLA for their support, and to the local contractors whose careful work ensured the success of this preservation project.
